It’s easier than you’d think.
- Dolly Parton’s Chicken and Dumplin’s is a comforting, protein-packed dish perfect for cozy fall nights.
- The recipe uses just seven simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare with minimal effort.
- Instead of buying it frozen, cook it from scratch for control over sodium content.
Fall is finally here, and with it comes cozy nights in. On those days where you want a comforting dinner to balance out the cool breeze, make this classic Dolly Parton recipe.
Dolly Parton was an icon in many ways, from her singing and acting talent to her activism. But she was also an avid cook and baker, which is why her Chicken and Dumplin’s recipe is bound to become a staple in your household.
Posted on Parton’s Instagram in 2018, this Southern dish has just seven key ingredients: a peeled onion, ¼ cup chopped celery leaves, 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, ¾ cup milk and a 3-pound stewing hen—plus 3 ¼ teaspoons of salt and black pepper to taste.
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Dolly’s chicken and dumplings is pretty straightforward. Boil your chicken in salted water until it comes to a boil, then throw in your whole veggies and simmer until the chicken is falling apart. Discard your onion and celery leaves, and let the chicken cool outside of the pot before removing and discarding the bones.
As the chicken cools, make your dumpling dough by combining the flour, salt and baking soda, then cutting in the shortening. You can do that with a pastry cutter or simply by working with your fingers to work the shortening into the dry ingredients until you have a crumby texture. Then stir in the milk until moist. In the bowl or on a clean, floured surface, knead the dough until it combines fully. Roll the dough into a slab about ½-inch thick and cut into small squares.
Bring your broth back to a boil before plopping in your dough pieces. After cooking on low heat for 10 minutes, add the chicken back to the pot until it’s heated through.
By following these directions, you will make a simple yet soul-warming dinner that’s high in protein for a satisfying evening. And although Parton has a chicken and dumplings frozen meal that you can buy at select grocery stores, the old-fashioned way is the best way to control the sodium level—and the aromatics are unbeatable.
Try Parton’s recipe, as well as some of our favorite twists on the retro dish: