American Southern Chicken and Dumplings

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

Comforting chicken and dumplings in a creamy broth with tender dumplings and vegetables. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, celery, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 carrots
• 1 onion
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in a large pot over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and no longer pink in the center. Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Step 2: Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add 2 tbsp butter to the same pot, then dice the onion into 1/2-inch pieces and add to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent, then add sliced celery (1/4-inch rounds) and diced carrots (1/4-inch cubes). Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still firm.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the vegetables and stir for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly toasted and the mixture is dry. Add 4 cups chicken broth (or water with 1 tsp salt), scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Return the chicken to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, covered, until the chicken is very tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the dough (about 1/4 cup each) into the simmering broth, spacing them apart. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through. Tip: Avoid stirring the dumplings during cooking to prevent them from breaking apart.
5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnishing with chopped parsley if desired. Tip: For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream just before serving.