Pin A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I made this Chicken and Dumplings Casserole for my family one chilly evening after craving something warm and nostalgic. It quickly became a favorite at our dinner table, and its simplicity means I turn to this recipe whenever we need a cozy meal.
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 (plus 1 cup for dumplings)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup (plus 1/2 cup for dumplings)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (plus 1/2 teaspoon for dumplings)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
- 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. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add flour and liquids:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add chicken & seasonings:
- Mix in cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine evenly.
- Transfer to dish:
- Spoon the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Make dumpling dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just mixed. Fold in parsley if desired.
- Add dumplings:
- 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.
- Cool and serve:
- Let casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin My children love when the dumplings come out extra fluffy and always ask for seconds. Sharing this dish at Sunday gatherings brings back warm memories for us all.
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: Calories 420, total fat 17 g, carbohydrates 38 g, protein 29 g
Pin Enjoy this casserole for a taste of home on busy evenings. The leftovers also make a wonderful lunch the next day.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly. Simply shred or dice before adding.
- → Are frozen vegetables suitable?
Frozen mixed vegetables can be swapped in for fresh to save preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
- → What herbs pair best?
Thyme, parsley, rosemary, or sage add wonderful aroma. Feel free to use favorites based on taste.
- → How do I ensure dumplings are cooked through?
Bake until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean, about 25–30 minutes.
- → Can this be made ahead?
Prepare chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat in oven, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain creaminess.