If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal but need to avoid gluten, this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe hits all the right notes. I absolutely love how it turns out-rich, hearty, and perfectly fluffy dumplings that soak up the savory broth. Whether it’s a chilly night or a weeknight dinner that needs to come together quickly, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed how something so traditionally heavy on wheat could be reinvented with gluten-free ingredients and still feel incredibly satisfying. You’ll find that the secret lies in balancing the right gluten-free flour blend and keeping the flavors classic with sage and thyme. Trust me, your family will go crazy for this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free Comfort Food: Enjoy a classic favorite made safe for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Customize with dairy-free milks or your favorite veggies to fit your dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: My kids can t get enough of these fluffy dumplings, and yours will love them too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together harmoniously. I always recommend checking that your gluten-free products are certified to avoid surprises.
- Cooked chicken breasts: Rotisserie chicken works wonders for saving time, and it stays tender and juicy.
- Gluten-free chicken broth: The base that brings everything together-go for a good-quality one for the best flavor.
- Gluten-free frozen mixed vegetables: A mix like peas, carrots, and corn adds color and nutrition with minimal prep.
- Dried sage: Adds that earthy warmth essential for authentic chicken and dumplings.
- Dried thyme: Balances the sage with a mild, herbaceous note.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory depth without having to chop fresh onions.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors out.
- Milk (or dairy-free alternative): I love using cashew milk for a subtle creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Gluten-free cornstarch: This is your thickening hero-make sure it s well dissolved to avoid lumps.
- Bisquick Gluten Free mix: Convenient and reliable for those fluffy dumplings every time.
- Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the dumplings.
- Unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative): Melted butter brings flavor and tenderness to the dumplings.
Variations
I love playing around with this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe depending on the season or my pantry stash. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to your taste!
- Vegetable Swaps: In the fall, I like using frozen green beans and corn instead of mixed veggies for a sweeter bite.
- Dairy-Free Version: Using coconut milk and coconut oil instead of dairy gives the dish a subtle tropical twist-my family actually enjoys this version a lot!
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth.
- Mushroom Boost: Sometimes, I chop up sautéed mushrooms to stir into the broth for an earthy depth that s irresistible.
How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavorful Broth
Start by combining your gluten-free chicken broth, diced cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, dried sage, thyme, and onion powder in a large pot. Bring this to a gentle boil over medium heat, letting those herbs infuse the broth beautifully. I like to stir occasionally and sniff the aroma because it s that point where you know dinner’s going to be amazing.
Step 2: Create the Thickening Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together milk and gluten-free cornstarch until it s completely smooth-no lumps allowed here! Pour this into your simmering broth, stirring vigorously to thicken it up. Keep it on medium heat and bring it back to a boil; this will give you that comforting, slightly creamy base that clings to the dumplings.
Step 3: Whip Up the Dumpling Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until just combined. Add the Bisquick Gluten Free mix and stir gently, then fold in the melted butter and your choice of milk until the batter feels sticky and uniform. The consistency is key here-too thin and the dumplings won t hold shape, too thick and they might be doughy.
Step 4: Cook Your Dumplings to Perfection
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop (my favorite trick for evenly sized dumplings), drop generous spoonfuls into the boiling broth. Drop carefully to avoid splashing, then reduce the heat to low and let them simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. This helps them set without falling apart.
Step 5: Let the Dumplings Steam
After the initial 10 minutes, cover the pot and keep everything simmering on low for another 15 minutes. This step is what transforms the dumplings from set lumps into light, fluffy pillows. Resist the urge to lift the lid early; that steam is critical!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove from heat and ladle the steaming chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls. I love serving this straight from the pot, letting everyone scoop out their favorites. It s soul-warming, trust me.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- No Lumps Guarantee: Always dissolve cornstarch fully into the milk before adding it to broth to avoid clumps-whisk vigorously!
- Even Dumplings: Use an ice cream scoop for consistent dumpling size so they cook evenly every time.
- Simmer, Don t Boil: Keep heat low once dumplings are in to prevent falling apart and maintain fluffy texture.
- Patience Pays Off: Trust the simmering and steam step and avoid lifting the lid too early for perfectly tender dumplings.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a little freshness that balances the rich broth. Sometimes a pinch of black pepper or a dash of cracked red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat without overpowering the cozy flavors.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements this recipe beautifully, cutting through the richness. For something heartier, my family enjoys crusty gluten-free bread or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the dumplings individually in cute ramekins before pouring the broth over at the table-it makes the meal feel extra cozy and personalized. Plus, using pretty bowls or deep plates enhances the overall comforting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure the dumplings aren t swimming in too much broth before storing to keep them from getting soggy overnight.
Freezing
I ve frozen this recipe before by separating broth and dumplings. Freeze the broth and dumplings flat in sealed containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge. It helps preserve texture better than freezing together.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. I avoid the microwave here because slow reheating keeps the dumplings fluffy and prevents them from toughening.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh sage and thyme can be used-just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated. Add them early in the cooking process to allow their flavors to fully infuse the broth.
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What s the best gluten-free flour for dumplings?
I recommend Bisquick Gluten Free mix because it s pre-blended for optimal texture and rise in dumplings. That said, if you prefer baking your own flour blend, ensure it includes a binder like xanthan gum to keep the dumplings tender and cohesive.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make it dairy-free and vegan by substituting the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu, using vegetable broth, and swapping eggs with a flax or chia egg replacement. Keep in mind the texture of traditional dumplings may differ slightly without eggs.
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How do I avoid dumplings falling apart?
Cook your dumplings gently over low heat to prevent them from breaking apart. Also, avoid stirring the pot after they drop in, and don t lift the lid during the steaming phase to keep them intact and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it proves that comfort food doesn t have to compromise your dietary needs. When I make this dish, it brings everyone to the table with smiles and warm plates. If you try it, I hope you find the same cozy satisfaction that I do-there s just something magical about those tender dumplings swimming in savory broth that feels like home.
Print
Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers a comforting and hearty meal made with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy gluten-free dumplings. Perfect for those avoiding gluten, this dish utilizes common pantry ingredients and dairy-free alternatives to suit various dietary needs without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 3–4 cups cooked skinless chicken breasts, diced (rotisserie or boiled)
- 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth
- 2 cups gluten-free frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (dairy-free options: cashew, coconut, or almond milk)
- 6 tablespoons gluten-free cornstarch
Dumplings
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick Gluten Free mix
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2/3 cup milk (dairy-free options: cashew, coconut, or almond milk)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (dairy-free alternatives: Smart Balance, Earth Balance butter, or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth and chicken: In a large pot, combine the gluten-free chicken broth, diced cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, dried sage, dried thyme, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Create the thickening mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and gluten-free cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved to avoid lumps. Pour this mixture into the large pot with the chicken broth and stir thoroughly. Continue to bring the broth to a boil.
- Make the dumpling batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the gluten-free Bisquick mix to the eggs and stir until combined. Then, add the melted butter and milk to the mixture, stirring until the batter is sticky and uniform in texture.
- Cook the dumplings: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the boiling chicken broth mixture. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook the dumplings uncovered for 10 minutes to allow them to set and cook through.
- Simmer covered: Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for an additional 15 minutes on low heat. This ensures the dumplings steam and become fluffy and tender.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting gluten-free meal!
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or boil your chicken breasts if preferred.
- Dairy-free milk and butter alternatives are recommended for lactose intolerance or vegan preferences.
- When dropping dumplings, an ice cream scoop helps create uniformly sized dumplings.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure all products are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
