Are you looking for a hearty, comforting dish that will please the whole family? Look no further than this delicious Chicken and Dumpling Casserole! It's a warm, satisfying meal that brings together tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy sauce baked to perfection. Whether you're cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Read on to learn how to make this comforting Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, along with tips, tricks, and substitutions to suit your needs. Let’s get started!
What Are Chicken and Dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish with roots in Southern and Midwestern American cuisine. Traditionally, it's a thick, flavorful chicken stew or broth filled with vegetables and topped with soft, pillowy dumplings that are either dropped or rolled out. The dumplings absorb the flavors from the stew, creating a truly mouthwatering combination. A casserole version of chicken and dumplings takes this classic dish to the next level, layering the ingredients and baking them in the oven for a crispy top and rich, creamy filling.
This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole recipe simplifies the cooking process while retaining all the heartwarming flavors of the original. Ready to learn how to make this dish? Let’s first go over the ingredient list.
Ingredients List for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
To prepare this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. These components come together to create a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
For the Chicken Filling:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
For the Topping (optional):
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on the ingredients you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can use raw chicken breast. Simply cook it in a skillet until fully cooked before shredding it for the recipe. You can also use turkey as a substitute, especially around the holidays.
- Vegetables: Use fresh or frozen vegetables according to your preference. Green beans, celery, and mushrooms are all great additions. You can also omit the vegetables altogether if you prefer a simpler dish.
- Dumplings: If you’re short on time or want a quicker option, you can use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of making dumplings from scratch. Simply cut the biscuits into smaller pieces and arrange them on top of the casserole before baking.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re avoiding processed foods, you can make a homemade version of the cream of chicken soup by whisking together 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1 cup of chicken broth until thickened.
These simple swaps allow you to create a customized version of Chicken and Dumpling Casserole that suits your needs and tastes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to put them together into one delicious casserole. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the ultimate Chicken and Dumpling Casserole.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, diced onion, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the chicken mixture, spacing them out evenly.
Step 4: Optional Cheese Topping
If you're adding a cheesy twist to your casserole, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dumplings.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into a dumpling—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
How to Cook Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is easy if you break it down into simple steps. Here’s a quick recap of the key steps:
- Prepare the Filling: Mix together the chicken, soup, broth, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Make the Dumplings: Stir together flour, milk, and butter to create the dough.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture in a baking dish and top with dumpling dough.
- Bake: Cook in the oven until the dumplings are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool, garnish, and dig in!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Chicken and Dumpling Casserole turns out perfect every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can make your dumplings dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Make sure not to add too much liquid to the filling, as the dumplings will absorb some of the moisture. You want a thick and creamy consistency.
- Underbaking the Dumplings: Always check that your dumplings are fully cooked before removing the casserole from the oven. An undercooked dumpling will be doughy inside.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters, especially when serving a comforting dish like Chicken and Dumpling Casserole. Here are a few tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
- Serve in the Baking Dish: For a rustic and homestyle presentation, bring the entire casserole dish to the table and let everyone help themselves.
- Individual Portions: Use a large spoon to scoop out individual portions and place them on plates. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
- Side Dishes: Serve the casserole with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans add extra color and texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve the casserole alongside a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Looking to impress your guests? Try these presentation ideas:
- Casserole Dish on a Wooden Board: Place the hot casserole dish on a wooden board for a cozy, farmhouse-style look.
- Mini Casserole Dishes: Serve individual portions in mini casserole dishes for a charming touch.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, will add a vibrant contrast to the golden dumplings.
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to ensure success:
- Prep Ahead: You can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, top with dumpling dough and bake.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to double if you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade dumplings?
A: Absolutely! Canned biscuits are a quick and convenient substitute. Just cut them into small pieces and place them on top of the filling before baking.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the perfect dish for when you need something hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings, every bite is filled with comfort and warmth. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! Happy cooking!
PrintChicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe
This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish packed with tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and soft dumplings. The creamy chicken base topped with dumplings creates a perfect meal for weeknight dinners. Ideal for cozy family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, celery)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- ½ cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Spread shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Sprinkle mixed vegetables over the top.
- In another bowl, mix flour, butter, and milk to form the dumpling batter. Spoon small dollops over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the dumplings are golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, use rotisserie chicken.
- You can swap vegetables or add herbs like thyme for extra taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
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