Chicken and Dumplings Casserole

Bubbling with creamy sauce and topped by soft dumplings this chicken and dumplings casserole is pure comfort food for busy nights A single pan delivers everything my family craves cozy flavors plump veggies and plenty of homey goodness

My kids always ask for seconds especially during chilly months The blend of tender chicken and golden dumplings brings back memories of Sunday suppers with my grandma

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: shredded or diced Choose rotisserie chicken for ease or poach your own for a richer taste
• Carrots: diced Pick firm bright-colored carrots for natural sweetness
• Celery: diced Adds crunch and gentle bitterness opt for crisp stalks
• Frozen peas: These keep the casserole colorful and offer a pop of green use petite peas for best texture
• Small onion: diced Build flavor by selecting fresh pungent onions
• Garlic: minced Go for plump cloves and mince just before cooking for full flavor
• Unsalted butter: Essential for its rich flavor and creamy sauce
• All-purpose flour: thickens the filling and gives structure to dumplings always use fresh flour for best results
• Chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium and quality brands guaranteeing a clean savory base
• Whole milk: Makes the sauce lush and creates tender dumplings pick whole for creaminess
• Salt and black pepper: Season boldly use sea salt and grind pepper fresh
• Dried thyme: Brings earthiness balance substitute with rosemary if you prefer
• Baking powder: leavens the dumplings check date for active power
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds brightness use fresh flat-leaf if you can

Instructions

Preheat The Oven:

Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit well before you start so it is fully ready for baking once your dish is assembled

Sauté The Aromatics:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat Add diced onion carrots celery and minced garlic Stir gently and sauté for about five minutes until vegetables are tender and onions turn translucent This slow sauté sets a deep flavor foundation

Thicken The Sauce:

Sprinkle flour evenly over vegetables and stir constantly for one minute cooking out raw flour taste This step is key for a silky sauce

Build The Creamy Base:

Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk Mix slowly over medium heat Stir often the blend thickens in three to four minutes You are creating a rich base for both chicken and dumplings

Finish The Filling:

Stir in cooked chicken frozen peas salt pepper and dried thyme Mix well everything should be coated in the creamy sauce Take a taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Transfer To Casserole Dish:

Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish Spoon the saucy chicken and vegetable mixture evenly across the base press to flatten for even dumpling coverage

Mix The Dumpling Dough:

Use a medium bowl Combine flour baking powder and salt Whisk to blend Stir in melted butter and milk mixing gently until just combined Fold in chopped fresh parsley for a colorful lift this dough should be soft but not runny

Shape The Dumplings:

Using a spoon drop dollops of dough onto the chicken mixture arranging evenly so every serving gets dumpling goodness Do not spread or flatten

Bake:

Place casserole uncovered in your preheated oven Bake twenty five to thirty minutes Dumplings should be puffed golden and firm to the touch and the filling should bubble around the edges

Rest and Serve:

Let the dish cool five minutes before serving This settles filling and helps cut neater servings

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I always look forward to parsley flecks in the dumplings The fresh pop makes it feel restaurant special My daughter loves scooping out extra dumplings for herself and it always gives us a little laugh at the dinner table

Storage Tips

Leftover casserole stores easily in an airtight container and keeps well for up to three days in the fridge If you plan to freeze portion individual servings for best reheating later Gently reheat in the oven covered with foil to preserve moisture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap rotisserie chicken for home-cooked if time is tight Fresh herbs such as sage rosemary or dill easily replace thyme For dairy-free try oat milk and vegan butter just watch texture For gluten-free reach for a one-to-one baking flour blend

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple salad or favorite steamed veggies You might also try serving over mashed potatoes for pure comfort Add a dash of black pepper or a sprinkle of parmesan before serving for a flavor boost

Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken and dumplings is a staple of American Southern kitchens born out of frugality and a knack for stretching humble ingredients Dumplings above a creamy meat filling share similarities with pot pie though here everything bakes together in pure comfort style This version celebrates the homey casserole spirit that graces so many Sunday tables

Seasonal Adaptations

Add chopped leeks or parsnips in winter for more earthy sweetness Use fresh garden peas and parsley in spring Try sweet corn in summer for a pop of color

Success Stories

Several friends have taken this recipe for holiday gatherings and tell me it disappears fast My aunt made it for a new-mom meal drop-off and got rave reviews My son even requested the leftovers heated up for breakfast says it makes the morning cozier

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Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare filling and dumpling dough separately then freeze in freezer-safe bags Label and date for easy identification Thaw overnight assemble and bake fresh for best results Frozen casseroles last up to three months and make weeknight meals easier

This casserole brings generations together in a single baking dish Its aroma fills the kitchen with warmth and every serving delivers a taste of home

Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken works best?

Use cooked, shredded or diced chicken; rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for quick prep.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely. Swap carrots, celery, and peas for your favorites, such as bell peppers or corn.

→ How do I ensure dumplings are cooked through?

Bake until dumplings are golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, usually 25–30 minutes.

→ Can I prepare the casserole ahead?

Yes. Prepare chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake right before serving.

→ Is the dish freezer-friendly?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the baked casserole in portions and reheat for convenience.

→ What herbs pair well with the dish?

Dried thyme adds classic flavor, but rosemary or sage are excellent alternatives for a savory twist.