Chicken and dumplings is a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly fall or winter night. This creamy soup has tender chicken and soft dumplings that cook right in the pot, making it easy to prepare. It’s flavored with onion, sage, and thyme, so it tastes delicious and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Traditional dumplings are made with wheat flour, which has a lot of carbs and isn’t good for a keto diet. So, we made some changes to create a keto-friendly recipe. This version is low in carbs, gluten-free, grain-free, and works well for paleo and Whole30 diets too.

To make the dumplings, we use almond flour and coconut flour instead of wheat flour to keep it keto-friendly. Xanthan gum is the key ingredient that helps the dumplings stay together while they cook. The dumplings turn out soft, bouncy, and healthy. Like keto pulled pork, this dish is sure to become one of your favorite low-carb meals for winter.

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

For the Soup:

Steps to Make It

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

02

In a medium bowl, stir together the flours, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt.

03

Add the egg, melted butter and milk then mix everything together.

04

Once the dough is ready, use a small scoop to place the dumpling dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set it aside while you make the soup.

05

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the onion and cook until it’s soft and clear, about 3 minutes.

06

Add the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2 more minutes.

07

Pour in the chicken broth, cover the pot, and heat it on high until it boils.

08

Turn the heat to medium-high, gently press the dumplings to make them a little smaller, then add them to the broth.

09

Cook, stirring gently, until the dumplings look shiny and not see-through, about 2 to 3 minutes.

10

Turn the heat down to low. Add the cooked chicken and heavy cream, and stir gently to mix. Serve when the chicken is warm.

FAQs

Can you make keto chicken and dumplings ahead?

Yes, you can prepare Keto Chicken and Dumplings Recipe ahead of time. Uncooked dumplings can be stored in the fridge for several days. If you cook them, they will stay good with the soup as long as they aren’t overcooked. If you’re concerned, you can store the dumplings separately from the soup in their own container.

What goes into the chicken soup base?

The soup is made using shredded chicken, chicken broth, heavy cream, and vegetables like celery, onions, and garlic. Herbs such as thyme, parsley, or bay leaves are added for flavor, and butter or olive oil is often used to sauté the vegetables.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked or shredded leftover chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, is perfect for this recipe. It saves time and ensures tender, flavorful pieces in every bite.

How can I make the keto dumplings firm and cohesive?

Using eggs as a binder is key, and adding psyllium husk or xanthan gum can help the dumplings hold together. These ingredients give structure while keeping the dumplings low in carbs.

Is heavy cream necessary for Keto Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Heavy cream is a common ingredient that adds richness and thickness to the soup. However, Keto Chicken and Dumplings Recipe can be substituted with unsweetened almond milk, coconut cream, or even cream cheese for a dairy-free or alternative flavor.

Why can’t regular flour or cornstarch be used in Keto Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Traditional flour and cornstarch are high in carbohydrates, which are not compatible with the ketogenic diet. Almond flour and coconut flour are low-carb alternatives that provide similar functionality.

Can I freeze keto chicken and dumplings?

Yes, this dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the soup base separately from the dumplings. This helps preserve the texture of the dumplings when reheated.

What can I use instead of almond flour?

Coconut flour is a great substitute but requires adjustments, as it absorbs more liquid. For every cup of almond flour, use about 1/3 cup of coconut flour and increase the liquid in the recipe.

How many carbs are in a serving of keto chicken and dumplings?

The exact carb count depends on the ingredients used, but a typical keto version contains around 5–8 net carbs per serving. This makes Keto Chicken and Dumplings a filling yet keto-friendly meal option.

What vegetables can I include in Keto Chicken and Dumplings ?

Keto-friendly vegetables like celery, zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms work well. Avoid starchy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or corn, as they are higher in carbs.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the dumplings. Butter can be replaced with coconut oil or another non-dairy fat.

How long does it take to cook keto chicken and dumplings?

The entire recipe typically takes 30–40 minutes. Cooking the soup base takes about 20 minutes, and the dumplings require an additional 10–15 minutes to cook through.

Can Keto Chicken and Dumplings Recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! Prepare the soup base in the slow cooker by cooking the chicken, broth, and vegetables on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Add the dumpling mixture during the last 20–30 minutes to cook through.

What seasonings work best in this recipe?

Classic seasonings like thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper complement the dish beautifully. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a slight kick.

How can I thicken Keto Chicken and Dumplings Recipe without using flour?

Thicken the soup with xanthan gum, a small amount of cream cheese, or by simmering it to reduce the liquid naturally. These methods keep the dish keto-friendly while achieving the desired consistency.

Is bone broth a good option for the soup base?

Yes, bone broth adds extra flavor, nutrients, and collagen, making it a fantastic choice for the soup base. It enhances both the taste and health benefits of the dish.

What texture can I expect from keto dumplings?

Keto dumplings are slightly denser and chewier than traditional ones due to the absence of gluten. However, they should still be soft and flavorful when cooked properly.

What’s a good side dish to serve with keto chicken and dumplings?

Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted low-carb vegetables, or keto-friendly garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Can I customize this recipe for personal taste?

Definitely! Feel free to adjust the seasonings, swap vegetables, or even experiment with herbs to create a version that suits your preferences. The recipe is versatile and allows for plenty of personalization.