Chicken and dumplings is an old comfort food that warms your heart and belly alike . This dish mixes soft chicken with puffy dumplings in a tasty broth , and thats why many families love it . Usually the dumplings have wheat flour and that is bad for folks who cant eat gluten or have celiac disease . But there is good news : you can make a glutеn-frее version and still enjoy the same rich flаvor and cozy feel .
In the last few years , cooking without gluten got really popular not only for those on special diets , but also for pеople who want eat healthier . As more people learn about gluten issues , it is key to offer gluten-free meals that anyone can eat , even your picky uncle . Changing classic dishes like chicken and dumplings helps fit different needs without losing any taste .
This guide will show you how to make a simple gluten-free chicken and dumplings recipe . Youll find a clear list of ingredients , step-by-step steps , and handy tips to get soft dumplings . We also answer the most common questions in the FAQ section so you dont get stuck . Get set to cook a gluten-free version of this classic comfort treat that will be a hit at dinner time !
Understanding Gluten-Free Cooking
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat , barley , and rye . It helps dough stick together and rise when baked . For most people gluten is safe , but if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity , eating it can cause bad stomach problems and other health issues .
Why Choose Gluten-Free?
Some people must eat gluten-free foods to keep their small intestine healthy if they have celiac disease . Others have mild gluten sensitivity that gives them belly pain , bloating , or tiredness . That is why they avoid gluten . Also many folks without serious issues try gluten-free to feel lighter or follow a trend . This has led to more gluten-free flours and mixes on the shelves , so you can make favorite dishes easier than ever .
Recipe Overview
This gluten-free chicken and dumplings recipe aims to bring you the same homey feeling but without gluten . Youll cook juicy chicken and soft dumplings in a rich broth . It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes start to finish and makes enough for 6 hungry people . Perfect for fam dinners or meal prep !
Ingredients
- For the Chicken and Broth :
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion , chopped
- 2 carrots , sliced
- 2 celery stalks , chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (make sure its gluten-free )
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- For the Gluten-Free Dumplings :
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk or dairy-free milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
Directions
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Chicken and Broth :
Heat the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat . Add the chopped onion , carrots , and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften . Then pour in the broth and add the chicken . Sprinkle salt and pepper . Bring it to a boil , lower heat to a simmer , and cook for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully done . Take the chicken out , shred it with two forks , and put it back into the pot to stay warm .
Making the Gluten-Free Dumplings :
In a bowl , mix the flour blend , baking powder , and salt . In another bowl , whisk the milk , egg , and melted butter together . Slowly pour the wet mix into the dry mix , stirring just until the lumps disappear . Dont overmix or the dumplings wont be fluffy . The dough should be thick like scoopable cookie dough .
Bringing it All Together
Use a spoon to drop dollops of dough onto the simmering broth , leaving space between them . Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for 15 to 20 minutes on low heat . To check if they are done , poke one with a toothpick . If it comes out clean , they are ready . Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley .
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
Pick the Right Flour : Not all gluten-free flours act the same . Look for blends that include xanthan gum to help dumplings hold together . Brands like Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur е work well .
Storing and Reheating :
If you have leftovers , store dumplings and broth separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days . To reheat , warm broth on the stove and add fresh or leftover dumplings , or use short bursts in the microwave until hot .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking dumplings : They get tough if they cook too long . Stick to the time and test doneness .
- Wrong flour type : Always use flour designed for gluten-free baking .
- Skipping seasoning : Taste and add salt and pepper to the broth , or the dish will be bland .
Variations of the Recipe
Dairy-Free Options
You can swap regular milk with coconut milk or any plant milk . Replace butter with olive or coconut oil for dairy-free .
Vegetarian/Vegan Version
Use mushrooms , zucchini , or tempeh instead of chicken and veggie broth instead of chicken broth . Youll still get a nice flavor .
Adding Flair
Try herbs like rosemary , thyme , or sage in the broth or dumplings for extra smell and taste .
Nutritional Information
This gluten-free chicken and dumplings meal is balanced with proteins and carbs :
- Calories : About 350 per serving
- Protein : 24g
- Fats : 14g
- Carbs : 35g
Chicken gives protein , veggies add vitamins , so overall its a solid mеal .
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead ?
Regular flour has gluten , so its bad for celiac or gluten-sensitive folks . Always pick a flour thats labeled gluten-free .
How do I make dumplings fluffy ?
Dont overmix the batter . Use enough baking powder and steam dumplings instead of boiling straight .
What to serve with chicken and dumplings ?
A simple salad , steamed veggies , or roasted Brussels sprouts go great with it .
How can I store leftovers ?
Keep dumplings and broth in separate containers in the fridge . They last about 3 days . You can freeze broth alone for longer storage .
Conclusion
To wrap it up , this gluten-free chicken and dumplings recipe brings all the comfort of the classic dish but works for folks who avoid gluten . Follow the steps and tips here , and youll have a warm , hearty meal that everyone can dig into , no matter their diet . Feel free to add your own twist and enjoy !
Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 whisk
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth (gluten-free) Ensure it's certified gluten-free.
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour Ensure it's certified gluten-free.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a spoon, drop dollops of the dumpling batter onto the simmering broth, making about 12 spoonfuls. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffed and cooked through.
- Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- For a creamier broth, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the peas.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Ensure all ingredients used, particularly the chicken broth and gluten-free flour, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
