Smoked Chicken & Dumplings on the Yoder Smokers YS480 Pellet Grill

🔥 Using Motley Que Creole Rub & Lumber Jack Char Hickory Pellets 🔥

This Southern-inspired smoked chicken and dumplings gets a bold, zesty kick from Motley Que Creole Rub and deep smoky-charcoal flavor from Lumber Jack Char Hickory pellets. Cooking everything in the Pit Boss 12” Cast Iron Deep Skillet on the YS480 ensures a rich, fire-kissed comfort meal.

Hearty smoked chicken and dumplings served in a savory broth with fresh herbs and vegetables, accompanied by a slice of cornbread.

Ingredients

For the Smoked Chicken & Broth:

• 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or 4 bone-in thighs for more flavor)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp Motley Que Creole Rub

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup water

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 tbsp butter

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Smoke the Chicken on the YS480

1. Preheat your Yoder Smokers YS480 to 250°F using Lumber Jack Char Hickory pellets.

2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with Motley Que Creole Rub.

3. Place the chicken directly on the top rack and smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temp reaches 145°F. (It will finish cooking in the broth.)

4. Remove the chicken from the grill and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Broth in the Pit Boss Cast Iron Deep Skillet

1. Increase the YS480 temperature to 350°F and place the Pit Boss 12” Cast Iron Deep Skillet directly on the grill grates.

2. Add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, add the bay leaf, and bring to a simmer.

5. Shred the smoked chicken and add it to the skillet. Let simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes while you make the dumplings.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Stir in milk, melted butter, and parsley until just combined (don’t overmix).

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings in the Cast Iron Skillet

1. Drop heaping spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth inside the skillet.

2. Cover with the Pit Boss cast iron lid and let cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked through.

3. Remove the bay leaf, stir gently, and serve hot!

Serving Suggestions

🔥 For extra Creole heat, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.🔥 Make it creamy by stirring in 1/2 cup of heavy cream before adding the dumplings.🔥 Pair with cornbread, grilled biscuits, or rice for a full Southern-style meal.