Save A comforting creamy chicken and dumplings casserole brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings in a savory sauce for a family's favorite meal.
This casserole was an immediate hit at our house the first chilly evening I made it. It's a go-to recipe whenever I need something quick, cozy, and sure to please everyone.
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 the chicken mixture, plus 1 cup for the dumplings
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup for the chicken mixture, plus 1/2 cup for the 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 (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
- 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
- Make roux:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute
- Add liquids:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 minutes
- Add chicken and seasoning:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme and mix
- Transfer to casserole:
- Spoon mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Make dumplings:
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. 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 to 30 minutes, until dumplings are golden and cooked through
- Rest and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving
Save We always gather around the dining table as soon as this casserole comes out of the oven. It's become our favorite meal to share on cool Sunday evenings.
Make Ahead & Storage
Prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough ahead and store separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or steamed green beans on the side.
Diet & Allergen Info
This recipe contains wheat and dairy. Be sure to check your chicken broth for additional allergens if you use store-bought.
Save Enjoy this classic chicken and dumplings casserole hot and bubbling for a truly comforting meal. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that provides tender, flavorful chicken, saving preparation time.
- → What vegetables go best in this casserole?
Carrots, celery, peas, and onions are classic choices that add sweetness, crunch, and color.
- → How do I achieve fluffy dumplings?
Use baking powder for leavening and fold the dough gently to keep it light before baking over the hot chicken mixture.
- → Can I substitute herbs in the dish?
Yes, rosemary or sage are excellent alternatives to thyme, adding different aromatic profiles.
- → What side dishes pair well with this bake?
A fresh green salad or steamed green beans complement the richness and balance the meal nicely.