Save This creamy Chicken and Dumplings Casserole offers everything you love about the Southern classic without the fuss of stovetop simmering Tender chicken savory vegetables and soft biscuit dumplings bake together in one irresistible dish that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and your table with smiles
When my dad was recovering from surgery this casserole kept him cozy and satisfied nights in a row Now we make it when everyone needs a little extra warmth at home
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped using rotisserie keeps things simple and yields tender results Look for fresh chicken without added water for the best flavor
- Frozen peas and carrots: Classic vegetable trio offering color and sweetness Thaw first so the casserole cooks evenly
- Celery: Diced for crunch and old-fashioned flavor Choose firm stalks with leafy tops for added aroma
- Onion: Diced nothing beats the base of sweet onion in cozy casseroles Use yellow or sweet onion for mellow taste
- Garlic: Minced brings a gentle undertone of savoriness
- Cream of chicken soup: Canned classic for rich creaminess Sometimes I swap for a natural variety or low sodium version
- Chicken broth: Deepens flavor aim for low sodium so you can control the seasoning
- Whole milk: Gives dumplings richness and keeps filling from getting too thick Use full fat for best results
- Unsalted butter: Adds layered flavor to both filling and dumplings Choose high quality butter for the best outcome
- Dried thyme: Infuses everything with traditional herby flavor Be sure your thyme is fresh and fragrant
- Black pepper and salt: Enhance and balance all those ingredients
- All purpose flour: Forms the base of the biscuit dumplings Sift before measuring for lighter texture
- Baking powder: Ensures fluffy dumpling rise If your can is over a year old replace it for most reliable results
- Egg and melted butter: Hold dumplings together and create that beautiful golden finish
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds herby brightness and a green pop Sprinkle on top just before serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish This lets the casserole release easily and ensures the edges get a little golden
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt two tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat Add diced onion diced celery and minced garlic Sauté gently for about four minutes stirring frequently until everything is softened and you smell an inviting aroma The gentle cooking here lets the natural sweetness shine and forms the foundation of the dish
- Build the Filling:
- Add shredded chicken thawed peas and carrots cream of chicken soup chicken broth whole milk dried thyme salt and pepper Stir well so the vegetables and chicken are thoroughly coated and the mixture comes together Simmer it all for three minutes so flavors combine but filling stays juicy
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the hot chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly Leveling the filling helps the dumpling topping cook through without sinking
- Mix the Dry Dumpling Ingredients:
- Whisk together one cup flour one and a half teaspoons baking powder and half a teaspoon salt in a medium bowl Whisking prevents lumps and makes sure baking powder is evenly distributed
- Combine Wet Dumpling Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl stir together half cup milk three tablespoons melted butter and one beaten egg Mix just until smooth Add the wet mixture to the flour mix and gently stir until just combined for light fluffy dumplings If using parsley fold it in now
- Top the Casserole:
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the chicken filling so they sit evenly across the top Do not press them in too much They will expand as they bake creating a golden topper
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place in the oven uncovered and bake for thirty five to forty minutes Dumplings will rise and brown and the sauce will bubble at the edges Start checking at thirty five minutes and add time for a deeper crust
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for at least ten minutes before scooping This locks in juices and gives the dumplings time to set
Save The scent of thyme always reminds me of home My favorite part is the golden biscuit top especially when I sneak a parsley leaf or two for myself This is the dish my family asked for every holiday when I was growing up
Storage Tips
Leftovers should be cooled fully before covering and chilling in the fridge Use airtight containers and keep for up to four days To reheat cover casserole with foil and bake at medium heat or microwave portions gently Dumplings may soften slightly but flavors deepen even more
Ingredient Substitutions
If you have leftover turkey it works just as well as chicken For a richer sauce add a splash of cream or swap in cream of mushroom soup You can also add leeks instead of onions or toss in chopped cooked green beans for a different vegetable medley
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a crisp garden salad for balance and crunch For company add a glass of chilled white wine or classic sweet tea If you want a celebration feel serve with a ramekin of cranberry sauce on the side
Cultural and Historical Notes
Chicken and dumplings is a well loved staple all across the American South Its roots go back generations when farm cooks stretched chicken with floury dumplings and garden veggies for hungry families My grandmother would cook hers over the wood stove but I have come to love the ease of baking it all in one dish
Seasonal Adaptations
Add diced butternut squash or sweet potato in fall to deepen color and sweeten the casserole Stir in fresh sweet corn kernels in summer for added brightness Use fresh parsley and chives in the biscuit topping for springtime herby flavor
Success Stories
This recipe became a neighborhood favorite after I left a pan by a friend’s door while she recovered from having twins She texted me a week later to say even her picky toddler asked for seconds
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can fully assemble the casserole up through adding the filling then cover tightly and freeze without the dumpling topping When ready to bake thaw overnight in the fridge and add the dumpling batter just before it goes in the oven
Save If you ever need a bring it to the table potluck dish look no further This casserole freezes well feeds a crowd and makes every kitchen feel a little more like home