Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I remember the first time making this chicken and dumplings casserole on a chilly Saturday night with my family. The aroma brought everyone to the kitchen even before it was out of the oven!
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 (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 (for dumplings)
- Unsalted butter, melted: 2 tablespoons (for dumplings)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): 2 tablespoons (for dumplings)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Make Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Season:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer Mixture:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Make Dumplings:
- 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.
- Add Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing this casserole always sparks memories of cozy winter evenings spent laughing around the table with my kids as everyone scooped up big helpings of fluffy dumplings and savory chicken filling.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a wholesome meal everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking for maximum freshness.
Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to swap the thyme for your favorite herbs such as rosemary or sage to suit your taste preferences.
Save Enjoy every creamy, hearty bite of this classic casserole — it is sure to become a new family favorite. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day!
Common Questions
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, shredded or diced leftover chicken works well and saves preparation time.
- → What vegetables are best for this casserole?
Carrots, celery, peas, and onions create a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- → How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
Dumplings are ready when they turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
- → Can I substitute herbs for thyme?
Rosemary or sage make great alternatives, adding different aromatic notes.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead?
You can prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake before serving.
- → What sides complement this casserole?
Light green salads or steamed green beans pair nicely, balancing the dish’s richness.