Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce. This classic dish offers satisfying flavor and a touch of nostalgia for family meals.
I remember the first time I made chicken and dumplings casserole for my family. The aroma filled our kitchen and everyone gathered around, eager to dig in. This dish always brings a smile to our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, 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 for sauce + 1 cup for dumplings
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup for sauce + 1/2 cup for dumplings
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for sauce + 1/2 teaspoon for dumplings
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons for dumplings
- Unsalted butter, melted: 2 tablespoons for dumplings
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook 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.
- Add liquids:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add chicken and seasonings:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Transfer the 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.
- Assemble casserole:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Rest:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save My kids always ask for seconds when I serve this casserole. Sharing this recipe has become a cherished tradition in our home for chilly evenings.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, dairy. Always double-check ingredient labels to suit dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein
Save Chicken and dumplings casserole is the ultimate comforting meal for any night. It brings simple ingredients together into a crowd-pleasing bake you'll want to make again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of homemade chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
- → What herbs complement this dish best?
Thyme is classic for the sauce, while rosemary or sage can be used for added aroma and depth.
- → How do I know when dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings should be golden brown on top and cooked through, usually after baking 25–30 minutes.
- → Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately in advance, then combine and bake when ready to serve.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Light green salads or steamed green beans provide a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.