Save to Pinterest A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
The first time I made this casserole, my kids couldn&t stop talking about how much they loved the warm, creamy chicken sauce paired with soft dumplings. It quickly became our favorite comfort meal for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced
- Carrots: 1 cup, diced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Small onion: 1, 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
- Butter (melted): 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté vegetables:
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add flour:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Create sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add chicken and seasonings:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to dish:
- Move chicken mixture to greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix dumplings:
- In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for dumplings. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if desired.
- Add dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Rest:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest This dish is always requested for our Sunday dinners. The kids help drop dumplings on top, and we gather around the table for a hearty meal and laughter.
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 if store-bought.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 29 g
Save to Pinterest This chicken and dumplings casserole is sure to warm your home with every bite. Make it tonight for a memorable meal everyone will love.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this casserole?
Yes, shredded or diced leftover chicken works well; rotisserie chicken is also a handy option.
- → How do I know when the dumplings are cooked through?
The dumplings will be golden on top and firm to the touch. Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- → Are other herbs suitable besides parsley?
Absolutely! Rosemary, sage, or thyme all add vibrant flavor to the dish.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead?
Prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- → What are ideal sides for this dish?
Light salads or steamed green beans complement the casserole’s richness perfectly.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You may use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to adapt to dairy-free needs.