Save to Pinterest A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I first made this casserole for a potluck when I wanted something that felt cozy but was easy to transport. Everyone went back for seconds and now it is a regular feature on busy weeknights in our home.
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 (for dumplings)
- Unsalted butter (melted): 2 tablespoons (for dumplings)
- 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. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Make Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine Mixture:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare Dumplings:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if using.
- Top Casserole:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Cool:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest This casserole brings everyone together at the dinner table and is especially loved by kids for its fluffy dumplings.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk, Dairy. Double-check broth for allergens if using store-bought.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 29 g
Save to Pinterest Serve hot from the oven with a crisp salad or steamed green beans. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for the chicken mixture?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and adds extra flavor to the casserole.
- → What vegetables work well in this casserole?
Carrots, celery, onion, and peas are classic, but you can substitute with frozen mixed vegetables if preferred.
- → How do I know the dumplings are cooked through?
Dumplings should be golden on top and set in the middle; a toothpick inserted comes out clean when done.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then combine and bake just before serving.
- → Are there herb variations for added flavor?
Absolutely! Rosemary or sage can be swapped for thyme, and fresh parsley adds brightness to the dumpling topping.
- → What dishes pair well as sides?
Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed green beans to complement the creamy, hearty casserole.