Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I first tried chicken and dumplings casserole one chilly evening when my kids requested something extra cozy. Ever since, it's become a regular request for potlucks and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Mixture: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Carrots: 1 cup, diced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- For the Dumplings: 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Chicken:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer Mixture:
- Transfer chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Make Dumpling Dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for dumplings. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if using.
- Top Mixture:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Cool:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This casserole is always a hit at our family get-togethers: everyone gathers around the table, sharing stories and enjoying the warm, creamy goodness in every bite.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, dairy. Double-check broth for allergens if using store-bought.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein.
Save Serve warm with a side of green salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy the leftovers reheated the next day.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this bake?
Yes, rotisserie chicken simplifies prep and adds great flavor to the dish.
- → How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
Dumplings should be golden on top and cooked through when tested with a toothpick in the center.
- → Can I swap vegetables in this casserole?
Absolutely, try broccoli, green beans, or mixed vegetables to suit your taste or use what's on hand.
- → Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead?
Yes, you can prep both mixtures separately and assemble right before baking for fresh results.
- → What herbs work well in the filling?
Dried thyme is classic here, but rosemary or sage add a pleasant aromatic twist if you prefer.
- → What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.