Chicken & Dumplings

5 from 3 votes

Chicken and dumplings was a frequent request during my childhood and was at the top of my list when I began making gluten-free versions of my family recipes. Use a pot that is about 9 to 10 inches across to allow enough surface to cook all the dumplings without crowding.

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Total Time1 hr 15 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 385kcal

Author: Beth Hillson

Ingredients

For the Stew:

1 quart (945 mL) gluten-free chicken stock, more as needed
¼ cup (60 mL) dry sherry or vermouth (optional)
2 cloves garlic , peeled and crushed
1¼ pounds (565 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Coarse ground salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion , roughly chopped
2 stalks celery , trimmed and chopped
3 medium carrots , peeled and chopped
3 medium parsnips , peeled and chopped
2 medium potatoes , peeled and cubed
1 teaspoon (1.2 g) dried thyme
¾ cup (113 g) frozen peas, thawed
¼ cup (15 g) minced fresh parsley leaves

For the Dumplings:

1 cup (120 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons (6 g) baking powder
½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher or fine sea salt
2 tablespoons (6 g) minced fresh chives or other fresh herbs
1½ tablespoons (22 g) butter or dairy-free butter alternative, melted
6 tablespoons (90 mL) milk of choice
1 large egg

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Heat the chicken stock to a gentle simmer in a medium pot. Add sherry, if using, and garlic. Add chicken thighs and salt and pepper, to taste. Poach, covered, for 7-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the thighs and cool. Skim foam off the surface of the liquid. Return the pot of chicken broth to medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, parsnips, potatoes, and thyme. Cover and simmer vegetables until just fork tender (about 10 minutes), while making the dumplings.
Make the dumpling batter by mixing together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add chopped chives or other fresh herbs. Blend together melted butter, milk, and egg. Add to the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or fork until mixture is moist and comes together. Do not overmix.
Cube the chicken and return to the pot. Add additional broth if mixture is too thick or liquid has cooked down too much. Return to a simmer.
Drop dumpling batter into the simmering stew by heaping tablespoonfuls. (Note that the dumplings will double in size as they cook.) Cover and simmer until dumplings are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Do not peek while the dumplings are cooking. In order for the dumplings to be light and fluffy, they must steam, not boil. If, after 15 minutes they are still not cooked through (use a toothpick or skewer to test), cover the pot again and cook for another 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, gently move the dumplings to a plate.
Stir peas and parsley into broth. Cook briefly to warm the peas. Ladle portions of stew and dumplings into soup bowls and serve. The mixture will continue to thicken as it sits.

Nutrition