Southern Chicken Dumpling Skillet

There is nothing more comforting than a skillet full of Southern chicken and dumplings Thick creamy gravy surrounds tender bites of chicken and those soft pillowy dumplings soak up every bit of flavor On chilly days when my family craves something hearty simmering this dish fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia

I first made this for my grandmother’s birthday and she declared it better than any restaurant As soon as that first bite melts in your mouth you will see why my family requests this dish repeatedly

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: Offer more flavor and tenderness than breasts Seek out highquality and welltrimmed meat
• Unsalted butter: Gives you better control over seasoning and creates a rich base
• Olive oil: Adds subtle depth and helps prevent burning
• Yellow onion: Rounds out the gravy with natural sweetness Choose a firm onion with dry papery skin
• Celery and carrots: Provide texture and classic Southern flavor Pick stalks that snap and carrots that are richly orange
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with savory aroma go for plump unblemished cloves
• Salt and ground black pepper: Ensure perfect seasoning freshly cracked pepper is ideal
• Dried thyme: Gives herby depth select a freshscented jar for best results
• Smoked paprika: Brings gentle smokiness opt for Spanish smoked paprika if possible
• Lowsodium chicken broth: Forms the base of the gravy Buy goodquality broth for clean chicken flavor
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and thick
• Allpurpose flour: Thickens the sauce and forms the dumplings always use fresh flour for best dumpling texture
• Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the final dish fresh parsley will give color as well as flavor
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help dumplings rise and stay fluffy check the dates so they are active
• Whole milk: Essential for tender dumplings use fullfat for richness
• Chilled unsalted butter: For dumplings will yield flaky fluffy texture

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Heat butter and olive oil together in a large deep skillet set over mediumhigh Warm until the butter is melted and foamy Add chicken thigh pieces in a single layer Let them sizzle undisturbed for about four minutes per side so they brown deeply on both sides Once golden remove and set aside on a plate Keep any browned bits in the skillet for later flavor

Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics:

In the same skillet toss in your onion celery and carrots Stir and turn the heat down to medium Cook gently for five minutes until the vegetables turn soft and translucent Add the garlic salt pepper thyme and smoked paprika Stir constantly for one minute this unlocks flavors and the aroma will be irresistible

Build the Gravy:

Sprinkle flour evenly across the vegetables Stir until all are coated and the flour absorbs any oil and butter The mix should look a little pasty Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid flour lumps The gravy will begin to thicken as it simmers Everything should smell herby and savory now

Simmer the Chicken:

Return those browned chicken pieces to the skillet Stir so they nestle into the gravy Bring to a simmer then cover with a lid Let everything cook for ten minutes so the flavors meld and chicken stays juicy

Finish the Sauce:

Remove the lid Stir in the heavy cream and half the chopped parsley Taste and adjust the seasoning if it needs more salt or pepper Continue simmering gently so the sauce stays thick and silky

Make the Dumpling Dough:

While the chicken simmers make your dumplings In a mixing bowl whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt Cut in cold cubed butter with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs Add milk all at once Stir gently with a fork just until the dough comes together Do not overmix or dumplings will turn tough

Cook the Dumplings:

Grab big spoonfuls of dough and drop them over the surface of your simmering chicken cover They will look rough but spread out as they steam Cover the skillet Let everything cook on low for fifteen to eighteen minutes The dumplings will puff up turn tender and cook fully through

Finish and Serve:

Remove the lid and let the skillet simmer uncovered for two to three minutes so the sauce thickens more Sprinkle the remaining parsley over the top and serve the chicken and dumplings piping hot

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My favorite part is swirling the dumplings through creamy chicken gravy It reminds me of lazy Sundays at my parents farmhouse when my cousins and I crowded around the table eager for seconds Every batch takes me right back to that joyful kitchen

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a tightly covered container in the fridge for up to three days The dumplings will soak up sauce as it sits so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating This dish reheats best on the stove low and slow stirring gently

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken breast works if you prefer a leaner cut though the flavor is best with thighs Dairyfree milk and a butter substitute can work for the dumplings just know the flavor will shift You can sneak in extra veggies such as peas or corn if you love a more colorful pie

Serving Suggestions

This hearty skillet shines with a side of bright salad or collard greens Warm biscuits and a drizzle of honey bring even more Southern comfort Pairings like iced tea or a crisp Chardonnay make it feel special

Cultural Context

Southern chicken and dumplings have roots in making the most of humble ingredients stretching chicken with simple dough for a crowd Through the generations this skillet meal turned into the ultimate comfort food passed down for Sunday suppers family gatherings and cold winter nights

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in root vegetables like parsnip or sweet potato in colder months Use fresh herbs from summer gardens for brightness Lighter spring versions can reduce cream and incorporate more green vegetables

Success Stories

Readers have written me saying this dish is now their go to Sunday dinner A newlywed in Georgia said her husband never had homemade dumplings before and now it is his favorite comfort meal With a few flourstreaked hands and the scent of cooked chicken love can fill any kitchen

Freezer Meal Conversion

After step five pour the chicken vegetable gravy and cooked chicken into a freezer safe dish Let it cool add the raw dumpling dough on top Cover and freeze To cook thaw in the refrigerator then bake covered at 350F until hot and bubbling then uncover to finish

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Nothing signals comfort like a hot skillet of Southern chicken & dumplings Settle in and enjoy this soulful classic with someone you love

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I get fluffy dumplings?

Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Cook dumplings with a covered skillet on gentle heat until puffed.

→ Can chicken breasts be used instead?

Yes, though thighs provide more moisture and flavor. Breasts work well if cut into bite-size pieces.

→ How can I make this dish richer?

Increase the cream, add a bit more butter, or finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese before serving.

→ What vegetables can be added?

Peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers add color and flavor alongside the classic carrot, celery, and onion base.

→ Is this suitable for making ahead?

Prepare the chicken base in advance; add dumplings and cook just before serving to maintain texture.

→ Can this dish be frozen?

It's best enjoyed freshly made, as dumplings can lose their texture when thawed, but leftovers may be frozen if needed.