When comfort food is on your mind, few dishes can compete with the warm, hearty goodness of chicken and dumplings. This gluten-free version allows everyone to savor this classic without a worry. The rich chicken broth mingles with tender vegetables and fluffy dumplings, creating a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also warms your soul.
Why We Love This Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This gluten-free chicken and dumplings recipe checks all the boxes for a comforting meal. It’s filling, packed with protein, and boasts vibrant vegetables that add nutrition and flavor. You can enjoy the savory goodness while knowing it aligns with your dietary needs. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using readily available ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Perfect for cozy family dinners or rainy days, this dish brings everyone to the table, ready to share and enjoy.
Ingredients for Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
To create this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, you will have everything you need for a satisfying meal.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk or dairy-free milk
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings Directions
Creating gluten-free chicken and dumplings is a straightforward process, perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. Start by working with the broth, which forms the heart of your dish.
- Heat the Broth: In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and place it over medium heat. Allow it to warm up while you prepare your vegetables.
- Add Vegetables: Dice the carrots and celery, and chop the onion. Once the broth is hot, toss in the diced vegetables. Let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the middle and add your buttermilk (or dairy-free milk) along with the melted butter (or olive oil). Stir everything together until it forms a thick, slightly sticky dough.
- Incorporate Chicken and Season: Once your vegetables are tender, it’s time to add the shredded chicken. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper to season the broth nicely.
- Drop the Dumplings: Take spoonfuls of the dumpling dough and gently drop them into the simmering broth. Ensure you don’t overcrowd the pot; these dumplings need room to expand.
- Simmer with Care: Cover the pot and let it simmer without lifting the lid for about 15 minutes. This is crucial for cooking the dumplings all the way through and ensuring they turn out fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: After 15 minutes, lift the lid and check if the dumplings are cooked by observing if they’re fluffy and a bit puffed.
- Serve: Gently give the broth a stir, adjusting seasoning if needed, and then ladle everything into bowls. If desired, you can garnish with some fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
Serving gluten-free chicken and dumplings can be a wonderful experience. After you’ve created this hearty meal, consider how to present it for maximum enjoyment. Ladle generous portions into bowls, making sure each serving gets a healthy amount of broth, vegetables, and of course, those fluffy dumplings.
To enhance the dining experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty gluten-free bread or a simple green salad. Fresh herbs sprinkled on top not only add visual appeal but also a burst of flavor. Encourage your family and friends to gather around the table, sharing laughter and stories as you enjoy this delightful dish together.
Expert Tips: Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
Creating the perfect gluten-free chicken and dumplings requires a few insider tips. Following these can elevate your dish and make cooking even easier for you.
- Use Quality Broth: The flavor of your chicken broth greatly influences the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a high-quality, low-sodium broth, or even homemade if you have time.
- Dough Consistency: Ensure your dumpling dough is thick but not too heavy. A slightly sticky consistency will yield the best results.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: When cooking the dumplings, resist the urge to peek. Keeping the pot covered allows steam to create that fluffy texture.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with additional herbs and spices according to your taste. Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika can bring a new dimension of flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables, such as peas or green beans, to suit your preferences.
How to Store Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
Storing your gluten-free chicken and dumplings for later enjoyment is feasible if done correctly. Allow the dish to cool completely if you have leftovers. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. Divide the dumplings and broth into freezer-safe containers. This way, you can enjoy a warm bowl of comfort food by reheating it in the microwave or on the stove anytime you crave it. Just note that reheating may lead to softer dumplings, but they will still be delicious!
Variations of Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
One of the greatest aspects of gluten-free chicken and dumplings is its versatility. You can easily tailor this recipe to suit various dietary needs and taste preferences.
- Herbed Dumplings: Add fresh or dried herbs directly into the dumpling dough for an aromatic touch. Chopped chives or dill can be particularly delightful.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with sturdy vegetables like mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth as a base for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
- Spicy Twist: If you desire some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Variation: Stir in a dollop of lactose-free cream or a plant-based alternative at the end of cooking for a creamy, rich version of this dish.
FAQ
What is a good substitute for buttermilk in gluten-free chicken and dumplings?
If you do not have buttermilk on hand, you can use a mixture of dairy-free milk and lemon juice or vinegar. Just add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of your preferred dairy-free milk, and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken as well. Just ensure you cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding it and adding it to the broth. You may want to simmer it in the broth for longer to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
Can I make dumplings without gluten-free flour?
This recipe specifically caters to gluten-free diets, but if you’re not restricted by gluten, traditional all-purpose flour can be used to prepare dumplings instead of gluten-free flour.
How can I enhance the flavor of the chicken broth?
Adding additional herbs, garlic, or even a splash of lemon juice can dramatically boost the flavor of your chicken broth. Don’t shy away from taste-testing and adjusting the seasoning as needed.
By keeping these tips and variations in mind, your journey through making gluten-free chicken and dumplings can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Dive into this comforting dish, share it with loved ones, and make memories around the table, one warm, delicious bowl at a time.
Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk or dairy-free milk
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
For the Soup
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- To taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and place it over medium heat. Allow it to warm up while you prepare your vegetables.
- Dice the carrots and celery, and chop the onion. Once the broth is hot, toss in the diced vegetables. Let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
- In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the middle and add your buttermilk (or dairy-free milk) along with the melted butter (or olive oil). Stir everything together until it forms a thick, slightly sticky dough.
- Once your vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken along with thyme, salt, and pepper to season the broth.
Cooking
- Take spoonfuls of the dumpling dough and gently drop them into the simmering broth, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer without lifting the lid for about 15 minutes to cook the dumplings through.
- After 15 minutes, lift the lid and check if the dumplings are fluffy and a bit puffed.
Serving
- Gently stir the broth, adjust seasoning if needed, and ladle everything into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!