Can Lightened Chicken And Dumplings still taste like traditional southern homemade chicken and dumplings?

Yes, Lightened Chicken And Dumplings keeps the classic flavor by using slow simmering, herbs, and tender chicken. The lighter ingredients simply reduce heaviness while preserving that cozy chicken and dumplings taste everyone loves.

What makes this a healthier chicken and dumplings recipe?

This chicken and dumplings recipe uses lean chicken, low-sodium broth, and healthy dumplings for stew. These swaps create a low calorie dumplings recipe without sacrificing texture or comfort.

Can I make lightened chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Lightened chicken and dumplings slow cooker versions work well by cooking the chicken and broth first, then adding dumplings near the end for the best chicken dumpling texture.

Can I use biscuits instead of homemade dumplings?

Yes, lightened chicken and dumplings with biscuits is an easy option. Choose reduced-fat biscuits to keep this cozy chicken and dumplings recipe lighter and family-friendly.

Lightened Chicken And Dumplings – Healthy Comfort Food 2026

Name: Lightened Chicken And Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, trimmed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup unsweetened low-fat milk or almond milk; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted light butter; ½ cup low-fat milk

Description

A comforting bowl of southern homemade chicken and dumplings, made lighter without sacrificing flavor. Tender chicken, fluffy healthy dumplings, and a creamy-but-not-heavy broth make this a cozy classic you can enjoy any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

For the Chicken & Broth:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs, trimmed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup unsweetened low-fat milk (or almond milk)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried parsley

For the Healthy Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted light butter
½ cup low-fat milk

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Broth
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Pour in chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.

Step 3: Simmer
Return chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in oil and milk until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 5: Cook Dumplings
Drop dumpling dough by spoonfuls into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot for the ultimate cozy chicken and dumplings experience.

Notes

Extra Light: Use skim milk and reduce dumpling size for a lower-calorie bowl.
Slow Cooker Option: Cook everything except dumplings on LOW for 6–7 hours; add dumplings during the last 30–40 minutes.
Biscuit Shortcut: For lightened chicken and dumplings with biscuits, use reduced-fat biscuit dough cut into quarters.
Thickness Control: Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water if you want a thicker broth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner / Comfort Food
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American / Southern