Welcome to the ultimate guide for a truly heartwarming and satisfying meal that perfectly fits your ketogenic lifestyle: Keto Chicken and Dumplings. Imagine a steaming bowl of rich, savory broth, tender shredded chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth, all without the carbs. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to childhood comfort, reimagined for modern healthy eating. Say goodbye to the carb-laden versions of yesteryear and embrace a low-carb, high-protein alternative that sacrifices nothing in flavor or texture.
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, the quest for truly comforting meals often hits a snag with traditional favorites. Chicken soup, in its essence, is a healthy and low-carb dish, but the moment noodles or conventional dumplings enter the picture, it becomes a carb-heavy indulgence. Our innovative recipe tackles this head-on by crafting delectable dumplings from almond flour, yielding a texture and taste remarkably similar to their all-purpose flour counterparts. The result is an absolutely amazing, guilt-free dish that brings all the classic comfort straight to your table.
Explore More Keto Comfort Food Recipes: Keto Shepherd’s Pie, Keto Turkey Pot Pie, Keto Chicken Pot Pie With Cheddar Garlic Crust
The Quintessential Low-Carb Chicken and Dumplings Experience
This recipe isn’t just a substitute; it’s a culinary triumph. It perfectly captures the classic flavors and delightful texture you fondly remember from your youth. Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of earthy broth, tender chicken, and exquisitely delicate dumplings that quite literally melt in your mouth. The thoughtful combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and incredibly comforting, making this dish a standout among keto recipes.
One of the many advantages of this incredible dish is its efficiency. With a cooking time of approximately 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the lengthy preparation. Even better, each generous serving contains only about 6 net carbs, making it a fantastic, family-friendly low-carb dinner option that everyone will genuinely enjoy. Preparing this meal is simple enough for novice cooks, yet yields results that will impress even the most seasoned palates.
Effortless Keto Comfort Food for Any Season
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty soup to chase away the chill on a cold day. While traditional comfort foods often come packed with carbs and sugars, this Keto Chicken and Dumplings recipe defies expectations. It’s not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably healthy, boasting a high content of protein, fiber, essential nutrients, and beneficial healthy fats. This makes it an excellent choice for boosting your immune system and providing vital vitamins, especially during months when you might feel a bit run-down. It’s nourishment and comfort rolled into one delightful dish.
This recipe truly shines as a complete meal in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. However, if you’re looking to enhance the dining experience, it pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb sides. Consider serving it alongside garlic butter cauliflower rice for an extra boost of vegetables, a fluffy keto garlic cheddar drop biscuit to soak up the creamy broth, a smooth cauliflower mash, or simply your favorite steamed green vegetables. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for any occasion.
The secret to the soup’s incredibly thick and creamy consistency lies in the generous use of real heavy whipping cream, which adds richness without compromising your keto goals. Beyond the cream, the savory broth is built upon a foundation of simple yet powerful ingredients:
- Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to better control the overall sodium content of your dish. If using salted butter, remember to adjust any additional salt you add to the soup.
- Celery: This aromatic vegetable adds a delicate crunch and essential flavor. Feel free to experiment with other low-carb vegetables like carrots (in moderation) or bell peppers, but always track their carb count.
- Onion: A cornerstone of savory cooking, onions contribute a foundational sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is crucial for that irresistible aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that infuses the soup with a warm, herbaceous flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth: Choose a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth to ensure a rich and savory base.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The star ingredient for achieving that luxurious, creamy texture characteristic of traditional chicken and dumplings.
- Shredded Chicken: For ultimate convenience, use pre-cooked chicken breasts or easily shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken. This significantly cuts down on prep time.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to perfection and balancing all the flavors.
Crafting Perfect Keto Dumplings with Almond Flour
Without a doubt, the star of this comforting recipe is the innovative almond flour dumpling. These aren’t just low-carb; they are perfectly soft, light, and truly melt in your mouth, just like the classic version. We’ve taken care to infuse them with ample seasoning, ensuring each dumpling delivers a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the rich chicken broth.
Achieving the ideal texture for these keto-friendly dumplings relies on a few key ingredients, along with some important tips and potential substitutions:
- Almond Flour: This is the foundation of our low-carb dumplings. It’s crucial to use fine-blanched almond flour, not almond meal. Almond meal, with its coarser texture and often skin-on almonds, will result in grainy, gritty dumplings that won’t have that desirable melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the dumpling dough together and contributing to its soft texture.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives the dumplings their light, fluffy rise and prevents them from becoming too dense.
- Xanthan Gum: A small amount of xanthan gum is vital in gluten-free and keto baking. It acts as a thickener and a binder, mimicking the elasticity that gluten provides in traditional flours. This ensures your almond flour dumplings hold their shape and have a pleasant chew.
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses the dumplings with complementary herbaceous notes. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, a sprinkle of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder can be used as a flavorful substitute.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dumplings themselves, ensuring they are flavorful from the inside out.
When mixing the dumpling dough, aim for a consistency that is thick enough to form into balls but still moist. Overworking the dough is generally not a concern with almond flour as it doesn’t develop gluten, but gentle handling is always best.
Nourishing and Healthy Chicken and Dumplings
Beyond its incredible taste and keto-friendliness, this recipe stands out as a truly nutritious meal. Packed with a vibrant array of vegetables, lean protein from the chicken, and healthy fats from the cream and butter, it’s a wholesome soup that nourishes your body from the inside out. Making a large batch is highly recommended, not just for convenience, but to ensure you have delicious, healthy leftovers ready for the following days.
For storing leftovers, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will remain fresh and delicious for approximately 3-4 days. It’s worth noting that as the soup sits, the dumplings will gradually absorb more of the broth, which can affect their texture upon reheating. They might become slightly softer or more tender, but they will still be incredibly flavorful. If you prefer a firmer dumpling, consider storing the cooked dumplings separately from the broth, or simply be prepared for a slightly different texture.
Another fantastic way to personalize and elevate this already amazing soup is by adding some fun and flavorful toppings just before serving. Here are a few irresistible ideas that would perfectly complement the rich flavors:
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little kick, fresh or pickled jalapeños offer a vibrant, spicy element.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar can add an extra layer of creaminess and savory flavor.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy, umami-rich mushrooms, lightly browned in butter, make a wonderful addition.
- Fresh Herbs: A garnish of fresh parsley, chives, or dill can add a burst of color and a final touch of freshness.
The Ultimate Keto Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
Ready to create this incredible low-carb comfort food masterpiece? Below you’ll find a detailed list of all the ingredients you’ll need, along with exact measurements for perfect results. Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of homemade Keto Chicken and Dumplings in no time!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 6 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups shredded chicken
For the Almond Flour Dumplings:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or deep-sided skillet, melt the butter over medium heat on your stovetop. This forms the flavorful base for your soup.
2. Add the chopped celery and onion to the pan with the melted butter. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This releases their natural sweetness and aromatic compounds.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for just 30 seconds longer. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
4. Carefully pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Season the broth mixture by sprinkling in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir thoroughly.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the broth to slightly thicken.
7. While the broth simmers, combine all the ingredients for the dumpling dough (almond flour, egg, baking powder, xanthan gum, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) in a separate mixing bowl. Beat on high speed until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a thick, cohesive dough.
8. Take small portions of the dough and gently roll them into small, dumpling-shaped balls. Carefully drop these into the simmering sauce mixture in the pot. They will cook directly in the flavorful broth.
9. Reduce the heat to low, ensuring the soup continues to simmer gently. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to cook for 15 minutes. This steaming process ensures the dumplings cook through and become perfectly tender.
10. After 15 minutes, remove the lid. Add the shredded chicken to the mixture and stir carefully to combine it with the broth and dumplings.
11. Continue to sauté for a few more minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated through. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade keto comfort food!
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Keto Chicken And Dumplings
This keto chicken and dumplings recipe is healthy, nutritious, and the entire family will love it!
Course: Dinner
Keyword: Keto Chicken and Dumplings, Low Carb Chicken Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 405 kcal
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 1/3 cup celery (chopped)
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups chicken (shredded)
Almond Flour Dumplings
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a pot or deep-sided skillet over medium heat on the stove, melt the butter.
- Add the celery and onion to the pan with the melted butter and sauté them until they are softened.
- Mix the minced garlic into the pan and sauté for 30 seconds longer.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine the ingredients for the dough together in a mixing bowl, and beat on high until well combined.
- Form the dough into small dumpling-shaped balls, and place into the pot with the sauce mixture.
- Reduce heat to simmer on low, and cover for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add the chicken to the mixture, and stir carefully to combine.
- Sauté for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through, and serve.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 405 kcal
Net Carbs: 6 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
More Cozy Keto Dinner Ideas for Winter Nights
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting warmth of this Keto Chicken and Dumplings recipe, then you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these other fantastic cold-weather dinner ideas. These are cherished favorites within my own family, perfect for keeping you cozy and satisfied while sticking to your low-carb goals:
- Low Carb Chicken Cauliflower Rice Soup: A lighter, yet equally satisfying soup option that’s bursting with flavor and nutrient-dense cauliflower rice.
- Keto Beef Stew: A hearty, robust stew packed with tender beef and low-carb vegetables, simmered to perfection.
- Creamy Keto Salmon Chowder: A rich and flavorful seafood option, perfect for a special, yet easy, weeknight meal.
- Keto Pot Roast: Slow-cooked to tender perfection, this classic dish can be easily adapted with keto-friendly vegetables for a complete meal.
Embrace the joy of comfort food without the carb overload. This Keto Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying healthy eating can be. Enjoy every warm, savory spoonful!