Keto Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Craving a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings while sticking to your keto lifestyle? This keto version delivers all the flavor and satisfaction without the carbs. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly night, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

I first started making this dish during our second year on the mission field, when comfort food became an emotional anchor on tough days. With two of our kids still at home and a pantry that’s often missing key ingredients, I learned quickly how to make substitutions work.

Picture this: tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth, accompanied by light and fluffy dumplings that are suitable for your ketogenic diet. Each bite is a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making this recipe a standout in your low-carb meal rotation.

Comforting Ingredients of Keto Chicken and Dumplings

This dish showcases the harmony of flavors found in tender chicken, combined with a creamy broth that warms the soul.

The use of almond flour for the dumplings not only provides a low-carb alternative but also adds a unique texture that pairs perfectly with the rich broth.

Fresh parsley not only serves as a beautiful garnish but brings a hint of freshness that elevates the entire meal.

Creating the Creamy Broth

Begin your culinary journey by preparing the broth, which serves as the heart of this dish.

Combine chicken broth with heavy cream in a large pot, allowing it to simmer gently on medium heat.

This combination creates a luscious base for the chicken and dumplings, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Once the broth is bubbling, add the shredded chicken along with aromatic ingredients like garlic powder and onion powder.

Let this mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Sometimes I have to use shelf-stable cream or even reconstituted powdered cream when the fresh kind runs out in town. It still works beautifully, which just shows how forgiving this recipe is.

Crafting the Fluffy Dumplings

The dumplings are where the magic truly happens in this recipe.

Using almond flour, combine it with eggs and baking powder to form a dough.

These dumplings will be light and fluffy, a delightful contrast to the savory broth.

Drop spoonfuls of this mixture directly into the simmering broth, covering the pot to allow the dumplings to steam and cook through.

The aroma that fills your kitchen will make it hard to resist this comforting dish!

At sea level, I’ve noticed these dumplings stay fluffier if I loosely cover the pot to let a bit of steam escape—it prevents them from getting dense or rubbery.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Meal

Once your dumplings are perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve.

Ladle the chicken and dumplings into rustic bowls, capturing the warmth of this meal.

Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.

Pairing this dish with a side salad can add a refreshing contrast, making for a balanced meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

I like to serve this with a simple cucumber and vinegar salad. It’s quick, crunchy, and helps balance out the richness of the creamy broth—plus, cukes are almost always available at our local colmado.

Nutritional Benefits of Keto Chicken and Dumplings

This keto-friendly recipe not only satisfies cravings but also aligns with a low-carb lifestyle.

With around 350 calories per serving, it’s a filling and nutritious option for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Each bowl contains 30 grams of protein, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain muscle mass while following a ketogenic diet.

The healthy fats from heavy cream contribute to a satiating meal that keeps you full longer.

The Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Keto chicken and dumplings is not merely a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Its warming qualities make it an ideal choice for chilly evenings, providing both nourishment and satisfaction with every bite.

Invite your friends and family to share in this delightful dish, creating lasting memories around the dinner table.

This has become our go-to when hosting small Bible study dinners. It’s simple, impressive, and fits the dietary needs of both local friends and our fellow expats who are watching their sugar.

Delicious Low-Carb Chicken and Dumplings

This keto chicken and dumplings recipe features juicy chicken cooked in a creamy broth, paired with light dumplings made from almond flour. The dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those following a low-carb diet.

The taste is a delightful blend of savory chicken and aromatic herbs, complemented by the tender dumplings that soak up the rich broth, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Make the Dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Pro Tips

1. Use homemade bone broth if available for extra depth of flavor and nutrition.
2. If the broth reduces too quickly, add a splash more chicken broth or water to maintain consistency.
3. Let the dumpling dough rest for 2–3 minutes to allow the almond flour to fully hydrate—this helps the texture.
4. Don’t peek too early! Lifting the lid releases the steam needed to cook the dumplings evenly.
5. Add a squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten up the rich broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Almond flour: Swap with coconut flour (use only 1/4 cup) if needed, but expect a firmer dumpling.
• Heavy cream: Use canned coconut cream for a dairy-free version; flavor will be slightly sweeter.
• Chicken broth: Bouillon cubes or concentrate with hot water works in a pinch.
• Fresh parsley: Substitute with dried parsley or a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
• Eggs: Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg for an egg-free version (texture will vary).

Tip from Grammie Shirley

To keep leftover dumplings from turning mushy, store them separately from the broth. When reheating, warm the broth first, then gently reintroduce the dumplings just before serving.

Q&A Section

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

A: Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just be sure to remove any skin and bones before shredding.

Q: My dumplings fell apart—what went wrong?

A: They may have been stirred after adding to the broth. Drop them in gently and don’t touch until they’re fully cooked.

Q: How do I thicken the broth if it’s too thin?

A: Simmer it a bit longer uncovered, or whisk in 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for a thicker consistency.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?

A: The broth and chicken freeze well, but the dumplings can get mushy. Freeze the base and make fresh dumplings when reheating.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes—use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and check that your broth is dairy-free. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich.

Nutrition & Serving Info

• Yield: 4 servings
• Per Serving (Estimated):
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g (net)
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g

Whether you’re managing type 2 diabetes like I am, or simply trying to cut back on carbs without sacrificing comfort, this keto chicken and dumplings recipe brings that nostalgic, soul-soothing satisfaction in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table, fills the kitchen with cozy aromas, and leaves you feeling nourished in more ways than one. I hope it brings the same comfort to your home as it has to ours, no matter where you’re cooking from.