Healthy Chicken and Dumplings

This healthy chicken and dumplings gives all the comfort of the classic dish with a lighter twist that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight routine. Using lean chicken and gluten-free dumplings keeps it nourishing but still deeply satisfying. It warms you up without weighing you down.

I first made this when craving chicken and dumplings but wanting to be healthier. It quickly became a favorite dinner for the whole family, especially in colder months.

Ingredients

• Yellow onion: diced to add natural sweetness and depth cooking it softens the edges and builds the flavor base
• Carrots: diced for a touch of earthiness and vibrant color fresh and firm carrots give the best texture
• Celery: diced adds that classic flavor layering it with onions and carrots creates a well-rounded base
• Olive oil: for sautéing adds healthy fat and helps develop the vegetables’ aroma choose extra virgin for more flavor
• Plain yogurt: thinned with warm water adds creaminess and tang lowering fat while keeping moisture in the stew
• Cooked chicken: shredded or cubed lean protein that soaks up the flavors of the broth easily choose rotisserie or leftover roast chicken for ease
• Chicken broth: the core liquid of the stew best with homemade or low-sodium store-bought for control over salt
• Bay leaves and dried thyme: bring herbal notes essential for that comforting chicken stew aroma
• Fresh parsley: chopped for topping adds brightness and freshness at the end optional but highly recommended
• Gluten-free flour: for dumplings accommodates gluten sensitivities and holds the dough together look for a mix well suited for baking not all flours behave the same
• Eggs: to bind the dumpling dough and provide structure fresh large eggs give the best rise and texture
• Baking powder: to help the dumplings puff up adding lightness to the otherwise dense gluten-free dough
• Minced chives and parsley: mixed in the dumplings to infuse fresh, subtle herb flavor choose fresh herbs if possible for the best aroma
• Salt and pepper: balance and enhance all the flavors throughout

Instructions

Build The Flavor Base:

Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat for about five to seven minutes until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables soften. This step releases their natural sweetness and creates a rich foundation for the stew.

Prepare The Yogurt Mixture:

Whisk plain yogurt with a quarter cup of warm water until smooth and slightly thinned. This helps the yogurt incorporate easily into the broth without curdling when heated.

Combine The Stew Ingredients:

Add your shredded or cubed cooked chicken, chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, and the thinned yogurt mixture to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring everything gradually to a low boil allowing the flavors to meld.

Make The Dumpling Dough:

In a mixing bowl, whisk the two large eggs first. Then add gluten-free flour, baking powder, minced chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to form a sticky, smooth dough. It will be wetter than traditional dough, which is normal for gluten-free mixes.

Drop The Dumplings In:

Lightly grease a small or medium cookie scoop with olive oil and scoop dumpling batter directly into the simmering stew. Keep the dumplings spaced apart and spray the scoop between each to avoid sticking. Size can vary depending on your preference.

Simmer Until Cooked Through:

Let the stew simmer uncovered for ten to twelve minutes so the dumplings cook on the surface, then cover and simmer for an additional five minutes. This ensures dumplings are cooked through and soft yet hold their shape.

Finish And Serve:

Remove bay leaves and ladle the stew into bowls. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an herbaceous finish and enjoy right away while warm and comforting.

My favorite part is those tender, herb-studded dumplings soaking up the savory broth. This dish reminds me of cozy Sundays with family gathered around the table, sharing stories and second helpings.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The dumplings will soften more so reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep them from breaking apart. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap plain yogurt for sour cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Use turkey or even a mix of leftover roasted veggies if you want a vegetarian twist just skip the chicken and add a vegetable broth base. Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried but start with less as their flavor is more concentrated.

Serving Ideas

This stew shines with a simple side of steamed greens or a crisp green salad to cut the richness. A crusty gluten-free bread works wonderfully to mop up every last bit of broth and dumpling. For a cozy weekend, pair it with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Seasonal Twists

Add diced butternut squash or sweet potato in place of or alongside carrots in the fall for sweetness and extra nutrients. In spring swap parsley and chives for fresh dill or tarragon for a bright herbal note. For summer serve this slightly cooled or as a thick stew over rice for a lighter meal.

This healthy chicken and dumplings recipe combines comfort and healthfulness in every bite.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How can I make sure the dumplings don’t stick during cooking?

Lightly grease your scooping tool with oil before dropping the dumplings into the simmering broth. This helps prevent sticking and ensures dumplings drop easily.

→ What is the best way to shred the cooked chicken?

Using two forks, pull the cooked chicken apart into bite-sized shreds. Alternatively, chopping into small cubes works well for even texture.

→ Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Additional veggies like peas or green beans can be added during simmering for more texture and flavor.

→ How do I adjust the flavor intensity?

Modify the amount of thyme and bay leaves to suit your taste. For a richer base, homemade broth works wonderfully.

→ What’s a good way to serve this dish?

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top for a fresh and vibrant finish.