Chicken Dumplings Comforting Casserole

Featured in: Warm Bakes & Casseroles

This comforting dish combines tender chicken shredded and mixed with diced carrots, celery, peas, and aromatic onion and garlic. The mixture is thickened with butter and flour, then enriched with chicken broth and milk. Fluffy dumplings made from flour, baking powder, butter, and milk are spooned over the savory filling before baking until golden. Aromatic herbs like thyme and fresh parsley add depth, making it an easy, hearty, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:42:00 GMT
Chicken and Dumplings Casserole, a warm, inviting dish with fluffy dumplings atop creamy chicken. Save
Chicken and Dumplings Casserole, a warm, inviting dish with fluffy dumplings atop creamy chicken. | forkta.com

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
Golden-brown dumplings sit atop a bubbling Chicken and Dumplings Casserole, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Golden-brown dumplings sit atop a bubbling Chicken and Dumplings Casserole, ready to be enjoyed. | forkta.com

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.

Imagine the aroma: This hearty Chicken and Dumplings Casserole offers a satisfying, delicious meal. Save
Imagine the aroma: This hearty Chicken and Dumplings Casserole offers a satisfying, delicious meal. | forkta.com

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.

Chicken Dumplings Comforting Casserole

Tender chicken and vegetables baked with fluffy dumplings in a creamy sauce for a hearty dish.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Chicken Mixture

01 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
02 1 cup carrots, diced
03 1 cup celery, diced
04 1 cup frozen peas
05 1 small onion, diced
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1/4 cup unsalted butter
08 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
09 2 cups chicken broth
10 1 cup whole milk
11 1 teaspoon salt
12 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Dumplings

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 1/2 cup whole milk
06 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 03

Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 04

Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 05

Combine Chicken Mixture: Incorporate cooked chicken, peas, salt, black pepper, and thyme into the sauce. Mix thoroughly.

Step 06

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 07

Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just mixed. Fold in parsley if desired.

Step 08

Top with Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.

Step 09

Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10

Rest and Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy. Verify chicken broth ingredients for additional allergens if store-bought.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 29 g