Pin it A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I first made this chicken and dumplings casserole for a Sunday dinner and it quickly became a family favorite. The simplicity of assembling everything in a single dish makes dinnertime so much easier for busy nights.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced
- Carrots: 1 cup, diced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Small onion: 1, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup for chicken mixture, plus 1 cup for dumpling dough
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup for chicken mixture, plus 1/2 cup for dumplings
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for chicken mixture, 1/2 teaspoon for dumplings
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter (melted): 2 tablespoons for dumplings
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare for baking:
- 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 and thicken:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add chicken and flavorings:
- Add cooked chicken, frozen peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to casserole dish:
- Place the chicken mixture into 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.
- Add dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Let cool:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it This chicken and dumplings casserole brought the whole family to the table, with everyone reaching for seconds. It's now our go-to meal for cozy evenings.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein.
Notes
For a shortcut, use rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. Swap herbs for rosemary or sage if preferred. Make ahead by preparing chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately; bake before serving. Serve with a green salad or steamed green beans.
Pin it Warm and hearty, this casserole is sure to bring happiness to your dinner table. Enjoy leftovers the next day for even better flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, shredded or diced leftover chicken works perfectly, adding convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- → What herbs complement this casserole best?
Thyme pairs beautifully, but rosemary or sage are excellent alternatives to enhance the savory notes.
- → How do I achieve fluffy dumplings?
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk just until mixed. Avoid overmixing to keep dumplings light and tender.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can be used for convenience, or you can choose fresh seasonal vegetables for variation.
- → What is the best way to make this casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain freshness.