Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I remember the first time I made this casserole for my family: it brought everyone to the table in minutes, and the homemade dumplings were an instant hit with both adults and kids.
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 (for sauce) + 1/2 teaspoon (for dumplings)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for dumplings)
- Butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
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 to 4 minutes.
- Add Chicken & Seasonings:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Assemble in Dish:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Make Dumpling Dough:
- 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.
- Top the Casserole:
- 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 & Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This casserole has become our family's go-to comfort food during chilly evenings, often finding us gathered around the table laughing while enjoying seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with a light green salad or steamed green beans to add freshness and color to your plate.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat (gluten), milk, and dairy. Always double-check broth labels for allergens if using store-bought products.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 420 calories, 17 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Save This easy casserole brings everyone together for hearty comfort. Try making it ahead so a cozy dinner is always close at hand.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves prep time while maintaining great flavor.
- → What herbs complement the dish best?
Thyme is classic, but rosemary or sage are delightful alternatives to enhance the casserole.
- → How do I know when the dumplings are cooked through?
Dumplings should be golden brown on top and no longer doughy in the center after 25–30 minutes of baking.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- → What sides work well with this casserole?
Light green salads and steamed green beans complement this casserole nicely for a balanced meal.