Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Chicken and dumplings are a classic comfort food, traditionally made in a pot with a creamy chicken stew and fluffy dumplings simmered on top. This casserole version brings all the beloved flavors and textures of the original but in a baked, layered format that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Let’s dive into this warm, comforting, and delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

1. Classic Comfort Food in a New Form: This casserole combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings in a convenient, baked dish.
2. Easy and Satisfying: No need to make dumplings from scratch—this recipe simplifies the process for an easier, yet just as satisfying, dish.
3. Perfect for Gatherings: The casserole format is great for potlucks, family meals, or cozy dinners at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions and Celery: Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
3. Add Peas and Carrots: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
4. Remove from Heat: Set aside the vegetable mixture and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce Layer

1. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: In a mixing bowl, add the cooked, shredded chicken and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the vegetables with the chicken.
2. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, thyme, rosemary, and onion powder until smooth.
3. Layer in the Baking Dish: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Layer

1. Mix the Dumpling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the milk, stirring until a thick batter forms.
2. Layer the Dumpling Batter: Pour the dumpling batter evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, using a spatula to spread it if necessary. The batter will rise as it bakes, forming fluffy, biscuit-like dumplings.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumpling topping is golden and cooked through.
2. Check for Doneness: To test if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the dumpling layer—it should come out clean.
3. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole for color and a hint of freshness.
2. Serve: Use a large spoon to scoop servings onto plates or into bowls.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For ease, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
2. Opt for Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor.
3. Ensure Even Dumpling Texture: The batter should be thick but pourable—if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a bit of heat.
2. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Add More Veggies: For extra nutrition, add a handful of chopped spinach, bell peppers, or corn.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
2. Bread or Rolls: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the creamy sauce.
3. Green Beans or Asparagus: Steamed or roasted green beans or asparagus add color and texture to the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use canned biscuits instead of making dumpling batter?
   • Absolutely. For a shortcut, use canned biscuit dough instead of the homemade dumpling batter. Simply cut each biscuit into quarters and layer them over the chicken mixture.
3. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
   • If the sauce is too thin after baking, try mixing a little cornstarch with water and stirring it into the sauce. Return to the oven for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   • Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Add the dumpling batter or biscuit pieces during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. What other seasonings can I add?
   • Poultry seasoning, sage, or even a dash of smoked paprika add depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This chicken and dumpling casserole combines the best of traditional flavors with the ease of a baked casserole. The creamy chicken base, tender vegetables, and fluffy dumplings make this a dish that’s bound to be a hit. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is a comforting dish everyone will love.

Yield: 6

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Print

Chicken and dumplings are a classic comfort food, traditionally made in a pot with a creamy chicken stew and fluffy dumplings simmered on top. This casserole version brings all the beloved flavors and textures of the original but in a baked, layered format that's easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Let’s dive into this warm, comforting, and delicious recipe!

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
   
2. Layer the Chicken and Vegetables:
   Spread the shredded or diced chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables and diced onion evenly over the chicken.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   
4. Make the Dumpling Batter:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the buttermilk and melted butter until a thick batter forms.
   
5. Add the Dumpling Topping:
   Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly over the casserole. Use a spoon to spread it slightly, but don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything; it will expand as it bakes.
   
6. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumpling topping is golden brown and cooked through. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
   
7. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool slightly, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken and dumplings in a simple casserole form.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the dumpling batter.

If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk, letting it sit for a few minutes.

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.