Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Updated Mar 30, 2026, Published Jan 22, 2014
This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Easy One-Pot Comfort Food That’s Cozy, Hearty, and Weeknight-Friendly
If you’ve been missing classic comfort food, this Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings it all back—rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings. Even better, it’s designed to be approachable, using simple shortcuts so you can enjoy a cozy, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This is the kind of recipe that works just as well for a comforting family dinner as it does for meal prep, and once you make it, it’s likely to become a regular in your rotation.
Table of Contents
- Easy One-Pot Comfort Food That’s Cozy, Hearty, and Weeknight-Friendly
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What You’ll Need
- What Makes This Recipe Special
- Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Dumplings
- Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Easy Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When to Serve This Recipe
- The Last Bite
- Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Comfort Food—Made Gluten-Free
This dish delivers everything you love about traditional chicken and dumplings, just without the gluten. It’s warm, satisfying, and full of nostalgic flavor.
Easy Enough for Weeknights
Using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and prepared broth keeps this recipe practical and doable any night of the week.
Hearty and Filling
With protein-rich chicken, vegetables, and dumplings, this is a complete meal in one pot—no sides required (unless you want them!).
Customizable for Dietary Needs
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free and adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand.
What You’ll Need
To make this gluten-free chicken and dumplings recipe, you’ll need:
Olive oil
Carrots, onion, and garlic
Gluten-free chicken broth
Cooked shredded chicken (such as rotisserie)
Bay leaves
Bacon, mushrooms, and green onions (optional topping)
Salt and black pepper
For the dumplings:
Gluten-free flour blend
Baking powder and baking soda
Sugar
Butter or dairy-free alternative
Buttermilk or dairy-free buttermilk substitute
These pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful dish with minimal effort.
What Makes This Recipe Special
A Shortcut That Actually Works
Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor, making this recipe especially practical for busy days.
A Flavor-Packed Topping
The addition of crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and green onions adds a savory, slightly smoky finish that takes this dish to the next level.
Soft, Pillowy Dumplings
The dumplings cook in the broth, soaking up flavor while becoming tender and fluffy, exactly what you want in a classic chicken and dumplings recipe.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Dumplings
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Mix just until combined to keep the dumplings light and tender.
Keep the Soup at a Gentle Simmer
Too much heat can break down gluten-free dumplings—low and steady is key.
Cover While Cooking
Letting the dumplings steam in a covered pot helps them cook through and stay soft.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth
- Make a double batch for easy lunches throughout the week
Easy Variations
Make It Dairy-Free
Use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes to keep the recipe completely dairy-free.
Add More Vegetables
Peas, celery, or green beans are great additions for extra texture and nutrition.
Skip the Bacon
The topping is optional, feel free to leave it out or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make gluten-free chicken and dumplings dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap in dairy-free milk and butter alternatives, and use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
You can, but the dumplings may soften slightly when reheated. For best texture, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers.
What’s the best gluten-free flour for dumplings?
A high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend works best for structure and texture. We like THIS ONE.
When to Serve This Recipe
This dish is perfect for:
- Cozy weeknight dinners
- Cold weather comfort meals
- Family gatherings
- Meal prep lunches
It’s filling, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
The Last Bite
This Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, or off-limits. With simple ingredients, smart shortcuts, and rich, satisfying flavor, it delivers everything you want in a classic dish.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or prepping meals for the week, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups gluten free chicken broth
- 1 whole gluten free rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed and shredded or chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 slices nitrate free bacon
- 1 pound mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 4 green onions – white and green parts, chopped
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1½ cups gluten free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter or dairy free butter substitute, melted
- 1 cup more or less buttermilk or dairy free buttermilk substitute*
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth, chicken, and bay leaves and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, chop the bacon into pieces about ½ inch. Place in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until it has rendered its fat and the bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, and add the mushrooms. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they are browned, about 8 minutes. Take off the heat, add the bacon back to the pan and add the green onions. Season to taste with salt and pepper and reserve until you serve the chicken and dumplings.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, and the sugar. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork. Starting with about ¾ cup, stir in the buttermilk. Keep adding buttermilk, a little at a time, until the mixture forms into a soft dough.
- Drop tablespoons of the batter onto the top of the simmering soup, cover the pan and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve in bowls topped with the bacon mixture.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
i dont know what i did wrong they werent like regular dumplings they turned into like rubber balls so bummed i have to eat gluten free cause im very allergic to wheat and gluten ,HELP what did i do wrong !!
Hi Helenee,
It could have been your flour or it could have been that you over mixed it. You could also try cutting back a little bit on the buttermilk.
xo,
Carol
will these dumplings hold up to being frozen and reheated?
I LOVE this recipe. The dumplings were light & puffy (per the gf child) & fluffy. This is the first glutenfree thing I have made that was worth eating & I have been at this for a year & a half. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!
You’re so welcome Shannon!
xo,
Carol
I was looking for gluten free dumplings recipe for my beef stew i came across this recipe OMG it’s good i can’t wait to make the chicken soup. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome Nancy! I hope you enjoy it.
xo, Carol
Hi,
Thank you for you’re recipe, I’m eager to try it! Could you recommend a substitute for the mushrooms. We have corn and green bean allergies so was wondering what I could put in it’s place please
Thanks
Hi Bee,
You can just leave them out.
xo, Carol
Hands down the best I’ve had! Thanks for this recipe. I’ll definitely make this again!
Delicious! Family loved it. I’ll add more carrots, maybe some celery, and possibly thicken the soup portion with a little potato flakes. I added some thyme and parsley. It was a hit!
I am making this for a friend. Filling her freezer with meals. Will the dumplings hold up to being frozen and reheated?
Hi Amy,
What a nice friend you are! Yes, the dumplings should hold up just fine.
xo,
Carol