If you’re craving comfort food but need to stick to a gluten-free diet, let me share with you a real winner: my Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. This one-pot dinner is cozy, wholesome, and surprisingly easy to pull off even on busy weeknights. I absolutely love how the tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings come together for a bowl that feels like a warm hug. Keep reading because I’m going to walk you through every step, along with my favorite tricks for success!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Cozy: This bowl of goodness feels like a warm hug on a chilly day with its rich broth and soft dumplings.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Uses gluten-free Bisquick and cornstarch, so you don’t miss out on traditional flavors or texture.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in just 35 minutes with mostly pantry staples – perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable & Dairy-Free Options: You can easily swap in your favorite dairy-free milk or butter alternatives to suit your dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is chosen for flavor and texture harmony. The gluten-free Bisquick keeps your dumplings fluffy without the gluten, while the herbs and veggies make the broth fragrant and nourishing. Let’s break down what you’ll want on hand.
- Cooked skinless chicken breasts: Using pre-cooked chicken helps the chicken stay tender and allows you to control the cooking time of the dumplings perfectly.
- Gluten-free chicken broth: A rich broth is the soul of this dish; opt for a quality brand or homemade for best flavor.
- Gluten-free frozen mixed vegetables: These add color, nutrients, and texture without much prep—think carrots, peas, and corn.
- Sage (dried): Brings warmth and depth, a classic herb pairing for chicken recipes.
- Thyme (dried): Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the dumplings perfectly.
- Onion powder: Delivers gentle onion flavor without chopping fresh onions.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, but remember to taste before adding more.
- Milk or dairy-free milk: Make it creamy and tenderizes the dumplings; I’ve had great results with cashew milk as a dairy-free option.
- Gluten-free cornstarch: Thickens the broth beautifully without cloudiness.
- Bisquick Gluten Free mix: The base of your dumplings, providing structure and fluffiness.
- Eggs (whisked): Help bind the dumpling dough for that perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter or dairy-free alternative: Adds richness and moisture to the dumplings – coconut oil works well too!
Variations
I love experimenting with this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe to suit whatever mood my family is in. You can totally make it your own with a few fun tweaks.
- Add fresh herbs: Sometimes I throw in chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for an irresistible aroma that makes the whole house smell divine.
- Use different veggies: Swap the frozen medley with fresh seasonal veggies like zucchini or green beans when available – it’s a great way to sneak in extra fiber.
- Dairy-free or vegan adaptations: Using plant-based milk and butter substitutes works beautifully without sacrificing creaminess; for a vegan twist, replace chicken with mushrooms and vegetable broth.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the broth if you like a little heat to warm you up from the inside out.
How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Broth and Chicken
Start by combining your gluten-free chicken broth, cooked chicken breasts (already diced), frozen mixed vegetables, sage, thyme, and onion powder in a large pot over medium heat. You’re looking for a gentle low boil here. This is where all those layers start to develop and fill your kitchen with the most comforting smells.
Step 2: Thicken the Broth
While your broth is heating up, stir together the milk and gluten-free cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. This little mix is the magic ingredient that thickens your broth so it clings lovingly to every dumpling. Pour this into your pot and keep stirring to combine as you bring it back up to a boil. This usually only takes a few minutes.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk your eggs first; this helps them incorporate more evenly. Add in the gluten-free Bisquick, then stir. Next, pour in the melted butter and milk, mixing until everything forms a sticky batter. Heads up: The batter will look wetter and stickier than traditional dumplings, but that’s exactly what we want for gluten-free texture.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop (I like big, comforting dumplings, so I use my ice cream scoop), drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter right into your simmering broth mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. Then cover the pot and cook for another 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid early — this steam cooks the dumplings perfectly through to the center.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your dumplings have puffed up and cooked through, your gluten-free chicken and dumplings dish is ready to serve. Ladle generously into bowls, maybe grab an extra napkin (it can get messy, but that’s half the fun), and enjoy every cozy bite.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Use cooked chicken: I learned the hard way that raw chicken tends to dry out by the time dumplings are done, so cooking ahead keeps it juicy.
- Don’t peek while cooking: Lifting the lid too soon makes dumplings deflate—let the steam do its work for fluffiness.
- Choose your scoop size wisely: Larger dumplings take a bit longer to cook through, so adjust your cooking time if you go bigger than I do.
- Thicken the broth just enough: Use the cornstarch slurry slowly to avoid an overly thick broth; it should coat but not be gluey.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle just a little fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color, plus it brightens the flavors. Sometimes, if I have a lemon on hand, a tiny squeeze helps cut through the richness beautifully. A few cracked black peppercorns just before serving add a mild bite that wakes things up.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, I often pair it with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. For heartier gatherings, buttery mashed potatoes or crusty gluten-free bread to soak up any extra broth can’t be beat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I like serving this in decorative soup bowls with some fresh herb sprigs perched on top. You can also ladle into mini cast-iron skillets for individual portions—these not only look charming but keep the dish warm longer at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the broth.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe successfully, but I recommend freezing the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings if possible. Dumplings texture can shift a bit after thawing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and combine everything gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, giving it a stir now and then until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch, but go easy so dumplings don’t get rubbery. Adding a splash of milk or broth during reheating helps maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this gluten-free chicken and dumplings recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can be used; simply use about three times the amount of dried herbs called for since fresh herbs are less concentrated. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavors.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have Bisquick Gluten Free mix?
If you don’t have Bisquick Gluten Free mix on hand, you can make a homemade gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or look for baking mix blends labeled gluten-free. Keep in mind the texture might be a little different, so watch your batter consistency as you mix.
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How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simple swaps like using plant-based milk such as almond, cashew, or coconut milk and substituting butter with dairy-free alternatives like Earth Balance or coconut oil make this recipe completely dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
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Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe because the dumplings take time to cook, which could dry out raw chicken if cooked together. Cooking the chicken ahead ensures it stays moist and tender in the stew.
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How thick should the broth be before adding dumplings?
The broth should be slightly thickened—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—after you add the milk and cornstarch mixture. This helps the dumplings cook properly without sinking or becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe holds a special place in my heart, especially on those days when you’re longing for a classic comfort dish but need to avoid gluten. It’s simple, delicious, and just as satisfying as the original versions I used to make. I really hope you give it a try—I promise it’ll become a go-to in your family meal rotation, just as it did in mine. Cozy up with a bowl, and enjoy every delightful spoonful!
PrintGluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal perfect for a cozy dinner. It features tender cooked chicken, gluten-free broth, and fluffy gluten-free dumplings made with Bisquick Gluten Free mix. The use of dried sage, thyme, and onion powder adds warm, aromatic flavors, while the option for dairy-free milk and butter substitutes makes it adaptable to various dietary needs. Ready in just 35 minutes, this meal is both easy and satisfying, with the dumplings cooked directly in the savory broth for a perfectly blended taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 3-4 cups cooked skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 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
Dumplings
- 2 cups milk (use dairy-free options like cashew, coconut, or almond milk if preferred)
- 6 tablespoons gluten-free cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick Gluten Free mix
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2/3 cup milk (dairy-free alternatives as above)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (use Smart Balance, Earth Balance butter, or coconut oil for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: 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.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk and 6 tablespoons of gluten-free cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This slurry will help thicken the broth.
- Thicken the Broth: Pour the milk and cornstarch mixture into the boiling pot with the chicken broth and stir well to combine. Continue boiling to allow the broth to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Dumpling Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk the two eggs. Add the 1 1/2 cups Bisquick Gluten Free mix to the eggs and stir until combined. Then add the melted butter and 2/3 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative) and stir until the batter is fully mixed. Note that the batter will be sticky.
- Form and Cook Dumplings: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop for larger dumplings, drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering chicken broth mixture.
- Simmer Dumplings: Reduce the heat to low and cook the dumplings uncovered for 10 minutes to allow them to cook through.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the pot and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes to fully set the dumplings and let all flavors develop.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat and serve the chicken and dumplings hot. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated as needed. Enjoy your comforting gluten-free meal!
Notes
- This gluten-free chicken and dumplings recipe is a super easy, one-pot dinner ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- The recipe includes options to substitute dairy with plant-based milk and butter alternatives, making it suitable for those who are dairy-free.
- Using an ice cream scoop can help create uniformly sized, larger dumplings.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 451 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1207 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 134 mg