Old-Fashion Chicken And Dumplins
Old-Fashion Chicken and Dumplins is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put water, chopped onion, celery stalks, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and chicken in a Dutch oven.
- Cook the chicken until tender.
- Let the chicken cool; remove fat from the broth.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Cut in margarine with a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add buttermilk, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly 4 to 5 times.
- Pat dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Pinch off 1 1/2-inch pieces and drop into boiling broth.
- Add the cooked chicken to the broth and dumplings.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer broth, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking the chicken. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. To make the dumplings lighter, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure your broth is boiling before adding the dumplings for the best texture.
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 steamed green beans or a simple garden salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving with homemade bread or biscuits, reminiscent of American recipes that elevate the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and dumplings should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Stir gently until heated through, avoiding overcooking the dumplings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashion Chicken And Dumplins contains roughly 410 calories, with 36g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2251mg per serving (98% 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; just ensure it is thoroughly cooked before removing it from the broth. It may take longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to reach 165°F for safety.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, try adding a little more buttermilk to the dough next time. Ensure the dough is not over-kneaded, as this can lead to a tougher texture. Light, gentle handling is key to fluffy dumplings.
How can I make the dish healthier?
To create a lighter version of this dish, consider using skinless chicken breasts and low-sodium broth. You can also incorporate whole wheat flour into the dumpling dough for added fiber or add vegetables like carrots and peas to the broth for extra nutrition.
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).