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 family potluck and it disappeared fast! Its combination of creamy chicken and soft dumplings always brings back cozy memories.
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 (chicken mixture), 1 cup (dumplings)
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Whole Milk: 1 cup (chicken mixture), 1/2 cup (dumplings)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (chicken mixture), 1/2 teaspoon (dumplings)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted Butter, melted: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional): 2 tablespoons
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; cook until softened (about 5 minutes)
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute
- Make Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Stir until thickened, about 3 minutes
- Add Chicken and Seasonings:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine
- Transfer and Prep Dumplings:
- Transfer chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. 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 desired
- Add Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through
- Rest:
- Let casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving
Save My kids love helping to drop the dumpling dough on top, and serving this casserole at family gatherings always feels special.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately the day before; assemble and bake when ready to serve for easy weeknight meals.
Variations
Try swapping thyme for rosemary or sage, or add your favorite mix of herbs for a personalized flavor profile.
Save Enjoy the cozy warmth and satisfaction of this casserole, a classic family favorite that’s sure to please every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best chicken for this dish?
Cooked shredded or diced chicken works well, and using rotisserie chicken offers a convenient shortcut while preserving flavor.
- → Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh carrots, celery, peas, and onions can be used for a fresher taste, but adjust cooking times to ensure tenderness.
- → How do I achieve fluffy dumplings?
Mix flour with baking powder and salt, then gently fold in butter and milk without overmixing to keep the dough light and fluffy.
- → What herbs complement this dish well?
Thyme is traditional, but rosemary or sage are great alternatives that enhance the savory flavors.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake before serving for freshness.
- → What side dishes pair nicely with it?
A light green salad or steamed green beans provide a fresh and balanced accompaniment to the hearty casserole.