Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
This recipe reminds me of chilly weekends when my family gathered around the table, everyone eager for a warm bite of creamy, savory chicken and dumplings straight from 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 (for sauce): 1/4 cup
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk (for sauce): 1 cup
- Salt (for chicken mixture): 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour (for dumplings): 1 cup
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt (for dumplings): 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
- Whole milk (for dumplings): 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook 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 vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Add Liquids:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Season:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Place in Dish:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for 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.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save My sister used to request this casserole every birthday, and sharing it always brought laughter and happy conversations around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy. Use allergy-friendly broth and check ingredient labels as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 420, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 29 g
Save This casserole tastes best served warm, with a simple green salad or some fresh bread on the side.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best?
Cooked shredded or diced chicken, such as rotisserie, works well for tender texture and quick prep.
- → Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen peas or mixed vegetables can be added for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I achieve fluffy dumplings?
Mix flour with baking powder and melted butter, then fold in milk gently; avoid overmixing to keep dumplings light.
- → What herbs complement this casserole?
Thyme adds warmth, while parsley brightens the flavor; rosemary or sage are excellent alternatives.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake when ready.