10 Easy Ways to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings Without Flour

Are you staring at a pot of runny chicken and dumplings and wondering how to salvage your dinner? Maybe you’ve run out of flour, or perhaps you’re cooking for someone with gluten intolerance. Whatever your reason, I’ve got good news – there are plenty of ways to thicken chicken and dumplings without reaching for the flour canister!

As someone who’s had their fair share of kitchen disasters, I can tell you that a thin watery chicken and dumplings dish can be easily fixed. In this article I’ll walk you through several fool-proof methods to achieve that perfect, creamy consistency without using a single spoonful of flour.

Why Your Chicken and Dumplings Might Be Too Thin

Before diving into the solutions. let’s understand why your chicken and dumplings might be lacking thickness

• You might have added too much broth
• The dumplings may not have released enough starch
• Your cooking time might have been too short
• You skipped the traditional flour-based thickener

Now let’s explore the alternative thickening methods that will save your dinner!

1. Cornstarch: The Classic Substitute

Cornstarch is probably the most common flour alternative and for good reason – it works brilliantly!

How to use cornstarch:

1. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water
2. Whisk until completely smooth (this prevents lumps!)
3. Gradually add the slurry to your simmering chicken and dumplings
4. Stir continuously as the mixture thickens

Pro tip: Cornstarch has about twice the thickening power of flour, so use about half the amount you would normally use of flour. Also, cornstarch creates a slightly glossy finish, which can actually make your dish look more appetizing!

2. Potato Starch: For Ultra-Smooth Results

Potato starch works similarly to cornstarch but often creates an even smoother texture.

How to use potato starch:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of potato starch with 1 tablespoon of cold water
2. Add the slurry gradually to your simmering dish
3. Stir constantly until it reaches your desired thickness

One thing I’ve noticed with potato starch is that it can sometimes separate if the dish is frozen and reheated, so it’s best for immediate consumption.

3. Pureed Vegetables: Add Nutrition and Thickness

This is one of my favorite methods because it not only thickens the dish but adds extra nutrients and flavor depth.

Best vegetables to puree:

• Potatoes (for a neutral flavor)
• Carrots (adds slight sweetness)
• Butternut squash (creamy texture)

How to use pureed vegetables:

1. Cook about a cup of your chosen vegetable until very soft
2. Puree using an immersion blender or food processor
3. Stir the puree into your simmering chicken and dumplings

For extra richness, I sometimes add a splash of cream to my vegetable puree before adding it to the pot.

4. Reduce the Broth: Concentrate the Flavor

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones!

How to reduce broth:

1. Simmer your chicken and dumplings uncovered
2. Allow excess liquid to evaporate
3. Stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom
4. Continue until desired thickness is reached

This method takes a bit longer but intensifies the flavors as an added bonus.

5. Tapioca Starch: Gluten-Free Option

Tapioca starch (also called tapioca flour) is an excellent gluten-free thickener.

How to use tapioca starch:

1. Create a slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of tapioca starch and equal parts cold water
2. Add to simmering broth
3. Stir constantly as it thickens

Careful not to overuse tapioca starch as it can create a slightly sticky texture if you go overboard.

6. Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Luxurious Richness

For a truly decadent chicken and dumplings, nothing beats adding a generous pour of heavy cream.

How to use cream:

1. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half near the end of cooking
2. Stir gently and allow to simmer (but not boil) for a few minutes
3. The cream will both thicken and enrich your dish

This method adds calories and fat, but sometimes that’s exactly what comfort food needs!

7. Instant Mashed Potato Flakes: The Clever Hack

This is my emergency go-to when I’ve got nothing else in the pantry.

How to use instant mashed potato flakes:

1. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the flakes directly into your simmering pot
2. Stir well to incorporate
3. Wait a few minutes as they absorb liquid and thicken the broth

The potato flavor blends perfectly with chicken and dumplings, and nobody will ever know your secret!

8. Cream of Chicken Soup: Flavor and Thickness

Adding a can of cream of chicken soup not only thickens your dish but enhances the chicken flavor.

How to use cream of chicken soup:

1. Stir in one can of cream of chicken soup near the beginning of the cooking process
2. Combine with broth and vegetables
3. Bring to a boil before reducing heat and adding dumplings

As the dumplings cook, they’ll absorb some liquid and help further thicken the soup.

9. Blending Technique: Use What’s Already There

This clever method uses ingredients already in your pot.

How to use the blending technique:

1. Remove about a cup of the chicken and vegetables from your pot
2. Blend until smooth using a blender or food processor
3. Return the pureed mixture to the pot and stir to incorporate

This technique releases the starches from the ingredients you already have, creating a thicker consistency without adding anything new.

10. Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum: A Little Goes a Long Way

These powerful thickeners are common in gluten-free cooking.

How to use xanthan or guar gum:

1. Use a VERY small amount – start with 1/4 teaspoon
2. Sprinkle slowly over the surface while whisking constantly
3. Allow a few minutes for it to work its magic

Be careful with these – they’re super potent and can quickly turn your dish into jelly if overused!

Troubleshooting: What If It’s Still Too Thin?

If you’ve tried one method and your chicken and dumplings are still too thin, don’t panic! You can:

1. Try a different method from the list
2. Combine multiple methods (like reducing PLUS adding cornstarch)
3. Remove some of the liquid before adding your thickener

What If It Gets Too Thick?

Oops! Did you get too enthusiastic with your thickener? Here’s how to fix it:

1. Gradually add more broth or water
2. Stir well between additions
3. Continue until you reach the perfect consistency

Final Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

• Start with less thickener than you think you need – you can always add more
• Remember that the dish will continue to thicken as it cools
• If using dumplings made from scratch, the starch from them will help thicken the broth naturally
• Simmer uncovered if you want the broth to reduce and thicken naturally
• For the richest flavor, simmer the chicken first to release its natural proteins and collagen

With these methods in your cooking arsenal, you’ll never need to worry about thin chicken and dumplings again – even without flour! The next time you’re craving this classic comfort food, you can confidently whip it up knowing you have multiple ways to achieve that perfect, hearty consistency.

What’s your favorite way to thicken chicken and dumplings? I’d love to hear your kitchen hacks in the comments below!