If you’re craving comfort food but need to keep it gluten-free, this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is seriously going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this dish comes together—creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings that just melt in your mouth. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a chilly day, and the best part is, it’s made without any gluten, so everyone can enjoy it!
When I first tried this recipe, I was a bit worried about the dumplings turning out right since I hadn’t experimented much with gluten-free mixes before. But here’s what I learned – using the Bisquick Gluten Free mix and a simple cornstarch-thickened broth makes the texture just perfect. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, you’ll find that this recipe is both easy and delicious, giving you that classic chicken and dumplings feel without the gluten.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free and Comforting: Finally enjoy classic chicken and dumplings without worrying about gluten sensitivity.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and easy swaps like gluten-free Bisquick and dairy-free milk.
- Perfectly Fluffy Dumplings: The dumplings turn out tender and light thanks to a simple, foolproof batter.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe are straightforward and work beautifully together to create a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Look for a good-quality gluten-free Bisquick mix and use dairy-free milk if you want to keep it totally allergen-friendly.
- Chicken: I love grabbing a rotisserie chicken to save time, but boiled chicken works just as well.
- Gluten-free chicken broth: Rich broth is the base of your stew; choose a low-sodium option if you want better control over salt levels.
- Gluten-free frozen mixed vegetables: A quick way to add color and nutrients without extra chopping.
- Sage, thyme, and onion powder: These dried herbs add the classic cozy flavors you expect in chicken and dumplings.
- Salt: Just a little to enhance all the flavors.
- Dairy-free milk: Cashew, coconut, or almond milk work great here—choose the one you like best.
- Gluten-free cornstarch: This thickens the broth perfectly without cloudiness.
- Bisquick Gluten Free mix: The star for making your dumplings light and fluffy.
- Eggs: Whisked into the dumpling batter to bind and add richness.
- Unsalted butter or dairy-free alternative: Melted into the dumpling batter for tenderness and flavor.
Variations
One of the things I really enjoy about this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it based on what you have or prefer. Feel free to add your own spin—think extra veggies, different herbs, or even swapping the chicken for turkey for a twist.
- Add More Veggies: I sometimes toss in chopped celery or carrots when I want extra crunch and color, and my family never complains.
- Dairy-Free Options: Using coconut or almond milk along with dairy-free butter makes this recipe friendly for those with dairy allergies.
- Herb Swaps: If you don’t have sage or thyme, rosemary or parsley can be delicious substitutes.
- Spicier Version: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick I’ve grown to appreciate on colder nights.
How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Broth Base
Start by adding your gluten-free chicken broth to a large pot, then toss in diced chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and all the dried herbs and onion powder. Bring this to a low boil over medium heat. This step is all about layering those cozy, comforting flavors—so take a minute to give everything a gentle stir and let the broth get nice and hot before moving on.
Step 2: Thicken the Broth with Cornstarch and Milk
In a small bowl, mix together your dairy-free milk and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves completely—no lumps here! Slowly pour this mixture into the pot while stirring. You’ll notice the broth will start to thicken up, making it wonderfully silky and perfect for holding those dumplings.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
Whisk your eggs in a medium bowl, then stir in the gluten-free Bisquick mix. Add the melted butter and milk, mixing everything until well combined. The batter will be sticky, so don’t worry if it looks a bit different from traditional dumpling dough—that’s expected with gluten-free mixes!
Step 4: Drop and Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop (I prefer this because it gives me nicely sized dumplings), drop heaping spoonfuls of the batter into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low so everything simmers gently—this helps the dumplings cook through without falling apart. Let them cook uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover the pot and simmer for another 15 minutes to ensure the dumplings are cooked all the way through and fluffy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and serve your Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe right away. Ladle it generously into bowls, and get ready to dive into some comforting goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Use a Rotisserie Chicken: It saves so much time and adds extra flavor from all the seasonings already in the chicken.
- Don’t Skimp on Herbs: The dried sage and thyme give the broth that authentic, comforting taste—don’t leave them out.
- Ice Cream Scoop for Dumplings: Using a scoop gives you perfectly sized dumplings that cook evenly and look enticing in the bowl.
- Simmer Don’t Boil: Keep the heat low when cooking dumplings to avoid them breaking apart or turning rubbery.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and herby brightness. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds a nice finishing touch and depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is such a full meal that I like to keep sides simple—usually a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. But if you want to amp it up, gluten-free breadsticks or cornbread are wonderful for soaking up all that rich broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this in rustic bread bowls, which not only look charming but add a fun interactive element to dinner. Another time, I layered the dumplings over creamy mashed potatoes for a unique twist that my guests absolutely loved!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last up to 3 days. The dumplings soak up some of the broth overnight, so when you reheat, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the stew back up.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with good results. Freeze it in portion-sized containers for easy reheating later. Just be aware that the texture of the dumplings changes slightly when frozen and thawed, but the flavor remains comforting and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking up the dumplings, stirring occasionally and adding liquid if needed to restore the broth’s consistency. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps keep the dumplings from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I make this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the milk for your favorite dairy-free option like almond, cashew, or coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter substitute to melt into the dumpling batter. The dish will still be rich and creamy without any dairy.
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What gluten-free flour can I use instead of Bisquick?
If you don’t have gluten-free Bisquick on hand, you can use a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt as a substitute. Experimenting with the right ratio might take a couple tries to get the fluffy dumpling texture just right.
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How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
After simmering for about 25 minutes total, the dumplings should be firm to the touch but tender inside. A good test is to cut one open; if it’s cooked through with no raw dough in the center, they’re ready to eat.
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Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! Feel free to use chopped fresh carrots, peas, and green beans. Just toss them into the broth early so they have enough time to soften as the dumplings cook.
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Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe freezes well, though the texture of dumplings can become denser after thawing. Freezing in meal-sized portions works best for reheating convenience.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want to feel nurtured but need to keep things gluten-free. I hope you find it as comforting and easy to make as I do. Give it a try next time you want to cozy up with a bowl of something hearty and delicious—you won’t regret it!
Print
Gluten-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
A comforting and hearty Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings recipe featuring tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy gluten-free dumplings, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe uses gluten-free ingredients and offers dairy-free alternatives for milk and butter, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities and lactose intolerance.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 3–4 cups cooked skinless chicken breasts, diced (rotisserie or boiled)
- 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
- 2 cups milk (dairy-free options: cashew, coconut, or almond milk)
- 6 tablespoons gluten-free cornstarch
Dumplings
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick Gluten Free mix
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2/3 cup milk (dairy-free options: cashew, coconut, or almond milk)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (dairy-free alternatives: Smart Balance, Earth Balance butter, or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth and chicken: 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.
- Create the thickening mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and gluten-free cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved to avoid lumps. Pour this mixture into the large pot with the chicken broth and stir thoroughly. Continue to bring the broth to a boil.
- Make the dumpling batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the gluten-free Bisquick mix to the eggs and stir until combined. Then, add the melted butter and milk to the mixture, stirring until the batter is sticky and uniform in texture.
- Cook the dumplings: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the boiling chicken broth mixture. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook the dumplings uncovered for 10 minutes to allow them to set and cook through.
- Simmer covered: Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for an additional 15 minutes on low heat. This ensures the dumplings steam and become fluffy and tender.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting gluten-free meal!
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or boil your chicken breasts if preferred.
- Dairy-free milk and butter alternatives are recommended for lactose intolerance or vegan preferences.
- When dropping dumplings, an ice cream scoop helps create uniformly sized dumplings.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure all products are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
