North Louisiana Chicken And Dumplings
North Louisiana Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty comfort dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy self-rising flour dumplings in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in 2 quarts of salted water until tender.
- Remove the chicken from the broth, take off the bones, and discard the bones.
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate pot, combine the evaporated milk with the chicken broth.
- Add the shredded chicken to the broth mixture.
- Gradually stir in the self-rising flour to create a thickened, hearty broth.
- Simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Optional: add bouillon cubes for extra flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken before boiling. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cooked chicken. You can also replace self-rising flour with all-purpose flour by adding a teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt per cup. This dish is versatile, and you can add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a bowl of Gourmet Chicken Soup as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and dumplings in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the mixture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of North Louisiana Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 252 calories, with 7g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% 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 use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to guarantee even cooking. You may need to add a little extra time to the boiling process for the chicken to become tender.
What can I do if my dumplings are too doughy?
If your dumplings turn out too doughy, try reducing the amount of flour slightly next time. You can also ensure they are cooked thoroughly by allowing them to simmer longer, which helps them absorb the flavors of the broth and become more tender.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. You can also experiment with spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika while simmering the chicken and broth for an extra kick.
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).