Scratch Dumplings
Savory chicken dumplings with tender biscuit dough, cooked in flavorful broth with butter, salt, and pepper—perfect comfort food for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- biscuit dough
- egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Make enough biscuit dough according to how many dumplings you want.
- Add egg to dough and mix with sweet milk and self-rising flour.
- Work into a soft ball, then refrigerate and chill for a couple of hours or more.
- Boil chicken with bones until cooked.
- If using a fryer, add a can of cream of chicken soup to chicken broth and chicken.
- Roll out chilled dough thinly.
- Cut into small pieces, about 1½ or 2 inches.
- Drop the dough pieces into boiling broth a few at a time.
- Slightly stir with a wooden spoon, but don't overstir.
- Add a little butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken broth. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder. To achieve a perfect dumpling texture, avoid overmixing the dough after adding the egg. If you want a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of sweet milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings hot in a bowl with the chicken broth, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. These dumplings pair beautifully with Chicken And Biscuits And Gravy or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dumplings and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the broth in a pot and add the dumplings, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the dumplings from becoming too soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scratch Dumplings contains roughly 1 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the dumplings before cooking them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen in boiling broth, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or homemade stock can work as a substitute. For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of water and bouillon cubes. This will still provide a flavorful base for your dumplings.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
Dumplings are cooked when they float to the surface of the boiling broth and have a slight bounce when touched. Ensure they are cooked through by cutting one open to check that the dough is no longer raw inside.
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).