Hello, Food Lovers! A warm bowl of chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, but finding a good gluten-free version can feel impossible. So often, the dumplings are dense, gummy, or simply dissolve into the soup. This foolproof recipe changes all that, delivering a rich, homemade broth filled with tender chicken and unbelievably light, fluffy dumplings. This is the cozy, heartwarming bowl of gluten free chicken and dumplings you’ve been dreaming of.
A Little Story About This Dish
This meal was a childhood favorite, but my first attempts at making it gluten-free were a disaster, resulting in dumplings that were either rocks or mush. I refused to give up on that comforting memory, and after countless tests, I finally perfected the recipe. When my family tasted this version, they couldn’t believe the dumplings were so light and fluffy. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a bowlful of nostalgia, and I’m so excited to share these perfect gluten free chicken and dumplings with you.
Get Ready to Cook!
What to Expect
This recipe for gluten free chicken and dumplings is a true from-scratch classic, but the steps are very simple. The process involves simmering a whole chicken to create a rich broth, which takes about an hour of mostly hands-off time. The dumplings themselves are a quick, one-bowl “drop” style, meaning no rolling or cutting is needed. It’s the perfect cozy weekend cooking project.
Before You Begin
For the fluffiest, lightest dumplings, two tips are key. First, do not overmix the dumpling batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep them tender. Second, when you add the dumpling spoonfuls to the pot, make sure your soup is at a gentle but steady simmer, not a rolling boil. This gentle heat allows the dumplings to steam and cook through perfectly without falling apart. You could also try making these other gluten-free meals: Buckwheat Ramen recipe, Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake.
Hearty Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings: A Cozy, Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 110
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This foolproof recipe for gluten free chicken and dumplings delivers a rich, homemade broth filled with tender chicken and unbelievably light, fluffy dumplings. It’s the cozy, heartwarming comfort food you’ve been dreaming of.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN SOUP:
1 whole chicken
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp oil
2 bay leaves
5 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 ribs celery, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
FOR THE GLUTEN FREE DUMPLINGS:
2 1/4 cups (300g) All Purpose Gluten Free Flour
1/4 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your flour has gum added)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup (250mls) gluten free chicken broth
2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Make the Broth: Place the whole chicken and bay leaves in a large stockpot. Cover with water (about 6-8 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Skim any foam from the surface.
2. Sauté Vegetables: About 10 minutes before the chicken is done, heat oil in a separate large soup pot. Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Combine Soup Base: Carefully strain the hot broth from the chicken pot into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Let this simmer while you handle the chicken.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup pot. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix Dumpling Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk the dry dumpling ingredients (flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, parsley, salt). Add the beaten eggs and 1 cup of chicken broth, mixing with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.
6. Cook the Dumplings: Ensure the soup is at a steady, gentle simmer (not a rapid boil). Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the batter into the simmering soup.
7. Steam and Serve: Once all the batter is in, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Gentle Simmer is Key: For the lightest dumplings, cook them in a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. This allows them to steam and puff up perfectly.
No Peeking!: Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are simmering for the 20 minutes. The trapped steam is essential for making them light and airy.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dumpling batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing will result in tough, dense dumplings.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as the dumplings absorb more broth.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 90
- Category: Soup, Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Simmering, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
This from-scratch recipe for gluten free chicken and dumplings uses wholesome ingredients to build its incredible, cozy flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| FOR THE CHICKEN SOUP | ||
| Whole Chicken | 1 | The base for our rich, homemade broth. |
| Onion | 1 | Finely chopped. |
| Oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing the vegetables. |
| Bay Leaves | 2 | Adds depth to the broth. |
| Carrots | 5 | Peeled and sliced. |
| Celery | 3 ribs | Sliced. |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | |
| Fresh Parsley | For garnish | |
| FOR THE GLUTEN FREE DUMPLINGS | ||
| All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour | 2 ¼ cups (300g) | |
| Xanthan Gum | ¼ tsp | Omit if your flour blend already contains it. |
| Eggs | 2 | Beaten. |
| Gluten-Free Chicken Broth | 1 cup (250ml) | Can be reserved from the soup. |
| Baking Powder | 2 tsp | This is the secret to fluffy dumplings. |
| Parsley | 1 tbsp | Finely chopped. |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create the most comforting bowl of gluten free chicken and dumplings imaginable.
Step 1: Create Your Flavorful Broth
Place the whole chicken and the bay leaves in a large stockpot and cover it completely with water (this will take about 6-8 cups). Heat the pot until it boils, and then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about an hour. During this time, you can use a spoon to skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
About 10 minutes before your chicken is done simmering, heat the oil in a separate large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Gently sauté the vegetables for about five minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Veggies and Broth
Carefully strain the hot chicken broth from the first pot into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Discard the bay leaves. Let this vegetable broth simmer for a few minutes while you handle the chicken.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooked chicken is cool enough to touch, remove and discard the skin and bones. Shred all the tender meat into bite-sized pieces and add it directly into your soup pot. Season the soup generously with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Mix the Dumpling Batter
It’s time for the star of the show! In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry dumpling ingredients: gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if using), baking powder, parsley, and salt. Now, pour in the beaten eggs and the 1 cup of chicken broth. Mix with a spatula until just combined. The result will be a thick, sticky batter—this is exactly what you want for perfect gluten free chicken and dumplings.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Ensure your soup is at a steady, gentle simmer (not a hard boil). Using two spoons, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dumpling batter directly into the simmering soup. Space them out as they will expand.
Step 7: Steam and Serve
Once all the batter is in the pot, cover it with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings simmer gently for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time! This allows them to steam and become light and fluffy. After 20 minutes, give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store gluten free chicken and dumplings
The key to perfect, fluffy gluten free chicken and dumplings lies in the simmer. When you add the dumpling batter, the broth should be gently bubbling, not at a roaring boil. This gentle heat steams the dumplings, allowing them to puff up and cook through without disintegrating.
The second secret is “no peeking!” Once the dumplings are in and the lid is on, resist the urge to check on them for the full 20 minutes. Lifting the lid releases the steam that is essential for making them light and airy. Overmixing the batter is another common pitfall; stir just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender, never tough, dumpling.
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb more of the broth as they sit, becoming even more flavorful, though the soup will thicken slightly. Here are some other gluten-free dishes you can prepare Gluten Free Blueberry Muffin, Gluten-Free Street Corn Chicken Bowl.
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Are chicken and dumplings gluten free?
Traditional chicken and dumplings are not gluten-free. The classic recipe uses dumplings made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. To make the dish safe for a gluten-free diet, you must use a recipe like this one that is specifically designed with a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.
Can I use gluten free flour for dumplings?
Yes, you absolutely can, but it’s important to use the right kind. A high-quality all-purpose or “measure-for-measure” gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum works best. These blends are designed to mimic the properties of regular flour, which is crucial for the structure of the dumplings.
Are there any gluten free dumplings?
Definitely! While traditional flour-based dumplings are not, many cuisines have naturally gluten-free dumplings, often made from rice flour or other starches. For a classic Southern-style dish like this, you will need to either make your own using a recipe for gluten free chicken and dumplings or find a specialty gluten-free mix.
Can you use gluten free Bisquick for dumplings?
Yes, you can use gluten-free Bisquick mix as a shortcut for drop dumplings. Typically, you would follow the dumpling recipe on the box, which usually involves mixing the GF Bisquick with milk. It is a great option for a quick and easy meal, though from-scratch dumplings often have a superior texture.
Dig In & Enjoy!
You are now ready to create a bowl of pure, heartwarming comfort. This recipe for gluten free chicken and dumplings proves that you never have to miss out on the cozy, classic meals you love.
It is so much more than just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings and gatherings with loved ones. So, get simmering, and prepare to be amazed at how light, fluffy, and delicious homemade gluten-free dumplings can be.
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