Enjoy the classic comfort of chicken and dumplings without the guilt with this low carb version. This dish uses almond flour and xanthan gum to create fluffy dumplings that pair perfectly with tender chicken and a savory broth. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Dumpling Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Add the cubed cold butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Stir in the dried thyme and dried parsley.
- Form and Cook the Dumplings:
- Using a spoon or your hands, form the dough into small dumplings, about the size of a tablespoon.
- Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth with the shredded chicken.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. The dumplings will puff up and become firm.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add low-carb vegetables like chopped celery, carrots, or green beans to the broth for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Herb Variations: Customize the flavor by using different herbs such as rosemary, sage, or oregano.
- Thicker Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a small amount of xanthan gum with cold water and stir it into the simmering broth before adding the dumplings.
Keto-Friendly Tips:
- Butter Alternatives: If you need to avoid dairy, you can use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter for the dumpling dough.
- Broth Choice: Make sure to use low sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour for the dumplings? A: Coconut flour absorbs much more liquid than almond flour, so it’s not a direct substitute. If you want to use coconut flour, you’ll need to adjust the liquid ingredients significantly and it might take some experimentation.
Q: Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just form the dumplings and add them to the simmering broth when you’re ready to cook.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: While the chicken and broth freeze well, the texture of the dumplings may change upon freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the chicken and broth separately and making fresh dumplings when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it. Simply add it to the broth after sautéing the onions and garlic, and proceed with the recipe from there.
Q: Can I add other spices to the dumplings? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Low Carb Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of the classic recipe without the high carb count. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy night in. The almond flour dumplings provide a satisfying texture while keeping the dish low carb and keto-friendly. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty, healthy meal that everyone will love!
