Save Chicken and Dumplings Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, garden vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings in a creamy, savory sauce that's baked to golden perfection. This hearty American classic is perfect for cozy dinners when you want a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Save This casserole melds familiar flavors of home cooking with a cozy texture contrast between creamy chicken filling and light dumplings. It’s a versatile dish that welcomes your own herbal twists or fresh greens on the side.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- 4.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- 5.
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- 6.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- 7.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if using.
- 8.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- 9.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- 10.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To speed up the process, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. You can prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately ahead of time and assemble just before baking. Remember to grease your casserole dish well to prevent sticking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap the dried thyme with rosemary or sage for different herbal notes. Adding fresh chopped parsley to the dumplings is optional but adds a fresh touch. For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives, but this recipe contains dairy by default.
Serviervorschläge
This casserole is delicious served with a light green salad or steamed green beans to balance out the richness. Warm crusty bread also pairs beautifully to soak up the creamy sauce.
Save With its straightforward steps and comforting flavors, this Chicken and Dumplings Casserole is a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation. Every spoonful delivers a soothing blend of textures and savory tastes that bring family and friends together around the dinner table.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure dumplings are light and fluffy?
Mix dumpling dough gently and avoid overmixing. Drop spoonfuls evenly and bake uncovered for golden, tender results.
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or cooked chicken works well and saves prep time. Dice or shred before adding to the vegetable mixture.
- → What vegetables pair best in this casserole?
Classic choices are carrots, celery, peas, and onion. You can add corn or green beans for additional flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead?
Prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately. Assemble and bake when ready to enjoy for optimal freshness.
- → How do I thicken the sauce?
Sprinkle flour over sautéed vegetables and whisk in broth and milk gradually, cooking until the mixture thickens nicely.
- → Which herbs work well in this dish?
Try thyme for a classic taste, or swap in rosemary or sage. Fresh parsley adds brightness to the dumplings.