Mom's Comforting Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings
Warm up your home with the enticing aroma of this classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe, inspired by my mother’s cherished cooking. This dish is a delightful combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that come together in a flavorful broth. It's the kind of meal that brings family and friends around the table, creating memories that last long after the plates are cleared. The light, airy dumplings are a highlight, complementing the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Although I often opt for homemade dumplings, feel free to use Bisquick for a quick alternative. If you prefer a heartier Southern-style dumpling, I’ve included that variation at the bottom of the recipe. Whether you're serving it for a cozy family dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this Chicken and Dumplings dish is sure to comfort your soul.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
broiler-fryer chicken
1 large (cut up)
celery
2 ribs (sliced)
carrots
4 (peeled and sliced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (use as is)
dried parsley
2 tablespoons (add as is)
chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons (add as is)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (add as is)
pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (add to taste)
water
enough to cover chicken (add as needed)
flour
2 cups (add as is)
baking powder
4 teaspoons (add as is)
salt
1 teaspoon (add as is)
milk
3/4 cup (add as is)
oil
4 tablespoons (add as is)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the cut-up chicken, sliced celery, carrots, diced onion, chicken broth, dried parsley, chicken bouillon granules, salt, and pepper. Add enough water to cover the chicken completely.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones from the chicken, tearing the meat into bite-sized pieces.
4
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, discarding the skin and bones. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired.
5
Bring the broth back to a simmer over medium heat.
6
In a mixing bowl, combine the dumpling ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and oil. Stir until a stiff dough forms.
7
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Make sure to leave some space between each dumpling as they will expand while cooking.
8
Cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer for 15 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure they steam properly.
9
Once cooked, serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
23.3g
Carbs
16.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mom's Comforting Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings?
It is a classic comfort dish featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and light, airy dumplings in a savory broth.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one large broiler-fryer chicken that has been cut up.
How long does the chicken need to simmer?
The chicken should simmer for approximately 2 hours or until it is tender and fully cooked.
What vegetables are included in the broth?
This recipe uses two sliced celery ribs, four peeled and sliced carrots, and one diced medium onion.
How are the dumplings made from scratch?
The fluffy dumplings are made by mixing 2 cups of flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of milk, and 4 tablespoons of oil.
How do I cook the dumplings?
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth, cover, and let them steam for 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I use a shortcut for the dumplings?
Yes, while homemade is recommended, you can use Bisquick as a quick alternative for the dumplings.
Why is it important to keep the lid on while the dumplings cook?
Keeping the lid on ensures the dumplings steam properly, which is what makes them light and fluffy.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 16.7 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains 6.7 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 23.3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What seasonings are used in the broth?
The broth is seasoned with dried parsley, chicken bouillon granules, salt, and pepper.
Should I remove the skin and bones from the chicken?
Yes, after the chicken is cooked and cooled slightly, you should remove the skin and bones and tear the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make Southern-style dumplings instead?
Yes, the recipe notes that a heartier Southern-style dumpling variation can be used if preferred.
How much flour is needed for the dumpling dough?
The recipe requires 2 cups of flour for the dumpling mixture.
How much baking powder is used for the dumplings?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of baking powder to ensure the dumplings are fluffy.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
How much milk is needed for the dough?
You will need 3/4 cup of milk to form the stiff dumpling dough.
How much oil is included in the dumpling recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of oil in the dumpling dough.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to combine the chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in a pot and cover them with water.
How do I know the dumpling dough is ready?
The ingredients should be stirred until a stiff dough forms.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the broth?
Yes, after returning the shredded chicken to the pot, you should taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper as desired.
How many carrots should I use?
The recipe calls for four carrots, peeled and sliced.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One medium onion should be diced before being added to the pot.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of chicken broth.
How much dried parsley is added?
Two tablespoons of dried parsley are used for flavoring.
Is there a specific way to drop the dumplings into the broth?
Yes, use a tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls, leaving space between them as they will expand.
How much chicken bouillon is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is described as a comforting meal designed to bring family and friends around the table.