Keto Chicken and Dumpling Perfection

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food without derailing your low-carb lifestyle with this incredible Keto Chicken and Dumplings recipe. This dish reimagines a classic, transforming it into a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a taste of home. Featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, seasoned broth, topped with soft, cloud-like keto-friendly dumplings, each bowl offers a mere 5g net carbs. It’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, gluten-free, and keto-compliant alternative to a beloved comfort staple.

Spoon lifting a dumpling out of a Dutch oven of chicken and dumplings.

Contents

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Keto Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

This isn’t just another keto recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed to bring warmth and joy to your table. Here’s why this version stands out:

The Epitome of Comfort, Perfectly Keto-Friendly: Imagine a bowl of steaming, savory goodness on a cold winter night. This recipe delivers that exact sensation. It’s rich, deeply satisfying, and provides all the cozy comfort of traditional chicken and dumplings without the carb overload. It’s a nostalgic hug in a bowl, reimagined for your dietary needs.
Remarkably Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: Whether you’re strictly adhering to a ketogenic diet, managing blood sugar levels, or avoiding gluten, this recipe ticks all the boxes. By using almond and coconut flours for the dumplings, we achieve that delightful soft texture while keeping the carb count exceptionally low. It’s a fantastic solution for feeding diverse dietary needs without compromising on flavor or heartiness.
A Family Favorite, Naturally Healthy: Don’t let the “keto” label intimidate you or your family. This dish is so robust and delicious, it’s destined to become a regular fixture at your family dinners. The rich broth, succulent chicken, and tender dumplings create a meal that satisfies everyone, regardless of their diet. It proves that healthy eating can be incredibly comforting and enjoyable for all ages.
Unbelievably Low Net Carbs: With just 5g net carbs per serving, you can savor this hearty meal guilt-free. This makes it an ideal choice for maintaining ketosis while still enjoying a truly gratifying and substantial dinner.

Key Ingredients for Keto Perfection

Crafting exceptional keto chicken and dumplings starts with understanding the role of each ingredient in achieving both flavor and dietary compliance:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: While chicken breast is an option, thighs are highly recommended for their superior flavor and higher fat content, which aligns perfectly with keto macros. They remain tender and juicy even after simmering, contributing a richer depth to the broth. Choosing boneless and skinless makes them easier to shred or cut into chunks for soup.
Aromatic Vegetables: Onions and celery form the classic flavor base, sautéed to release their sweetness and aroma. Garlic adds a pungent kick, while garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme amplify the savory profile of the broth, creating an incredibly fragrant and comforting experience.
Rich Chicken Broth: The foundation of any great chicken and dumplings is a high-quality broth. Opt for a good unsalted or low-sodium chicken broth to control the seasoning, allowing the flavors of the chicken and spices to shine through. A bay leaf provides an earthy, aromatic note that deepens the overall taste.
Almond and Coconut Flours: These are the heroes of our keto dumplings. Almond flour provides a tender crumb, while coconut flour, known for its absorbency, helps achieve the right consistency and structure without the need for gluten-rich wheat flour.
Xanthan Gum: This is a crucial, though optional, ingredient for keto and gluten-free baking. It acts as a binder and thickener, preventing the dumplings from falling apart and giving them a more traditional, cohesive texture. It’s highly recommended for the best results.
Eggs, Sour Cream, and Mozzarella: These ingredients contribute to the richness and texture of the dumplings. Eggs provide structure, sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier note) adds moisture and tenderness, and shredded mozzarella creates a subtle cheesy flavor and helps bind the dough, ensuring the dumplings are soft yet hold their shape.

Close up of keto chicken and dumplings in a dutch oven, sprinkled with finely chopped parsley.

Expert Tips for Perfect Keto Chicken & Dumplings

Elevate your cooking experience and ensure a flawless dish with these chef-approved tips:

Choosing the Right Chicken: For the most flavorful and moist results, always choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Dark meat is inherently richer and fattier than white meat, which not only enhances the flavor of your soup but also provides beneficial fats for a ketogenic diet. While bone-in, skin-on thighs offer maximum flavor for broth-making, for a soup where the chicken is consumed, boneless, skinless is the most practical choice.
Speed Up Your Prep with Precooked Chicken: If you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken. While it might not infuse the broth with quite the same depth of flavor as freshly cooked thighs, it will still yield a delicious meal. Simply add it to the simmering broth for the last 5-10 minutes to warm through and absorb some of the soup’s essence.
Achieving a Creamier Texture: For those who prefer a richer, creamier chicken and dumplings, a splash of heavy cream towards the end of the simmer time is a fantastic addition. Add about ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream just before adding the dumplings or right after they’re cooked, stirring gently until combined and heated through. This adds a luxurious consistency and extra fat, perfect for keto.
Mastering Your Dumplings: The key to successful keto dumplings lies in their preparation. When forming the dough, avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough dumplings. Once shaped into 1-inch balls, press them firmly several times to ensure they are well-packed. This compact structure is essential to prevent them from disintegrating in the simmering soup. A gentle, low simmer is crucial when cooking the dumplings; a rolling boil can cause them to break apart.
Enhancing Broth Flavor: For an even deeper, more complex broth, consider adding a parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving. A dash of fish sauce or a secret ingredient like a bouillon cube can also add an umami boost.
Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle warmth, or fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary can be stirred in at the end for brightness.

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5 from 1 vote

Keto Chicken & Dumplings

Prep: 15

Cook: 35

Total: 50

Keto chicken and dumplings is a delicious low-carb alternative for a classic comfort meal. Flavorful chicken thighs, hearty seasoned broth, and keto dumplings. Only 5g net carbs per bowl!

Cheryl Malik

6 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon avocado oil
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
2 cloves garlic
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme plus more for garnish
4-5 chicken thighs boneless, skinless, shredded or cut into chunks
8 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf

For the Dumplings

1 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, but recommended)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup shredded mozzarella

Equipment

Large pot
Microwave-safe bowl
Mixing bowl

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, warm oil, pepper, and salt. Sauté onion and celery until translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
Add garlic and spices, then add chicken and cook until evenly browned and cooked through, approximately 10 minutes.
Add broth and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes. While broth simmers, make dumplings.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
Add the wet mixture into the dry mixture along with the shredded mozzarella and stir until it forms a soft dough (do not overmix).
Using your hands, form the dough into 1-inch dumplings, pressing them well several times each to make sure they’re packed firmly. This will help prevent them from falling apart when cooked.
When the soup is at a very low simmer, gently drop the dumplings (one or two at a time) directly into the soup. Cook the dumplings for about 5 minutes, just until cooked through and firm. Alternatively, you can turn off the heat just before adding the dumplings to ensure they don’t get overcooked and fall apart. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, read through the “Expert Tips” section above before starting your recipe. These additional insights will help ensure your keto chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Serving Suggestions for Your Keto Chicken & Dumplings

This hearty stew is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with a few complementary sides:

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Keto Garlic Bread: Pair it with a slice of toasted keto garlic bread or cheesy bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Roasted Low-Carb Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for an added boost of nutrients and fiber.
Cauliflower Rice: If you desire a thicker, more substantial base, a serving of cauliflower rice can be mixed into the broth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Keto Chicken and Dumplings make for wonderful leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld. Here’s how to store and reheat properly:

Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup (without the dumplings if possible, as they can change texture upon thawing) for up to 2-3 months. If freezing with dumplings, be aware that their texture might become slightly softer.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened significantly, you may add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
Dumpling Care: When reheating, be mindful of the dumplings. Overheating can cause them to become mushy or break apart. Reheat slowly, or, if you froze the soup without dumplings, make a fresh batch for reheating for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Chicken & Dumplings

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about this delicious keto recipe:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?: While you can use chicken breast, we highly recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their superior flavor, moisture retention, and higher fat content, which is beneficial for a keto diet. If you do use breast meat, be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out quickly.
Is this recipe dairy-free?: This recipe is not entirely dairy-free due to the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and mozzarella in the dumplings. However, you can make modifications. For the sour cream, you could try a dairy-free yogurt or cream cheese alternative. For the mozzarella, you could omit it or use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute, though the texture of the dumplings may vary slightly.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broth base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup base and cook the dumplings fresh, adding them to the simmering broth just before serving. This ensures the dumplings have the best possible texture.
Why did my dumplings fall apart?: Several factors can cause dumplings to fall apart. Overmixing the dough can make it too soft. Not pressing the dumplings firmly enough during shaping can lead to a loose structure. Most commonly, cooking them in a broth that is boiling too vigorously can cause them to disintegrate. Ensure your soup is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, when you add the dumplings.
What if I don’t have xanthan gum?: Xanthan gum is highly recommended as it acts as a binder, providing elasticity and preventing the dumplings from falling apart. If you omit it, your dumplings might be a bit more fragile and delicate in texture, but they will still be edible. You could try adding an extra tablespoon of almond flour or an extra egg to help with binding, but results may vary.
Is this recipe truly gluten-free?: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses almond flour and coconut flour instead of traditional wheat flour for the dumplings. Always double-check your chicken broth and other ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.

More Delicious Keto Recipes You Might Enjoy

Chicken Paprikash in the Instant Pot
Keto Pork Chop Recipe with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese
Keto Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon
Egg Drop Soup (Keto Friendly)
Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole (Keto Recipe)

This Keto Chicken and Dumplings recipe proves that sticking to a low-carb, gluten-free diet doesn’t mean sacrificing the comforting flavors you love. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly soft keto dumplings, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that will quickly become a cherished part of your recipe collection. Give it a try tonight and rediscover the joy of guilt-free comfort food!