Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I first made this casserole when my kids wanted cozy food after soccer practice. Now, it's a regular favorite and always disappears fast with seconds for everyone.
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 (optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare 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 vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Make Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 or 4 minutes.
- Add Chicken & Seasonings:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Fill Casserole Dish:
- Transfer chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Dumpling Dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if using.
- Add Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 or 30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Rest:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This casserole brought back memories of big family dinners at my grandmother's house. It's now part of our Sunday lunch tradition shared with laughter.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs especially well with a crisp green salad, steamed beans, or roasted carrots for added color on the table.
Recipe Shortcuts
You can use rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables for quick prep when time is tight.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for two days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve dumpling texture.
Save Serve hot straight from the oven for maximum comfort. Enjoy every bite and make it your new family favorite.
Cooking Guide
- → What vegetables enhance the flavor?
Carrots, celery, onions, and peas provide a subtle sweetness and texture that complement the chicken and dumplings.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that keeps the dish tender and flavorful while reducing prep time.
- → How are the dumplings prepared?
Dumplings combine flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk, folded with fresh parsley then spooned over the chicken mixture before baking.
- → What herbs work well in this dish?
Thyme provides a classic savory note, while rosemary or sage can be used as delicious alternatives.
- → How do I know when it's done baking?
Bake until dumplings are golden and cooked through, usually 25–30 minutes, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.