Chicken & Dumplings is a classic comfort food that originates from the southern United States. This dish consists of tender chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful broth and served with fluffy dumplings. With a serving size of 1 cup (240 g), Chicken & Dumplings contains 190 Calories.

Apart from the Calories, 1 cup of Chicken & Dumplings provides 8g of Protein, 6g of Fat, and 26g of Carbohydrates. Additionally, it is a good source of Vitamin a, Calcium, and iron.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional values and benefits of Chicken & Dumplings, as well as some different ways to prepare it. So read on to learn more about this delicious and comforting dish!

What are Chicken & Dumplings?

Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The chicken is typically simmered in a rich broth with vegetables like carrots and onions until it's tender and flavorful. Then, the dumplings are dropped into the broth and cooked until they are fluffy and tender. The result is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Over time, different regions have developed their own variations of the dish. Some use heavy cream in the broth, while others add extra herbs and spices for a more complex flavor. Regardless of the recipe, Chicken & Dumplings remains a popular comfort food across the United States.

Calorie Count of Chicken & Dumplings

As mentioned earlier, a 1-cup serving of Chicken & Dumplings contains around 190 Calories. This makes it a relatively low calorie meal that is easy to incorporate into a balanced diet. However, it's worth noting that the calorie count may vary depending on the recipe and serving size. If you're watching your calorie intake, it's a good idea to pay attention to the other nutritional values in Chicken & Dumplings as well. For example, the dish is relatively high in Carbohydrates, with 26g per serving. However, these carbs come from the dumplings and vegetables, which are a good source of fiber. Furthermore, the chicken provides 8g of Protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Protein Content in Chicken & Dumplings

As mentioned earlier, Chicken & Dumplings is a good source of Protein, with around 8g per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, as well as supporting a healthy immune system. Additionally, protein helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it a great addition to any meal. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you can still enjoy Chicken & Dumplings by using meat alternatives like tofu or tempeh. These plant-based protein sources are just as nutritious as meat and can be a great addition to any diet. Alternatively, you can try making a vegetarian version of the dish using mushroom or vegetable broth.

Fat Content in Chicken & Dumplings

Chicken & Dumplings contains approximately 6g of Fat per serving. While this may seem high, it's important to remember that not all fats are created equal. In fact, chicken is a great source of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are essential for brain and heart health, and can even help reduce inflammation in the body. However, it's still important to keep an eye on your overall fat intake, especially if you're trying to lose weight or improve your heart health. To lower the fat content of Chicken & Dumplings, you can try using skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of the whole chicken. Additionally, using low-fat milk or half-and-half in the broth can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Carbohydrate Content in Chicken & Dumplings

Chicken & Dumplings contains around 26g of Carbohydrates per serving. While this may seem high, the vast majority of these carbs come from the dumplings and vegetables in the dish, which are a great source of fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining healthy digestion and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. However, if you're watching your carb intake, you can try making a low-carb version of Chicken & Dumplings using almond or coconut flour to make the dumplings, and substituting the carrots and peas with lower-carb vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Overall, the carbohydrate content of Chicken & Dumplings is not a cause for concern, especially if you're active and need the energy to fuel your workouts or daily activities.

Vitamin A in Chicken & Dumplings

Chicken & Dumplings is a good source of Vitamin a, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune system. One serving of Chicken & Dumplings contains around 11% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A. Additionally, the vegetables in the dish, like carrots and onions, are also rich in this powerful nutrient. To increase the vitamin A content of Chicken & Dumplings even further, you can add other vegetables like sweet potato, pumpkin, or butternut squash to the recipe. These vegetables are especially rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that is also a potent antioxidant.

Calcium in Chicken & Dumplings

In addition to Protein and Vitamin a, Chicken & Dumplings is also a good source of Calcium. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth, as well as supporting muscle and nerve function. One serving of Chicken & Dumplings contains around 7% of your daily recommended intake of calcium. To increase the calcium content of Chicken & Dumplings even further, you can use low-Fat milk or cheese in the recipe. Alternatively, you can try adding other calcium-rich foods to the dish, like broccoli or kale.

Iron in Chicken & Dumplings

Iron is another important nutrient that can be found in Chicken & Dumplings. Iron is essential for maintaining healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. One serving of Chicken & Dumplings contains around 8% of your daily recommended intake of iron. To increase the iron content of Chicken & Dumplings even further, you can add other iron-rich foods to the recipe, like spinach, lentils, or beef. Additionally, pairing Chicken & Dumplings with vitamin C rich foods, like citrus fruits or bell peppers, can help increase your body's absorption of iron.

Benefits of Eating Chicken & Dumplings

Apart from being delicious, Chicken & Dumplings has several Health benefits as well. As mentioned earlier, the dish is a great source of Protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like Vitamin a, Calcium, and iron. Additionally, Chicken & Dumplings can be a great way to get in some healthy carbs, especially if you're an athlete or active individual. The complex carbs in the dumplings and vegetables can help fuel your workouts and provide your body with the sustained energy it needs to tackle your daily tasks. Furthermore, Chicken & Dumplings is a great comfort food that can help boost your mood and reduce stress levels. The warm broth and fluffy dumplings can be especially soothing, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold winter evening.

Ways to Prepare Chicken & Dumplings

There are countless ways to prepare Chicken & Dumplings, depending on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Traditional Chicken & Dumplings: This recipe typically involves simmering a whole chicken in a flavorful broth with vegetables like carrots and onions, then adding dumplings made from flour, milk, and eggs.
• Dairy-Free Chicken & Dumplings: For those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative like soy or almond milk in the broth.
• Vegetarian or Vegan Chicken & Dumplings: To make a vegetarian or vegan version of the dish, simply use meat alternatives like tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version of the dish.