Healthier Chicken and Dumplings: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Healthier Chicken and Dumplings, a comforting classic reimagined! Are you craving the warm, hearty embrace of chicken and dumplings but want to skip the heavy, guilt-inducing ingredients? Then you’ve come to the right place. I’m thrilled to share my lighter, brighter take on this beloved dish, proving that you can enjoy all the flavor without sacrificing your well-being.

Chicken and dumplings, in its various forms, has been a staple in kitchens across the globe for centuries. From the simple peasant fare of boiled dough and broth to the more elaborate versions we know today, it represents resourcefulness and the power of simple ingredients to create something truly satisfying. In the American South, where it’s particularly cherished, chicken and dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of family, tradition, and home.

What makes chicken and dumplings so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of tender, savory chicken, a rich, flavorful broth, and those pillowy-soft dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little comfort food. My version of healthier chicken and dumplings maintains all of that comforting goodness, but with a few smart swaps and additions, we’ll create a dish that’s both delicious and nourishing. Get ready to enjoy a lighter, brighter, and equally satisfying bowl of this timeless classic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• For the Broth:
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1/4 cup water
• For the Dumplings:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for building flavor right from the start!
2. Now, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this point; we just want to get a nice sear on it. This browning process adds depth of flavor to the final dish. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
3. Next, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the same pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is called sweating the vegetables, and it helps to release their natural sweetness and create a flavorful base for the broth.
4. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot with the vegetables. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Creating the Broth

1. Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the vegetables and herbs. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. While the chicken is simmering, prepare a slurry by whisking together the flour and water in a small bowl until smooth. This slurry will help to thicken the broth.
4. After the chicken has simmered for 15-20 minutes, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Slowly pour the flour slurry into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Increase the heat to medium and bring the broth back to a simmer. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a bit more slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of water).

Making the Dumplings

1. While the broth is thickening, let’s make the dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. The baking powder is what will give our dumplings a light and fluffy texture.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to use cold butter for this step, as it will create pockets of air that will result in tender dumplings.
3. Gradually add the milk (or almond milk), stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough dumplings. The dough should be slightly sticky.
4. Gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley, if using. The parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the dumplings.

Cooking the Dumplings

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. You can use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to create evenly sized dumplings. Be sure to leave some space between the dumplings, as they will expand as they cook.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. It’s important to keep the pot covered during this step, as the steam is what cooks the dumplings.
3. To check if the dumplings are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the dumplings. If the toothpick comes out clean, the dumplings are cooked through. If not, continue to simmer for a few more minutes.

Serving and Enjoying

1. Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the pot from the heat. Let the chicken and dumplings sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further.
2. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
3. This healthier chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor, comforting, and relatively easy to make. Plus, by using low-sodium chicken broth and lean chicken breasts, you can enjoy this classic dish without the guilt.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the broth, such as peas, green beans, or corn.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as sage or oregano, to customize the flavor of the broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for a little bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the broth and the dumplings to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk alternative for the dumplings to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and add the dumplings.
• Freezing: Chicken and dumplings can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The dumplings may lose some of their texture after freezing, but the dish will still be delicious.
• Thickening the Broth Further: If you find that your broth isn’t thick enough, you can create another slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Add this to the simmering broth and stir until thickened.
• Preventing Sticky Dumplings: To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the pot, make sure the broth is simmering gently and not boiling vigorously. Also, avoid lifting the lid too often while the dumplings are cooking, as this can release steam and affect their texture.
• Adding More Flavor to the Chicken: For an even more flavorful chicken, you can marinate it in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fiber: 3-5g

Enjoy your homemade, healthier Chicken and Dumplings!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This isn’t just another chicken and dumplings recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting classic reimagined for a healthier lifestyle. I truly believe this Healthier Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a must-try for anyone craving that familiar, heartwarming flavor without the guilt. We’ve managed to keep all the deliciousness while significantly reducing the fat and sodium, making it a dish you can feel good about serving your family.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory broth, tender chicken, and those pillowy-soft dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. The addition of extra vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a delightful depth of flavor and texture. It’s a complete meal in one pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.

Beyond the health benefits, the sheer simplicity of this recipe is a major selling point. It requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients, meaning you can whip up a batch in no time. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and utterly satisfying.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations! While this recipe is fantastic as is, there’s always room for personalization. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth or use a spicy sausage in place of some of the chicken. If you’re a fan of herbs, feel free to experiment with different combinations. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley would all be wonderful additions.

Thinking about sides? A simple green salad or a side of steamed green beans would complement the richness of the chicken and dumplings perfectly. And for those who prefer a thicker broth, you can easily add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) towards the end of cooking.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the dumplings too! While I love the classic drop dumplings, you could also try rolling out the dough and cutting it into smaller squares for a more rustic feel. Or, for a gluten-free option, experiment with gluten-free flour blends.

But honestly, the best part about this recipe is sharing it with loved ones. Imagine gathering around the table, bowls of steaming Healthier Chicken and Dumplings in hand, laughter filling the air. It’s moments like these that truly make a meal special.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of healthy and happy cooks! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations. Happy cooking!