Never Fail Dumplings
Never Fail Dumplings are soft, tender dough pockets that are added to hearty chicken broth, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect for cozy family dinners or when craving classic comfort food, these dumplings are quick to prepare and absorb the savory broth beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil a whole chicken in a Dutch oven with water, covering the chicken halfway with water.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the broth and let it cool.
- Mix flour and shortening together in a bowl.
- Add the beaten egg and all of the warm chicken broth to the flour and shortening mixture.
- Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough very thin and let it stand for about 10 minutes.
- Cut the dough into strips.
- Drop the strips into boiling chicken broth.
- Simmer the dumplings in the broth for about 15 minutes.
- Add the deboned chicken to the dumplings and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're out of shortening, butter or lard can be substituted in equal amounts. To enhance the texture, try adding a pinch of baking powder to the flour mixture. If you'd like a different taste, herbs like thyme or parsley can be incorporated into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings hot in a bowl of the flavorful chicken broth, garnished with fresh herbs for added freshness. They pair wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. This dish also goes well with Chicken Breasts Diane(Reduced Fat) for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a pot with a bit of chicken broth over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Fail Dumplings contains roughly 417 calories, with 7g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2067mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, roll out the dough, cut it into strips, and drop them into boiling broth. This saves time without compromising on flavor.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once, as this can make the dumplings dense. A light touch is key for fluffy dumplings.
Can I add vegetables to the dumplings?
Absolutely! You can incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots or peas into the dumpling dough for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly to accommodate the moisture from the vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).