Comforting Low-Carb Chicken & “Dumplings” Bake (Keto-Friendly & Hearty!)

Comforting Low-Carb Chicken & “Dumplings” Bake (Keto-Friendly & Hearty!)

Enjoy the classic comfort of Chicken & Dumplings without the carb overload! This Comforting Low-Carb Chicken & “Dumplings” Bake features tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and fluffy “dumplings” made with Carbquik, all baked in one dish. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and delicious keto-friendly meal perfect for a cozy dinner.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 60-70 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Base:

• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (can be rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or chicken cooked specifically for this recipe)
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional, but highly recommended)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

For the “Dumplings”:

• 2 cups Carbquik baking mix (or other low-carb biscuit/baking mix)
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (ensure it’s unsweetened plain)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium, no added sugar recommended)
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup (KETO NOTE: Choose a low-carb, condensed soup or make a homemade keto version)

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Medium mixing bowl (for dumplings)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • If using cooked chicken, ensure it’s shredded or cubed into bite-sized pieces.
   • Melt the unsalted butter. Pour the melted butter evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
   • Add the shredded or cubed chicken to the casserole dish, spreading it evenly over the melted butter.
   • Season the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the chicken.
2. Prepare “Dumpling” Mixture: In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the Carbquik baking mix and unsweetened almond milk.
   • Mix with a spoon or whisk until just combined and a thick batter forms. Do not overmix.
   • Spoon dollops of this “dumpling” mixture evenly over the chicken in the casserole dish. Don’t worry about covering every bit; they will spread as they bake.
3. Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl (or the same bowl used for dumplings, no need to wash), whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until smooth and well combined.
   • Carefully pour this creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken and “dumpling” dollops in the casserole dish.
4. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the “dumplings” are puffed, golden brown, cooked through, and the sauce is bubbly and thickened. A toothpick inserted into a dumpling should come out clean.
5. Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set further. Serve hot.

Tips for Success:

• Carbquik: This is a key ingredient for the low-carb “dumplings.” Follow its package instructions if they differ significantly.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the most crucial part for keto compliance.
  • Option 1 (Best Keto): Make a homemade keto cream of chicken soup/sauce base (e.g., roux with almond flour and butter, then chicken broth and heavy cream, seasoned).
  • Option 2 (Check Labels Carefully): Some condensed cream of chicken soups are lower in carbs than others, but most contain starches and added sugars. Look for “healthy request” or organic brands and compare net carbs.
• Chicken Preparation: Using already cooked chicken makes this recipe incredibly fast for meal prep.
• Don’t Overmix Dumplings: Overmixing Carbquik can lead to tough “dumplings.” Mix just until combined.
• Consistency: The sauce might seem thin initially, but it will thicken as it bakes and as the Carbquik absorbs liquid.
• Customization: Add some frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots – in moderation for keto) to the chicken layer before baking for extra nutrition.

Storage: Store any leftover Low-Carb Chicken & “Dumplings” in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The “dumplings” may soften further upon reheating.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

• High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and some from Carbquik.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb by using Carbquik and almond milk. However, the cream of chicken soupis the main potential carb culprit.
• Keto: Potentially, but requires careful ingredient selection for the cream of chicken soup.
  • Carbquik: Designed for low-carb baking.
  • Almond Milk (Unsweetened): Keto-friendly.
  • Chicken Broth (Low-Sodium): Keto-friendly.
  • Chicken: Keto-friendly protein.
  • Butter/Seasonings: Keto-friendly.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Most conventional cream of chicken soups are not keto due to thickeners (starches) and added sugars. This ingredient must be swapped for a very low-carb commercial option (if one exists) or, ideally, a homemade keto cream sauce base.
• Gluten-Free: Potentially. Carbquik is generally gluten-free (check specific product label). The other ingredients are usually gluten-free, but always verify the cream of chicken soup and broth.

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