Pin A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
Chicken and dumplings casserole always reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners with my family. I love how the rich sauce and tender dumplings make every bite feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced: 2 cups
- Carrots, diced: 1 cup
- Celery, diced: 1 cup
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Small onion, diced: 1
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- 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 in sauce, 1/2 teaspoon in dumplings
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter, melted: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Chicken:
- Mix in cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir everything together.
- Transfer:
- Pour chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Dumpling Dough:
- In medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if using.
- Add Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly over casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Dumplings should be golden and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let cool 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Pin My kids always race to get the biggest dumpling, and there are rarely any leftovers! It's a dish that brings everyone together at the table.
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
Calories: 420, total fat: 17 g, carbohydrates: 38 g, protein: 29 g per serving.
Pin This casserole is even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Enjoy each creamy, comforting bite!
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make this dish quicker?
Using rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables can significantly reduce prep and cooking times.
- → What herbs work well as alternatives?
Rosemary or sage can be used to replace thyme for a different yet complementary aroma.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- → What dishes pair nicely with this meal?
A light green salad or steamed green beans make excellent side choices to balance the richness.
- → How do I ensure dumplings bake properly?
Drop spoonfuls evenly over the chicken mixture and bake uncovered until they are golden and cooked through, about 25–30 minutes.
