Wade'S Chicken & Dumplings
Hearty chicken and dumplings with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and tender dough strips, perfect for comforting family dinners and chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken until tender and meat is falling off the bones. Save the broth.
- Combine flour, shortening, and milk to make the dough.
- Roll the dough into a thin sheet and cut into short strips.
- In a boiler, combine chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and butter.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Slowly add the strips of dough into the boiling broth.
- Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 40 minutes. Do not stir or peek.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth while boiling the chicken. You can substitute the shortening with butter or margarine for a different texture in the dumplings. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. This dish can also be enhanced with vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Wade's Chicken & Dumplings with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with Bessie'S Chicken Casserole for a hearty meal or can be enjoyed with warm biscuits for extra comfort.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and dumplings on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the dumplings from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can change the texture of the dumplings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wade'S Chicken & Dumplings contains roughly 1136 calories, with 10g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% 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 leftover chicken instead of boiling a whole chicken?
Yes, using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! Just ensure you have enough broth to cook the dumplings. Add the chicken pieces to the broth mixture after it comes to a boil, then proceed to add the dumplings.
How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
To achieve fluffier dumplings, avoid overworking the dough when mixing the ingredients. Just combine until moistened. Additionally, ensure your broth is at a rolling boil before adding the strips of dough, as this helps them rise and become light and fluffy.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
While you can freeze the chicken and broth separately, freezing the dumplings may affect their texture. If you plan to freeze it, consider freezing the chicken and broth first, then make fresh dumplings when you're ready to enjoy the dish again.
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).