Lighter Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

4 stars
3.77 (15)
Lighter Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
60 mins
Total Time:
80mins
Recipe by Administrator
Published on August 31, 2023

This lighter chicken and dumplings recipe is a healthier version of the classic comfort food. Made with lean chicken, nutritious vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is both satisfying and guilt-free. It's the perfect meal for cozy evenings or when you need a comforting dish to warm your soul. Best of all, it's easy to make and will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

  1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool.
  3. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
  4. While the vegetables are cooking, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern dish with roots in rural America.
  • Traditionally, chicken and dumplings were made with a whole chicken, but this recipe uses lean chicken breasts for a lighter version.
  • Dumplings are a type of biscuit-like dough that are cooked by simmering or steaming on top of a stew or soup.