Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Cozy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Comfort arrives with this hearty chicken and dumpling casserole that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through savory aromas wafting from the baking dish.

Rich, creamy textures blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces nestled beneath fluffy dumpling clouds.

Southern traditions shine brightly in this classic recipe that speaks directly to soul-satisfying meals.

Layers of flavor emerge from carefully selected ingredients, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments when you gather around this comforting masterpiece.

Dive into a meal that connects generations and brings pure, uncomplicated joy to your table.

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: What You Should Know

  • Simplify Comfort Cooking: Dump, pour, and bake without complex mixing or layering techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive preparation.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and soft dumplings, this casserole appeals to all ages, creating a hearty meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple pots and pans, reducing cleanup time and providing a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and a satisfying sauce in a single baking dish.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekend gatherings, this recipe offers a comforting and filling option that suits various occasions and dining preferences.

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A hearty and tender base that provides the primary protein for this comforting casserole.
Vegetables:
  • Celery, Carrots, Onions: These classic vegetables add depth of flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.
Dumpling and Sauce Components:
  • Self-Rising Flour: Creates a light and fluffy dumpling layer that sits atop the chicken and vegetables.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture in the dumpling mixture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that infuses the entire dish with deep chicken flavor.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes to the creamy consistency and amplifies the chicken essence.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
  • Poultry Seasoning: An optional herb blend that brings traditional and complementary flavors to the casserole.

How to Cook Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

How to Cook Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Layer The Chicken Base

Grab your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the shredded chicken across the bottom, creating a tender foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetable Medley

Sprinkle a vibrant mix of vegetables over the chicken:
  • Chopped celery
  • Diced carrots
  • Finely chopped onions

These veggies will bring delightful texture and flavor to your dish.

Step 4: Create Dumpling Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Self-rising flour
  • Milk
  • Melted butter

Pour this creamy mixture directly over the chicken and vegetables, allowing it to settle naturally without stirring.

Step 5: Develop Flavor-Packed Sauce

In another bowl, combine:
  • Chicken broth
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Poultry seasoning

Gently pour this savory sauce over the top of the casserole, again resisting the urge to mix.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

  • Use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for maximum flavor and tender texture.
  • Resist the urge to stir the layers while assembling, as this helps create distinct dumpling and sauce layers during baking.
  • Swap or add vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers to customize the casserole's nutritional profile and taste.
  • Taste the chicken broth mixture before pouring to ensure balanced seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper according to preference.
  • Substitute self-rising flour with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for dietary needs.

Flavorful Variations for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Deconstructed Casserole: Replace self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Chickpea Comfort Casserole: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken, replace flour mixture with cauliflower rice, and use low-carb cream-based soup for a keto-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Herbal Casserole: Use almond milk instead of regular milk, coconut oil for butter, dairy-free cream of chicken soup, and add fresh parsley for enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Recommendations for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and serve this hearty casserole as a comforting main dish that brings everyone together with warm, delicious flavors.
  • Fresh Green Salad Companion: Pair the rich casserole with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the classic comfort food experience.
  • Weekend Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to family gatherings or community potlucks where its homestyle charm will win over everyone's taste buds.

How to Store Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

  • Why shouldn't I stir the ingredients when adding them to the baking dish?

The recipe is designed to create layers naturally during baking. The flour mixture will rise and create a dumpling-like topping, while the broth mixture settles underneath, forming a creamy base without stirring.

  • Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the chicken and spread it evenly in the baking dish as directed in the original recipe.

  • Is self-rising flour necessary, or can I substitute it?

Self-rising flour is key to creating the fluffy dumpling texture. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by adding 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of all-purpose flour.

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Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken and dumpling casserole brings comfort from Southern kitchens with classic ingredients. Creamy sauce and tender chicken nestled under fluffy dumpling layers promise warm satisfaction for family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Vegetables:

  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions

Dry and Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Create an even base layer of shredded chicken across the bottom of the dish.
  3. Distribute chopped celery, carrots, and onions uniformly over the chicken layer.
  4. Combine self-rising flour, milk, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth.
  5. Gently pour the flour mixture directly over the chicken and vegetables without stirring, allowing it to settle naturally.
  6. Prepare a separate mixture by blending chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning until well incorporated.
  7. Carefully pour the broth mixture over the top of the casserole, maintaining the layered appearance without mixing.
  8. Transfer the unbaked casserole to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes.
  9. Watch for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges, indicating the casserole is fully cooked.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
  11. Serve warm, ensuring each portion captures the delicious layers of chicken, vegetables, and dumpling-like topping.

Notes

  • Prevent dry chicken by using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for extra moisture and flavor.
  • Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the casserole’s depth and aromatic profile.
  • For gluten-sensitive diets, replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free alternative and add baking powder to maintain the dumpling’s fluffy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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