Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I first made this casserole for a Sunday family gathering after finding leftover chicken in the fridge. The bubbling, creamy filling with golden dumplings brought everyone to the table for seconds.
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 chicken mixture, 1 cup for dumplings
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup for chicken mixture, 1/2 cup for dumplings
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for chicken mixture, 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)
- Unsalted butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Prep and Sauté:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Make Sauce Base:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine Filling:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to Dish:
- Spoon chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Dumpling Dough:
- In a 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 dough evenly over casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes, until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Save This recipe became a weeknight staple when my kids requested fluffy dumplings again and again. Their favorite way to eat it is with a side of crispy salad.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13 inch casserole dish, measuring cups, spoons, and oven are all you need.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and dairy. Always check store-bought broth labels for extra allergens.
Save Enjoy this classic casserole for a comforting dinner that brings everyone together, with leftovers just as tasty the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that saves preparation time without compromising flavor.
- → How do I ensure the dumplings bake evenly?
Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly over the chicken mixture and bake uncovered until golden, typically 25–30 minutes.
- → Are there herb substitutes that work well in this casserole?
Rosemary or sage can be swapped in place of thyme to add different aromatic notes.
- → Can the casserole be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
A light green salad or steamed green beans complement the dish nicely by adding freshness and crunch.