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Weeknight • Chicken

Cozy Chicken and Dumplings Skillet

A comforting one-pan version of classic chicken and dumplings, perfect for a cozy, fuss-free meal.

Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Cozy Chicken and Dumplings Skillet

Craving comfort food that doesn't require a whole day in the kitchen? This Cozy Chicken and Dumplings Skillet is here to save your weeknight! It's a simplified, one-pan take on the classic, featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a creamy, savory sauce. Pure comfort, pure ease!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Stew

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dumplings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

  4. Step 4

    While the stew simmers, prepare the dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, and stir with a fork until just combined (do not overmix; lumps are okay).

  5. Step 5

    Uncover the stew. Stir in the heavy cream. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough (about 1 tbsp each) directly into the simmering stew. Leave a little space between each dumpling.

  6. Step 6

    Cover the skillet and continue to simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until dumplings are puffed and cooked through (a toothpick inserted into a dumpling should come out clean). Do not lift the lid during cooking!

  7. Step 7

    Taste the stew and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips

  • Use pre-cut mirepoix (chopped onion, carrots, celery) from the grocery store for faster prep.
  • Ensure the stew is simmering gently when you add the dumplings, but not boiling vigorously.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the simmering stew before adding dumplings.

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