Old South Chicken And Dumplings(100 Year Old Recipe)
Old South Chicken and Dumplings offers tender chicken in a savory broth paired with fluffy homemade dumplings, perfect for comforting family dinners and traditional Southern cuisine lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the whole chicken in boiling, salted water until tender.
- Remove the chicken from the broth, skin, debone, and keep warm.
- Prepare the dumpling dough by mixing 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of Crisco or shortening, and 2/3 cup of warm water until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken broth.
- Cook the dumplings in the broth until they are fluffy and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot to reheat and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the boiling broth. If you're out of Crisco or shortening, butter can be used as a substitute for the dumplings. Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to achieve the perfect dough consistency. For more delicious chicken recipes, browse our extensive collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, consider pairing it with cornbread or biscuits. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a hearty weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir gently until heated through, and serve warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old South Chicken And Dumplings(100 Year Old Recipe) contains roughly 127 calories, with 20g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1578mg per serving (69% 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 chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, using chicken parts like thighs and breasts is perfectly fine. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of meat. Ensure the chicken is tender before removing it from the broth.
How can I make the dumplings lighter?
To achieve lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make them dense. Additionally, you can incorporate a bit of baking soda along with the baking powder for extra fluffiness.
What can I add to the broth for more flavor?
You can enhance the broth by adding aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery during cooking. A splash of white wine or a few garlic cloves can also elevate the flavor profile significantly.
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).