Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (2024)

Table of Contents
Gluten free chicken and dumplings: a hearty, homemade meal Why this is the best gluten free chicken and dumplings recipe Shortcuts for a quick gluten free dinner Gluten free chicken and dumpling ingredients How to make gluten free soup dumplings from scratch More tips for making gluten free chicken and dumplings Check ingredient labels carefully Use an ice cream scooper Checking the dumplings for doneness How to store leftover gluten free chicken and biscuits How to reheat GF chicken and dumplings Can I freeze gluten free chicken and dumplings? Gluten free chicken and dumpling variations Classic Chicken and Dumplings Casserole (finished in the oven) Tater Tot Chicken and Dumplings Casserole Quick Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Gluten free dumpling soup: substitutions Gluten free, egg free chicken and dumplings Gluten free, dairy free chicken and dumplings FAQs Are dumplings gluten free? What are gluten free dumplings made of? Is Bisquick gluten free? Can I use gluten free Bisquick in this gf dumplings recipe? Can I use almond flour or coconut flour to make the gf dumplings? Can I use an Instant Pot to make gluten free chicken and dumplings? Can you thicken gluten free chicken and dumplings without flour? How do you keep gluten free dumplings from falling apart? Why aren't my gluten free drop dumplings fluffy? Why did my gluten free dumplings come out gummy? Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade Equipment Ingredients Instructions Notes Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade Equipment Ingredients Instructions Notes FAQs References

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (1)

5 from 11 votes

Prep Time : 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time : 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Making gluten free chicken and dumplings won't take all day. See how easy it is to make a hearty, homemade meal with this delicious gf chicken dumplings recipe.

Jump to Recipe

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (2)

Gluten free chicken and dumplings is a savory blend of aromatic vegetables, chicken, a simple white sauce and just the right spices.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (3)

Gluten free chicken and dumplings: a hearty, homemade meal

I put gluten free chicken and dumplings dinners into a very important category. No matter which way I make it, everyone in my family loves it because it hits all the right notes. It's hearty, flavorful, and filling, and, much like its more formal cousin gluten free chicken pot pie, just smells like home.

Why this is the best gluten free chicken and dumplings recipe

For the most classic variety of chicken and dumpling soup, the best gluten free dumplings are fluffy, airy rounds that are soft to the center. They’re simple to mix upand place on top of the aromatic filling that’s made on the stovetop.

The raw dumpling mixture is scooped on top of the cooked filling and then finished in the oven. The soup starts with a mirepoix, or a sauteed mixture of diced aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery,and onion cooked in some sort of fat.

The chicken in this gf dumplings recipe is cooked separately, but of course, it can be made ahead of time. I have also made this dish with gluten free rotisserie chicken and I thought it was delicious. My very spoiled children thought I was committing some sort of mortal sin.

Shortcuts for a quick gluten free dinner

There are, indeed, a few steps to getting it done. Chicken needs to be cooked and diced or shredded, vegetables cooked, and dumplings made. But most of those steps can be made or shortcut even days ahead of time.

If you're making a variety with gf biscuit dough instead of fluffy dumplings, shape the dough into rounds and store them in your freezer.

In place of fresh chopped and cooked carrots and celery, you can add vegetables like frozen peas and frozen carrots without defrosting them, right to the hot soup at the end when the dish is in its final round of cooking. They will defrost almost instantly.

The chicken can be made a couple of days ahead, and refrigerated (or even replaced with a GF rotisserie chicken). The vegetables can even be cooked and refrigerated for a couple days.

Then all that’s left is to make the super simple roux-based soup, mix up the easy dumpling batter if you're not using biscuits, and bake the casserole-style varieties. If I make the chicken and veg ahead of time, this is actually a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Gluten free chicken and dumpling ingredients

There are 4 chicken and dumplings varieties for you to choose from in this recipe, and they have various ingredients. Here are some important notes about the main ingredients in all of them:

  • Chicken – Since this is a recipe for chicken and dumplings, of course we'll need some cooked chicken as part of the finished dish. In the slow cooker variety, the chicken cooks right along with the other ingredients. In the other varieties, it's cooked separately in the oven, and can even be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to finish the dish.
  • Veggies – The classic vegetables you expect to find in chicken and dumplings are onions, celery, and carrots. Together, they make up the 3 vegetable aromatic blend referred to as mirepoix, which is sometimes available, already chopped for you, in the grocery store. It's a real luxury if you're willing to spend a few extra dollars.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – We use olive oil to cook the chicken breast and to sauté the vegetables, adding flavor as they cook.
  • Butter – To create the creamy base that you expect in chicken and dumplings, we need to thicken the chicken stock with a roux, which begins with butter that we melt in a pan.
  • Gluten free flour – To complete the roux, we cook a simple gum free gluten free flour blend in the melted butter. Avoid a gf flour blend with xanthan gum, which will create a gummy mess of a roux. You'll need a classic all purpose gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum, though, to make the biscuits or the dumpling batter.
  • Chicken stock – Choose a brand of chicken stock that has plenty of flavor, since it's the most plentiful ingredient in your soup. I rarely make my own chicken stock, since it just takes too long and Pacific chicken broth is so delicious.
  • Milk – To create a creamy soup, we'll use whole milk or half-and-half. Be sure to use something with fat, or your soup will miss that richness.
  • Eggs – The dumplings that cook in the casserole-style varieties are made using eggs that add structure, rise, and richness.
  • Spices – The classic spices in this sort of recipe are those in Herbs de Provence, but you can make your own blend using a combination of 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary, 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley.

How to make gluten free soup dumplings from scratch

If you're making your dish with the traditional fluffy, free-form gluten free dumplings recipe, you're going to be amazed at how easy it is to mix up the batter. It's a thick but soft mixture of blended gluten free flours, baking powder, salt, eggs, and milk that you'll mix up in a bowl, and scoop mounds into hot liquid with a spring-loaded ice cream scoop to cook in moments. Be careful, though, as the dumplings expand quite a lot in the liquid!

More tips for making gluten free chicken and dumplings

Check ingredient labels carefully

Check and double check to make sure that your two packaged elements (chicken stock and dried herbs) are safely gluten free. Gluten can be hiding in chicken stock if it contains any wheat, which can sometimes be used as a thickener. Most modern packaged gluten free chicken stocks, like Kitchen Basics and Pacific brands, are safe (but this could change over time, so check for yourself!).

Use an ice cream scooper

To shape the dumpling dough into proper portions and without the mess of just using a spoon, use a medium-size spring-loaded ice cream scoop. The spring-loaded sweeping arm will help you release the dough easily and cleanly into the pot.

Checking the dumplings for doneness

Make sure your dumplings or biscuits are cooked all the way through to the center by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should pass all the way through without any additional resistance.

How to store leftover gluten free chicken and biscuits

If you've made the classic style recipe with the fluffy, scooped dumplings, they should be eaten within a few hours of being cooked. Otherwise, they will continue to dissolve, slowly, into the liquid surrounding them.

How to reheat GF chicken and dumplings

If you've made the whole dish a couple of hours ahead of the time you plan to serve it, including cooking the dumplings in the liquid, remove the chicken and refrigerate just that since it's not safe to leave it out. Then, cover the rest of the soup and store it at room temperature. Then, add the chicken back in and reheat the soup gently at the lowest temperature possible.

Can I freeze gluten free chicken and dumplings?

Freezing a creamy casserole like this can change the texture of the dumplings, but the soup/stew can be frozen, and fresh dumplings added later.

Gluten free chicken and dumpling variations

Over the years, I’ve made so many varieties of this meal and kept them separated here on the blog. But I use these methods in a mix-and-match way in my own kitchen.

I thought you might like to see everything together in one place, with varying levels of ease and difficulty. Mix and match at will!

Classic Chicken and Dumplings Casserole (finished in the oven)

To make the most classic variety of chicken and dumplings, the dumplings are fluffy, airy rounds that are soft to the center. They're simple to mix upand place on top of the aromatic filling that's made on the stovetop.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (4)

The raw dumpling mixture is scooped on top of the cooked filling and then finished in the oven. The soup starts with a mirepoix, or a sauteed mixture of diced aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery,and onion cooked in some sort of fat.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (5)

The chicken in this recipe is cooked separately, but of course, it can be made ahead of time. I have also made this dish with gluten free rotisserie chicken and I thought it was delicious. My very spoiled children thought I was committing some sort of mortal sin.

Tater Tot Chicken and Dumplings Casserole

If you love the idea of making a chicken and dumplings casserole but are tight on time or just want a fun twist, replace the dumplings with tater tots.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (6)

Like in all of the varieties except the slow cooker recipe, we use olive oil to cook the vegetables to help them release and develop their flavor.You really could use any sort of fat you like, though.

Olive oil is a healthy fat, and I always have it on hand. But of course, if you wanted to be truly decadent, you could saute some pancetta or bacon and then cook the vegetables in the rendered fat. *swoon*

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (7)

There's no need to defrost the tater tots. Just arrange them on top in a single layer on top of the filling, and bake until the tots are crispy and golden, and the filling is bubbling.

Quick Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings

If you want to get a jump on chicken and dumplings, the quickest way is to make and freeze gluten free biscuits. If you have another favorite gluten free biscuit recipe from this site, like maybe my vegan gluten free biscuits, use that.

The other shortcut I recommend is making your own condensed cream of chicken soup. They even sell gluten free condensed soups now, too (Pacific brand is gluten free).If you have frozen biscuit rounds and GF condensed cream of chicken soup on hand, plus some chicken stock, you are so close to making chicken and dumplings.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (8)

You'll still need to cook the chicken separately according to the recipe instructions below, but that takes mere minutes and can also be made ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken, shred or chop it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (9)

This version encourages make-ahead, of course, since you'll need frozen biscuit dough. But you could also make it with the same dumplings from the casserole recipe.

The method is the same as using the biscuit dough, but you'll need to make sure you're using a large enough saucepan.Dumplings expand quite a bit when they cook in liquid.

Just cover the pan to retain enough heat in the pan, but lift the cover occasionally to stir the mixture gently. The same steps are necessary when using biscuit dough, but the biscuits won't expand as much.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

The final method is in the slow cooker, and it's the easiest yet especially since you cook the chicken right along with the vegetables in the liquid.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (10)

You'll have to switch up a few ingredients, but it's all explained below. Like the quick variety above, you can also replace the biscuit dough with the same dumplings mixture as the classic casserole.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (11)

Gluten free dumpling soup: substitutions

The main additional allergens in this recipe for gluten free dumplings are dairy in the form of milk, butter and cream, and eggs (in the dumplings). I haven’t tried making chicken and dumplings with any of these substitutions, but here are my best guesses for how to make it happen.

Gluten free, egg free chicken and dumplings

For an egg-free variety, instead of dumplings or the biscuit recipe I have linked below, use my vegan gluten free biscuits. They’re light and flaky, and they’ll work great. In fact, that’s the best way to make the gluten free, dairy free dumplings as well. You could also try the tater tot variety for a dairy-free “dumpling.”

Gluten free, dairy free chicken and dumplings

Making the soup portions dairy-free requires a bit more finesse. In place of butter to make the roux that mixes with flour for the casserole varieties, try using Earth Balance buttery sticks or Melt brand vegan butter.

You can buy dairy-free evaporated milk these days. I imagine it works quite well, although if it’s coconut milk-based, it may add some coconut flavor.

I haven’t made my homemade cream of chicken soup dairy-free, but that is only required for the slow cooker variety. A recipe like this has so many available modifications built right in, so there’s definitely a way!

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FAQs

Are dumplings gluten free?

No, conventional dumplings are made with wheat-based flour, so they contain gluten. The dumplings in this recipe are all gluten free, though, as they're made with gluten free flours.

What are gluten free dumplings made of?

The light, fluffy gluten free dumplings that are cooked in the rich soup are made by combining a high quality, well-balanced gluten free flour blend, lightened a bit with some cornstarch, with baking powder for lift, salt, beaten eggs, and milk.

Is Bisquick gluten free?

No, regular Bisquick is made with wheat flour, so it's not gluten free. Bisquick does make a gluten free variety, but the rice flour is quite gritty, so I don't recommend using it.

Can I use gluten free Bisquick in this gf dumplings recipe?

If you'd like to make gluten free Bisquick-style dumplings, you can try using our gluten free pancake mix in place of the all purpose gluten free flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder in the dumplings recipe below.

Can I use almond flour or coconut flour to make the gf dumplings?

No, these dumplings are made using a rice based all purpose gluten free flour blend, and almond and coconut flours are not proper substitutes. If you'd like to try experimenting with those flours to make dumplings, you can try using the dry ingredients from our Paleo almond flour pancakes or those from our coconut flour pancakes recipes as a starting point.

Can I use an Instant Pot to make gluten free chicken and dumplings?

Yes, you can try making the slow cooker variety of this recipe in your Instant Pot at high pressure for 10 minutes using our Colombian empanadas recipe instructions for making chicken in the Instant Pot as a starting point.

Can you thicken gluten free chicken and dumplings without flour?

All the varieties and possibilities in this recipe call for some gluten free flour blend to thicken the liquid. To avoid using flour at all, you could try cooking the liquid for longer to reduce it, and just expect a thinner soup.

How do you keep gluten free dumplings from falling apart?

Measure your dumpling ingredients by weight, not volume, and make sure the eggs and milk are at room temperature so everything combines properly. If you're concerned that the mixture is too runny, try letting it sit at room temperature, covered, so it thickens and holds together well.

Why aren't my gluten free drop dumplings fluffy?

Did you make ingredient substitutions? Measure by weight, not volume? Was your baking powder fresh? Your soup and/or oven hot enough, and your dumplings cooked long enough?

Why did my gluten free dumplings come out gummy?

If your dumplings are gummy, you may have under-measured the flour or over-measured the liquid, or used an unbalanced gluten free flour blend. You also may have removed the dumplings from the heat before they were cooked all the way through.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (13)

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Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade

Making gluten free chicken and dumplings won't take all day. See how easy it is to make a hearty, homemade meal with this delicious gf chicken dumplings recipe.

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Author: Nicole Hunn

Equipment

  • 6 to 8 quart slow cooker to make the "slow cooker" variety

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) extra virgin olive oil

For the soup

  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) extra virgin olive oil (See Recipe Notes)
  • 3 large carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 large stalks celery chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion peeled and chopped
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter (See Recipe Notes)
  • ½ cup (70 g) basic gum free gluten free flour blend (46 g superfine white rice flour + 16 g potato starch + 8 g tapioca starch/flour) (See Recipe Notes)
  • 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) chicken stock (See Recipe Notes)
  • ¾ cup (6 fluid ounces) whole milk or half and half (See Recipe Notes)
  • 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence (or substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary + 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme + 1/2 teaspoon dried basil + 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley)

For the dumplings

  • 1 ¾ cups (245 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend (I used Better Batter; click thru for appropriate blends)
  • ¼ cup (35 g) cornstarch
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 (100 g (weighed out of shell)) eggs at room temperature, beaten
  • ¾ cup (6 fluid ounces) milk (any kind, just not nonfat), at room temperature
  • OR 1 recipe gluten free biscuits chilled
  • OR 1 pound frozen gluten free tater tots (OreIda brand is gluten free)

Instructions

To prepare the chicken (for methods other than the slow cooker variety).

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.

  • Line a large rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper, and place the chicken breasts on top.

  • Sprinkle the salt and pepper on both sides of the meat, and drizzle with the olive oil.

  • Place in the center of the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer (25 to 35 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the meat).

  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. Set the chicken aside. The chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To make the soup for the casserole varieties.

  • In a medium-size, heavy-bottom saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper, and stir to combine.

  • Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are all fork-tender (about 10 minutes).

  • Push the vegetables to the side of the saucepan and melt the butter in the center.

  • Add the flour blend and whisk until well-combined. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to simmer and smell fragrant (about 2 minutes).

  • Slowly add the chicken stock, and then the milk and the herbs, whisking constantly, until well-combined.

  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken (about 8 minutes).

  • Add the cooked chicken, and mix to combine. Grease a 9-inch x 12-inch casserole dish and pour in the soup and chicken.

For the dumpling casserole, prepare the dumplings.

  • In a medium-size bowl, place the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, and whisk to combine well.

  • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs and milk, mixing to combine after each addition. The batter will be thick.

  • Using a large spring-loaded ice cream scooper or two large spoons, scoop the dumpling batter in portions that are about 1/4-cup each and place them on top of the casserole filling, evenly spaced apart.

If using tater tots.

  • Place the 1 pound of frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the casserole filling.

  • For both dumpling-style casserole varieties.

To cook the casserole varieties.

  • Place the casserole dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake until the dumplings are cooked through and lightly golden brown on top (about 20 minutes) or the tater tots are browned and the filling is bubbling (about 15 minutes).

  • Serve hot.

For a quick stovetop chicken and dumplings.

  • In a large stockpot, place the oil, 6 cups chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, salt, pepper, and herbs, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  • Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 5 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.

  • Uncover the pot, add the cream of chicken soup, stir to combine and return to a gentle boil.

  • Add the chilled biscuit wedges to the boiling liquid and stir gently so the biscuits don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

  • Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. They will float to the bottom of the pot after a minute or so.

  • Uncover the pot, add the cubed chicken and stir gently to combine. Serve hot.

For slow cooker chicken and dumplings.

  • Grease the liner of a 6-quart slow cooker with the olive oil.

  • Add the chicken stock, milk, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, salt, pepper and, and mix to combine.

  • Add the raw chicken breasts, and stir to separate the breasts from one another.

  • Into a measuring cup with at least a 2-cup capacity (or another similarly-sized container with a pour spout), pour the evaporated milk.

  • Add the flour blend and whisk until the flour is fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth.

  • Add the herbs de Provence, and whisk again to combine.

  • Pour the evaporated milk mixture into the slow cooker liner, and mix to combine.

  • Cover the slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and the vegetables are very tender.

  • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks while it’s still warm.

  • Using an immersion blender, puree the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker.

  • Turn the slow cooker to “high” and add the frozen biscuit wedges to the soup. Mix gently to combine.

  • Cover the slow cooker and allow to cook until the biscuits are cooked through (between 30 minutes and 1 hour on “high,” depending on your slow cooker).

  • Serve the soup immediately, and top each bowl with an equal amount of the shredded chicken.

Notes

For the “Quick Chicken and Dumplings” method, in place of the butter, flour, stock and half and half, use 6 cups (48 fluid ounces) of chicken stock and 1 recipe (about 24 ounces) gluten free cream of chicken soup

For the “Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings” method, eliminate the butter as an ingredient. Add 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) peeled and shredded russet potatoes to the vegetables. In place of the half and half, use 3 cups of milk and one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk.

Casserole dish adapted from Chef-in-Training. Original post published in 2015. In 2018, video and many photos new; in 2022, text resources added.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (14)

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Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade

Making gluten free chicken and dumplings won't take all day. See how easy it is to make a hearty, homemade meal with this delicious gf chicken dumplings recipe.

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Author: Nicole Hunn

Equipment

  • 6 to 8 quart slow cooker to make the "slow cooker" variety

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) extra virgin olive oil

For the soup

  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) extra virgin olive oil (See Recipe Notes)
  • 3 large carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 large stalks celery chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion peeled and chopped
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter (See Recipe Notes)
  • ½ cup (70 g) basic gum free gluten free flour blend (46 g superfine white rice flour + 16 g potato starch + 8 g tapioca starch/flour) (See Recipe Notes)
  • 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) chicken stock (See Recipe Notes)
  • ¾ cup (6 fluid ounces) whole milk or half and half (See Recipe Notes)
  • 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence (or substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary + 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme + 1/2 teaspoon dried basil + 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley)

For the dumplings

  • 1 ¾ cups (245 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend (I used Better Batter; click thru for appropriate blends)
  • ¼ cup (35 g) cornstarch
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 (100 g (weighed out of shell)) eggs at room temperature, beaten
  • ¾ cup (6 fluid ounces) milk (any kind, just not nonfat), at room temperature
  • OR 1 recipe gluten free biscuits chilled
  • OR 1 pound frozen gluten free tater tots (OreIda brand is gluten free)

Instructions

To prepare the chicken (for methods other than the slow cooker variety).

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.

  • Line a large rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper, and place the chicken breasts on top.

  • Sprinkle the salt and pepper on both sides of the meat, and drizzle with the olive oil.

  • Place in the center of the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer (25 to 35 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the meat).

  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. Set the chicken aside. The chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To make the soup for the casserole varieties.

  • In a medium-size, heavy-bottom saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper, and stir to combine.

  • Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are all fork-tender (about 10 minutes).

  • Push the vegetables to the side of the saucepan and melt the butter in the center.

  • Add the flour blend and whisk until well-combined. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to simmer and smell fragrant (about 2 minutes).

  • Slowly add the chicken stock, and then the milk and the herbs, whisking constantly, until well-combined.

  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken (about 8 minutes).

  • Add the cooked chicken, and mix to combine. Grease a 9-inch x 12-inch casserole dish and pour in the soup and chicken.

For the dumpling casserole, prepare the dumplings.

  • In a medium-size bowl, place the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, and whisk to combine well.

  • Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs and milk, mixing to combine after each addition. The batter will be thick.

  • Using a large spring-loaded ice cream scooper or two large spoons, scoop the dumpling batter in portions that are about 1/4-cup each and place them on top of the casserole filling, evenly spaced apart.

If using tater tots.

  • Place the 1 pound of frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the casserole filling.

  • For both dumpling-style casserole varieties.

To cook the casserole varieties.

  • Place the casserole dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake until the dumplings are cooked through and lightly golden brown on top (about 20 minutes) or the tater tots are browned and the filling is bubbling (about 15 minutes).

  • Serve hot.

For a quick stovetop chicken and dumplings.

  • In a large stockpot, place the oil, 6 cups chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, salt, pepper, and herbs, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  • Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 5 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.

  • Uncover the pot, add the cream of chicken soup, stir to combine and return to a gentle boil.

  • Add the chilled biscuit wedges to the boiling liquid and stir gently so the biscuits don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

  • Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. They will float to the bottom of the pot after a minute or so.

  • Uncover the pot, add the cubed chicken and stir gently to combine. Serve hot.

For slow cooker chicken and dumplings.

  • Grease the liner of a 6-quart slow cooker with the olive oil.

  • Add the chicken stock, milk, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, salt, pepper and, and mix to combine.

  • Add the raw chicken breasts, and stir to separate the breasts from one another.

  • Into a measuring cup with at least a 2-cup capacity (or another similarly-sized container with a pour spout), pour the evaporated milk.

  • Add the flour blend and whisk until the flour is fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth.

  • Add the herbs de Provence, and whisk again to combine.

  • Pour the evaporated milk mixture into the slow cooker liner, and mix to combine.

  • Cover the slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and the vegetables are very tender.

  • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks while it’s still warm.

  • Using an immersion blender, puree the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker.

  • Turn the slow cooker to “high” and add the frozen biscuit wedges to the soup. Mix gently to combine.

  • Cover the slow cooker and allow to cook until the biscuits are cooked through (between 30 minutes and 1 hour on “high,” depending on your slow cooker).

  • Serve the soup immediately, and top each bowl with an equal amount of the shredded chicken.

Notes

For the “Quick Chicken and Dumplings” method, in place of the butter, flour, stock and half and half, use 6 cups (48 fluid ounces) of chicken stock and 1 recipe (about 24 ounces) gluten free cream of chicken soup

For the “Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings” method, eliminate the butter as an ingredient. Add 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) peeled and shredded russet potatoes to the vegetables. In place of the half and half, use 3 cups of milk and one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk.

Casserole dish adapted from Chef-in-Training. Original post published in 2015. In 2018, video and many photos new; in 2022, text resources added.

Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch | Hearty & Homemade (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep dumplings from falling apart in chicken and dumplings? ›

So that they cook perfectly, the dumplings need to steam, so cover the pot with its lid. Keep the pot at a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings. An aggressive simmer or boiling will break them apart. Keep the heat low and cover the pot so that they steam.

What is a good flour substitute for dumplings? ›

White rice flour is one of the lightest coloured gluten free flours. Using other gluten free grains, like buckwheat or quinoa, tends to produce a more 'wholemeal' looking dumpling.

Why are my chicken and dumplings not fluffy? ›

Don't Overwork the Dumpling Dough

Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don't see any more dry flour. The dough might look a little lumpy, but that's okay! Overworking the dough is one of the easiest ways to end up with tough dumplings.

Do wonton wrappers contain gluten? ›

Traditional Chinese wonton wrappers are made from wheat flour, eggs and water, and can be used to wrap around any number of fillings to be cooked in soups or fried. That's obviously a no-go for anyone eating gluten free.

How do you thicken homemade chicken and dumplings? ›

Use Cornstarch to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings

To give that a little thicker texture we're going to add 1 cup of cool water to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and stir it up well. Make sure the soup is brought back to a good boil and go ahead and stir in the cornstarch mixture.

Do you cook dumplings covered or uncovered? ›

Cover and simmer until dumplings are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Once you have covered the pan, do not uncover and peek while the dumplings are cooking! In order for the dumplings to be light and fluffy, they must steam, not boil. Uncovering the pan releases the steam.

Why did my homemade dumplings fall apart? ›

5 Common Reasons Dumplings Fall Apart

Others can be too wet and sticky and end up tearing. If the filling isn't cohesive enough, it will tumble out when you bite into it. If there's air trapped in the sealed dumpling, it will balloon during cooking, causing an explosive first bite.

What can I add to the dumplings to make them taste better? ›

A teaspoon of sugar adds an extremely subtle hint of sweetness. It also helps the dumplings retain their moisture through the cooking process and slows gluten development, which ensures tender dumplings. A pinch of salt seasons the dumplings and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

What can you substitute if you run out of flour? ›

11 best flour substitutions
  • Chickpea flour. Often confused with besan (see below), chickpea flour is made from ground white chickpeas. ...
  • Almond flour. Almond flour is an excellent alternative to have in your kitchen cupboard. ...
  • Gluten-free flour mixture. ...
  • Coconut flour. ...
  • Gram flour (besan) ...
  • Rice flour. ...
  • Buckwheat flour. ...
  • Oat flour.
Jan 31, 2023

How do you make homemade flour substitute? ›

Use: All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch

To get the right ratio, measure out 1 cup of flour, then remove 2 tablespoons. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and sift together several times to ensure it's well mixed. Repeat this process for as many cups as you need, or to make a large batch and save for later use.

What makes chicken and dumplings tough? ›

The chicken isn't tough/overcooked: It's never brought to a full boil (this is what makes chicken tough). The diced/uncooked chicken is added to the soup just before the dumplings are added and are gently simmered for 15 minutes to allow them to finish cooking.

Are dumplings supposed to float in chicken and dumplings? ›

The outside will look moist, but the inside will be cooked through. 3. The dumplings will float to the top of the broth, even though at first they may plop under the broth. It's okay if they cook on top of the chicken pieces.

How do you keep your dumplings from dissolving in chicken and dumplings? ›

Lower your heat so that your broth is just barely barely barely boiling and drop these pieces in one at a time. It is important that you DO NOT STIR. We are not going to stir these as we don't want our dumplings cooking up. If you do stir, you will basically cause your dumplings to dissolve.

What is gluten-free from Chinese? ›

Check to make sure that there is no wheat flour in other spices used. To avoid gluten, choose simply prepared dishes, such as steamed vegetables, poultry, meat, seafood, or tofu. Ask questions about how the food is prepared, and make sure that there are no hidden sources of gluten added to the dish.

What are dumplings usually made of? ›

Dumplings are most commonly formed from flour or meal bound with egg and then simmered in water or gravy stock until they take on a light cakey texture. Many recipes call for herbs, onions, grated cheese, or chopped meat to be rolled into the dough before cooking.

What are gluten-free buns made of? ›

Gluten-free breads are made using all sorts of grain and legume flours which are naturally free of gluten, including rice, almond, buckwheat, chickpea, sorghum, quinoa, and millet. If you were to toss any of these flours with water, yeast, and salt, you'd end up with one lovely mess that wouldn't go anywhere…

What are gluten-free noodles made of? ›

What is Gluten-Free Pasta? Coming in all the classic pasta shapes and sizes you love, gluten-free pasta noodles are those that have been made without wheat or any other gluten-containing ingredients by replacing them with corn, rice, and even potato flour.

References

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