Old Fashioned Homemade Dumplings And Chicken
Warm, hearty chicken and homemade dumplings with a rich broth, perfect for comforting family meals and showcasing classic southern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the hen with water in a large kettle and add salt to taste.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the meat is tender, adding boiling water as needed to maintain about 3 quarts of broth.
- Taste the broth to ensure it has a strong chicken flavor; add more water if necessary.
- In a large bowl, beat together the condensed milk and eggs.
- Sift the flour, soda, and salt into a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the milk and eggs mixture, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
- Knead the dough until it is not too sticky and is easy to handle.
- Roll out the dough on a floured board as thin as possible.
- Cut the dough into strips and small pieces.
- Drop the dumplings into the boiling broth one at a time until you have the desired amount.
- Cook the dumplings in the broth until they are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the broth while the hen simmers. If you don't have condensed milk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a bit of sugar. Make sure the dough isn't too sticky; if it is, add a little more flour. For a unique twist, try incorporating chopped vegetables into the dumpling mix for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings and chicken in a deep bowl, ladling plenty of broth over them. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting dessert, follow up with a sweet treat like Strawberry Marshmallow Dessert to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dumplings and chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the broth in a pot and add the dumplings, cooking until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Homemade Dumplings And Chicken contains roughly 385 calories, with 14g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% 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 make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, it may take longer for the broth to come to a boil, so plan accordingly.
What can I do if my dumpling dough is too wet?
If your dumpling dough is too wet, gradually add more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the dumplings tough. Aim for a smooth, pliable dough that's easy to roll out.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with vegetable broth and use plant-based protein, like tofu or seitan, for texture. You can also add a variety of vegetables to the broth for flavor, ensuring it remains hearty and satisfying.
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).