Easy One-Pan Chicken and Dumplings Skillet

Chicken and Dumplings Skillet: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home after a long day, craving that comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings skillet but dreading the mountain of dishes. That’s where this one-pan chicken and dumplings recipe from exorecipes.com shines as the ultimate solution. In just 45 minutes, you can create a hearty, flavorful dish that brings tender chicken simmered in a creamy broth with fluffy dumplings—all in one skillet. This easy chicken dumplings approach minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this stovetop chicken and dumplings recipe will become your go-to for its simplicity and satisfaction.

The aromas of garlic and herbs wafting from your skillet will draw everyone to the kitchen, promising a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Picture juicy bites of chicken thighs, their edges browned to perfection, mingling with crisp carrots and celery in a rich, creamy broth that coats every spoonful. The dumplings offer a fluffy, pillowy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors—earthy sweetness from the carrots, subtle crunch from the celery, and a savory depth from the chicken. Each bite delivers a comforting warmth, with hints of fresh parsley adding a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates this one-pan chicken and dumplings to a family favorite.

What sets this Chicken and Dumplings Skillet recipe apart on exorecipes.com is our commitment to Chef Sally’s time-tested methods, ensuring it’s the single best resource for home cooks seeking reliable, easy chicken dumplings success. You’ll discover the Chef’s Secret to achieving extra-fluffy dumplings, along with foolproof tips and substitutions that make this recipe adaptable and foolproof. From ingredient spotlights to step-by-step guidance with visual aids, we’ve got you covered to build confidence in the kitchen and impress your loved ones every time.

Why This Chicken and Dumplings Skillet Recipe is a Game-Changer

The one-pan method is the true unique selling proposition of this recipe, transforming a classic comfort dish into an effortless, mess-free experience that sets it apart from traditional oven-baked versions. By cooking everything in a single skillet, you lock in flavors and create a thicker, more cohesive broth that clings to the dumplings, resulting in an extra creamy texture that’s hard to beat. Chef Sally’s secret lies in simmering the dough directly in the broth, allowing it to absorb the rich chicken essence for plump, flavorful bites every time.

The unbeatable texture comes from the science of baking powder in the dumpling dough—it reacts with the liquid to produce carbon dioxide, creating light and airy dumplings that don’t turn soggy. This high-hydration mixensures the dumplings remain fluffy on the inside while developing a slight crisp on the edges from the skillet’s direct heat.

This recipe is foolproof for a reason; it’s been tested multiple times in real home kitchens to guarantee consistent results, even for beginners. With precise measurements and timings, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like overcooking the chicken, making this stovetop chicken and dumplings a reliable staple for any meal.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

For olive oil, this two-tablespoon base is essential for browning the chicken evenly and building a flavorful foundation. Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for its robust, fruity notes that enhance the overall dish without overpowering. If you’re out, substitute with avocado oil for a similar high smoke point and neutral taste, ensuring your chicken achieves that perfect golden sear.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide the hearty protein in this chicken and dumplings skillet, offering tender, juicy bites that remain moist even after cooking. Choose fresh, organic thighs for better flavor and texture; their higher fat content keeps the meat succulent. A great substitution is boneless chicken breasts, but reduce cook time by 2 minutes to prevent drying out, as they have less fat.

Diced onion adds a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the broth’s savoriness in this one-pan chicken and dumplings. Fresh yellow onions work best for their balance of sweetness and pungency—avoid pre-chopped ones to preserve flavor. For a milder option, swap with shallots, which offer a subtler taste and can help if you’re sensitive to strong onions.

Sliced carrots bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to your easy chicken dumplings, while also adding a slight crunch that contrasts the soft dumplings. Select fresh, firm carrots for maximum nutrients and flavor; baby carrots can substitute, but cut them into uniform slices to ensure even cooking and maintain that delightful texture.

Sliced celery contributes a refreshing, herbaceous crunch that brightens the skillet, balancing the richness of the broth in this stovetop chicken and dumplings. Use fresh celery stalks for their crispness and subtle earthiness; if unavailable, fennel can replace it for a similar anise-like flavor that complements the dish without altering the overall profile.

Minced garlic infuses a pungent, aromatic punch that elevates the entire recipe, making your chicken and dumplings skillet irresistibly fragrant. Fresh cloves are key for their intense flavor—go for organic to avoid preservatives. Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch, but use half the amount to prevent overwhelming the dish.

Chicken broth forms the heart of the creamy base, providing a savory liquid that ties all ingredients together in this one-pan chicken and dumplings. Choose low-sodium, homemade broth for control over salt levels and richer taste; vegetable broth is a solid vegetarian substitute, though it may slightly alter the hearty chicken flavor.

All-purpose flour is crucial for the dumpling dough, giving it structure and a soft, chewy texture that absorbs the broth beautifully. Use unbleached flour for better quality and no additives; for gluten-free easy chicken dumplings, swap with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum to maintain the dough’s integrity.

Baking powder acts as the leavening agent that makes the dumplings fluffy and light in your chicken and dumplings skillet. Fresh baking powder is vital for optimal rise—check the expiration date. If needed, substitute with a mix of 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar per teaspoon to achieve the same airy results.

Milk binds the dumpling dough, adding moisture and a subtle creaminess that enhances the overall comfort of this recipe. Whole milk works best for its fat content, which contributes to tender dumplings; for dairy-free options, use almond milk, but note it might make the dough slightly less rich.

Fresh parsley serves as the final garnish, adding a burst of color and fresh, herbal notes to finish your stovetop chicken and dumplings. Choose flat-leaf parsley for its robust flavor; cilantro can substitute for a different twist, though it will introduce a more citrusy edge to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken develops a flavorful sear.

Pro Tip: Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the skillet for better browning and to avoid steaming.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery stalks, and minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the browned chicken. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of sautéing—ensure there’s space for even cooking.

Step 3: Simmering the Broth

Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.

Pro Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer for the best one-pan chicken and dumplings results.

Step 4: Making the Dumpling Dough

In a bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir in 1/2 cup of milk to form a sticky dough, ensuring it’s well combined but not overmixed.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overworking the dough can make the dumplings tough—mix just until moistened for fluffy texture.

Step 5: Adding and Cooking the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth in the skillet. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Pro Tip: Space the dumplings evenly to allow them to expand without sticking together, enhancing the easy chicken dumplings experience.

Step 6: Finishing the Dish

Stir in the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, straight from the skillet for maximum flavor.

Pro Tip: Let it rest for a minute after stirring to let flavors settle, making your chicken and dumplings skillet even more irresistible.

Serving & Presentation

Elevate your chicken and dumplings skillet by plating it family-style in the center of the table, allowing the steam to rise and entice diners. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of green and perhaps a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added zest. The creamy broth and fluffy dumplings pair wonderfully with complementary side dishes like a simple green salad for crunch, roasted Brussels sprouts for an earthy contrast, or crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. For a well-rounded meal, serve this as a main course alongside steamed broccoli or buttered corn, ensuring a balanced, comforting dinner that’s perfect for American cuisine enthusiasts seeking easy chicken dumplings.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

For make-ahead strategy, prepare the vegetables and chicken up to 3 days in advance by chopping and storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. Mix the dumpling dough just before cooking to keep it fresh, as it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When storing leftovers, cool the chicken and dumplings skillet completely, then transfer to an airtight container; it lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore the original creamy texture and fluffy dumplings, avoiding microwaving which can make them rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)