Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I first made this casserole on a chilly evening when everyone craved something homey. The kitchen filled with the aroma of baking dumplings, and the bubbling sauce was pure comfort.
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 (for sauce)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup (for sauce)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (mixture) + 1/2 teaspoon (dumplings)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (for dumplings)
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (for dumplings)
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (for dumplings)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat 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 the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Add Liquids:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine Chicken & Veggies:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer Mixture:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough:
- 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 using.
- Top with Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Rest:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This casserole quickly became a favorite at our potlucks. Watching everyone dig in around the table always makes for great memories.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, dairy. If using store-bought broth, check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 29 g
Save Serve this classic casserole warm, straight from the oven. Every slice delivers comfort in each bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the casserole?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly and saves time during preparation.
- → What vegetables can I substitute in the filling?
Green beans, corn, or mushrooms may replace peas, carrots, or celery based on preference and availability.
- → How do I ensure dumplings are cooked through?
Bake until the dumplings are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, usually 25-30 minutes.
- → Can the casserole be made ahead?
Prepare chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately. Assemble and bake fresh for best texture.
- → Are there herb variations for flavor?
Rosemary, sage, or tarragon may be added or swapped for thyme to customize the casserole's aromatic profile.
- → What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
A light salad or steamed green beans enhance the meal and balance its richness.