Southern Chicken And Dumplings
Southern Chicken and Dumplings offer hearty comfort with tender chicken and flaky dumplings in a savory broth, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the chicken in about 2 quarts of salted water until tender.
- Cut the Crisco into the flour mixture, then add the egg.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Mix well to form a smooth dough.
- Place the dough on a floured board and roll it out as for a pastry shell.
- Let the rolled dough rest, covered with a kitchen towel, for about 30 minutes.
- Cut the dough into strips to form dumplings.
- Drop the dumplings into the boiling broth with the cooked chicken.
- Cook for about 12 minutes or until the dumplings are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the simmering chicken broth. If you don't have Crisco, you can substitute with butter or shortening, but the texture may vary slightly. Make sure to roll the dumplings evenly for consistent cooking. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole wheat flour for the dumplings, keeping in mind it may alter the flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a comforting meal, consider serving with cornbread or biscuits, which complement the dish nicely. You might also explore similar flavors in recipes like Shawn'S Chicken Surprise.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover the dish to avoid drying out the dumplings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 149 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 568mg per serving (25% 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 simmering. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to develop properly. If you're short on time, using rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it may be due to overworking the dough or not adding enough liquid. Be gentle when mixing and add ice water gradually to achieve the right consistency. Alternatively, consider rolling them thinner for a lighter texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Southern Chicken and Dumplings gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, like chicken broth, are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious variation of this classic dish.
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).