Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Why Make This Recipe

Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting classic that warms the heart and fills the belly. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying. It brings back memories of home-cooked meals and is sure to make everyone feel cozy and content.

How to Make Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

• 1 (3 pound) whole chicken
• 4 cubes chicken bouillon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Fill a large pot with water and add the whole chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer.
2. Simmer the chicken until tender, which takes about 1 to 2 hours.
3. Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the broth and set it aside to cool. Be sure to reserve the broth.
4. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, take the meat off the bones. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and discard the skin and bones.
5. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and salt.
6. Break one egg into the flour and mix with a fork until it becomes stiff. Keep adding eggs one at a time, mixing until all are incorporated. The dough should be very stiff.
7. Bring the reserved broth to a boil and add the bouillon cubes. Stir until the cubes have dissolved.
8. Using a fork and knife, pick up some dough with the fork, hold it over the boiling broth, and cut off small pieces into the broth until all the dough is used.
9. Stir the broth, cover it, and simmer for 20 minutes.
10. Add the chicken meat back into the pot and stir well.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Serve Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings in deep bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for extra color and flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

How to Store Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, add a little water or broth to maintain moisture so the dumplings don’t dry out.

Tips to Make Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

• Make sure the dough is stiff enough for dumplings. If it’s too soft, they may fall apart in the broth.
• For more flavor, you can add chopped vegetables like carrots and celery to the broth while simmering the chicken.
• Taste the broth before adding more seasoning. The bouillon cubes can be quite salty.

Variation

You can try adding your favorite herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or black pepper for a twist on the original flavor. Some people even like to add vegetables along with the chicken for a heartier dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours, then follow the same steps for making the dumplings.

3. What can I do if my dumplings are too tough?
If your dumplings turn out tough, they may have been overcooked or the dough was too stiff. Make sure to simmer them just long enough to cook through, usually 20 minutes is sufficient.