INTRODUCTION
Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings is a warm, simple meal that feels like home. This recipe uses a gluten free flour blend so people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy a classic dish. It is a healthy version of comfort food that keeps protein high and added sugars low. This meal is great for meal prep and makes a lighter option compared with versions that use heavy creams or regular flour. If you like slow cooker dinners, try this crockpot chicken and gravy for another easy family meal.
This article will guide you through each step. You will see simple tips to make it lower calorie, high protein, and diabetic-friendly when needed. The words are plain and the steps are easy to follow.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings because it is cozy, filling, and simple to make. It is a balanced meal with lean chicken, vegetables, and gluten free dumplings. The recipe is a high protein meal that helps you feel full longer. It is also a lighter option than many creamy soups, so it can fit into a weight loss plan when you watch portions. This dish is great for meal prep because you can make a large pot and reheat portions for an easy weekday dinner. It is also diabetic-friendly with no added sugar and strong control of carbs when you choose low-carb gluten-free mixes.
HOW TO MAKE Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
This section shows how to build the dish in clear steps. The method keeps calories low while keeping good protein. Use cooked, shredded chicken to save time. Add lots of veggies for fiber and texture. Follow the steps below for a warm and healthy result.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large pot with lid
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
- Large spoon for dropping dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken broth, milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
- In a large pot, combine the cooked chicken, carrots, celery, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the broth.
- Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your gluten-free comfort food!
HOW TO SERVE Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
Serve this dish hot in shallow bowls. For a balanced plate, add a side salad with leafy greens. Keep portions to about 1.5 to 2 cups per person if you watch calories. This helps if you aim for weight loss or a low calorie day. Serve one palm-sized portion of the soup with a cup of steamed greens or a small side of roasted vegetables for fiber and color. Use low-sodium chicken broth if you watch sodium and add pepper and herbs for flavor instead of extra salt.
A healthy serving idea is one bowl with a cup of mixed salad on the side. This adds fiber and helps you stay full without many extra calories. For a diabetic-friendly plan, control the dumpling size and use a gluten-free flour blend that has lower carbs or added fiber. Another tip: top with fresh parsley or thyme for bright flavor without calories.
You can also try this recipe as a lighter option by using low-fat milk or a milk substitute and less butter. This keeps the texture but lowers calories and fat.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
This dish stores well for busy weeks. Cool the soup to room temperature before storing. Put leftovers in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat from fridge, warm gently on the stove over low heat until hot. Stir often to keep dumplings from sticking. From frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat the same way, or reheat gently from frozen with a little added broth to loosen the sauce.
Label containers with the date and portion size. This helps you control portions for meal prep and supports weight loss goals.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette — a low calorie and heart healthy side.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for added fiber.
- Roasted root vegetables for a warm, filling side.
- Light whole grain toast or a small gluten-free roll for a balanced meal (watch portion size).
For a high protein focus, add extra shredded chicken or a side of roasted chickpeas. For diabetic-friendly meals, keep the dumpling portion smaller and add more non-starchy vegetables.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use low-sodium broth, low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk, and reduce butter to 2 tablespoons. Add extra carrots and celery for more fiber. This keeps it a healthy version with fewer calories.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Replace some dumpling batter with shredded cauliflower or make small cheese and egg dumplings to lower carbs and raise protein. Use extra chicken or add white beans for more protein. This creates a high protein meal that fits low-carb plans.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: Cook seasoned chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until cooked through, then shred it for the soup. For dumplings, you can spoon batter into a greased oven-safe dish and bake on top of the stew at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and set. If you want a dump-and-go slow cooker idea that saves time, look at this dump-and-go crockpot teriyaki chicken for method ideas and adapt the timing.
Each variation keeps the dish simple. Pick the one that fits your diet, whether you need a lighter option, a high protein meal, or a meal prep plan.
FAQs
Q: Is this recipe truly gluten free?
A: Yes. Use a certified gluten-free flour blend and check that your broth and all seasonings are labeled gluten free. This makes the full meal safe for people with gluten intolerance.
Q: Can I make this recipe diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use smaller dumplings, choose a flour blend with more fiber, and serve extra non-starchy vegetables. This lowers net carbs and keeps sugar low for a diabetic-friendly meal.
Q: How long does the soup stay good in the fridge?
A: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the soup.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken and dumplings?
A: Yes. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the stove. Add a little broth if needed.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a fast way to make this recipe a great for meal prep option. It saves time and keeps the meal high in protein.
Q: How can I cut calories for weight loss?
A: Use low-fat milk or unsweetened milk alternative, reduce butter, and add more vegetables. Control portions to one serving size and add a salad to keep you full.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
Make the soup base and shred the chicken the day before. Store them separately in the fridge. Keep dumpling batter in a sealed container for up to 24 hours and stir before using. When ready to eat, bring the broth to a low boil and drop dumplings in. This step cuts hands-on time and makes the meal great for meal prep.
You can also freeze cooked chicken in meal-size bags. Thaw the night before in the fridge. If you plan to serve this for a week of lunches, portion the soup into single containers and label them. For quick weekday dinners, reheat one portion and add a side salad. For a gluten-free baking idea to pair with your meal prep, consider making some batch-friendly gluten-free snacks like gluten-free pumpkin muffins on bake day and freeze them for quick sides.
If you use the air fryer to cook chicken ahead of time, you can keep the chicken in the fridge for 3–4 days. This makes assembly on busy nights very fast and helps you keep this dish a regular part of a healthy, high protein plan.
Feel free to experiment with vegetables and herbs. The base recipe is flexible. Keep it simple and keep it healthy. This gluten free chicken and dumplings recipe is a cozy, balanced, and family-friendly meal you can make again and again.
Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken broth, milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
- In a large pot, combine the cooked chicken, carrots, celery, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the broth.
- Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot in shallow bowls, accompanied by a side salad.