Save A comforting hearty casserole combining tender chicken vegetables and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy savory sauce.
I first tried making this casserole on a chilly weekend and it quickly became our go-to dish whenever we needed something cozy. The aroma fills the kitchen and everyone always looks forward to scooping out a generous serving.
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 (plus 1 cup for dumplings)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup (plus 1/2 cup for dumplings)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (plus 1/2 teaspoon for dumplings)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons melted
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped (optional for dumplings)
Instructions
- Prep 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 and 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 and cook stirring until thickened about 3 4 minutes.
- Combine Chicken:
- Add chicken peas salt pepper and thyme and stir to combine.
- Transfer to Dish:
- Spoon the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Mix Dumplings:
- In a medium bowl combine flour baking powder and salt for the dumplings. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined and fold in parsley if using.
- Top with Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 30 minutes until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing this casserole reminds me of Sunday dinners with my family when everyone would gather in the kitchen eager to dig in as soon as it came out of the oven.
Required Tools
Large skillet mixing bowls whisk 9x13 inch casserole dish measuring cups and spoons oven.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) milk and dairy. Check chicken broth labels for hidden allergens if store bought is used.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420 Total Fat: 17 g Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 29 g
Save This classic casserole brings everyone to the table. Serve hot for the ultimate comfort meal.
Recipe Help
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Cooked, shredded or diced chicken is ideal; rotisserie chicken offers a convenient, flavorful shortcut.
- → Can I use frozen vegetables in the casserole?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
Dumplings should be golden brown on top and cooked through after baking for 25–30 minutes.
- → Are there herb alternatives to thyme in this dish?
Rosemary and sage are excellent herb substitutions that complement the creamy chicken and dumplings.
- → What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Light green salads or steamed green beans enhance the meal with fresh, crisp textures.