Peggy'S Chicken And Dumplings
A hearty Southern comfort dish featuring tender chicken and homemade dumplings in a flavorful broth, perfect for family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken; cool and separate the meat from the bones.
- Separate the broth from the chicken.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, add the plain flour, salt, and slowly mix in the ice water to form a dough.
- Add the Crisco shortening to the dough and blend until well combined.
- Roll out the dough with a rolling pin and cut into strips about 1/2-inch wide and as long as the pan.
- Add the chicken and broth to a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Drop the dumpling strips into the boiling broth and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitute. Adjust the thickness of the dumplings by varying the amount of ice water; a stickier dough will yield more tender dumplings. You can also add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme for added color. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the dumplings from drying out. Heat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peggy'S Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 788 calories, with 6g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2824mg per serving (123% 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 to thaw it completely before boiling. This may take longer but will still yield delicious results. Additionally, you might want to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings are done when they have puffed up and are tender to the bite. Typically, this takes about 15-20 minutes in the boiling broth. You can test one by cutting it in half; it should be cooked all the way through without any raw dough inside.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or celery can enhance the dish's flavor and nutritional value. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them to the pot with the chicken and broth before adding the dumplings.
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).