To begin, heat your 4 cups water, 4 cups broth, salt and pepper to boil on the stove top.
Prepare your dumplings by cutting shortening in your flour. Lightly mix in the additional ½ cup of chicken broth forming a coarse mixture. DO NOT OVERMIX!
Pour dumpling mixture on a floured surface and sort of mash together, careful not to over work your dough. Once a soft ball is formed roll out to ⅛ inch or less thickness. Cut into desired size squares with a pizza cutter.
Let dough rest on counter until broth comes to a boil.
Once the broth comes to a boil, I use a bench scraper to scoop up the dumplings and drop them in the boiling broth.Be sure to do it quickly so I can get them in and stir. I also feel its important to note that I roll and cut mine pretty thin so they don't have a tendency to clump or stick.
I stir them well and allow to cook for about 5 minutes. i then add in the chicken, lower the heat to simmer and cover to cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes. Until dumplings reach your desired consistency.
~Electric Pressure Cooker Method~
1. Prepare water, broth, salt and pepper in inner lining of pressure cooker. Set to Saute function and allow it to come to a boil.
2. Prepare dumplings the same as the traditional method. Cut and allow to rest while liquid comes to a boil.
3. Drop dumplings in boiling broth/water and stir once. Allow to return to a boil and add chicken. Stir to combine. Turn off saute function.
4. Carefully put lid on, seal the vent and set to manual or pressure cook for 10 minutes. When cooking time is done. Turn unit off and allow for pressure to naturally release for 5-10 minutes. Using a long spoon or tongs, release vent to let out any remaining pressure. Carefully open lid. Stir and serve!