Save A comforting hearty casserole combining tender chicken vegetables and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy savory sauce.
The first time I made chicken and dumplings casserole the kitchen filled with warmth and the aroma of herbs. Family came running for this classic comfort food after a long busy day.
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 (for sauce) & 1 cup (for dumplings)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup (for sauce) & 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
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons melted (dumplings)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped optional (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; sauté until softened about 5 minutes.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Add Liquids:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook stirring until thickened about 3 4 minutes.
- Combine Filling:
- 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 30 minutes or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing this with loved ones always brings smiles around the table and reminds me of cozy family meals growing up.
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
Per serving: Calories 420 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 29 g.
Save This casserole is always a hit on busy nights and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for this casserole?
Using cooked, shredded or diced chicken such as rotisserie or poached chicken provides tender texture and rich flavor.
- → Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas?
Yes, fresh peas or other vegetables like green beans can be substituted to add freshness and color.
- → How do I ensure the dumplings turn out fluffy?
Mix the dumpling dough gently and avoid overworking it; baking powder helps create light, airy dumplings.
- → Can herbs be customized in the dish?
Absolutely. Thyme, parsley, rosemary, or sage all complement the flavors well and can be adjusted to personal taste.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes until dumplings are golden and cooked through.