Do Share Recipe

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe | Creamy, Cozy & Delicious

I have to admit, the first time I made this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe, I was blown away by how cozy and comforting it felt. The tender chicken mixed with hearty vegetables and soft, buttery dumplings made my kitchen smell incredible. This dish quickly became a family favorite, and I love how easy it is to make even on a busy weeknight.

I’ll walk you through every step so you can enjoy this delicious casserole too. Trust me, it’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. If you enjoy creamy soups, you might also like the White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe for a rich, comforting twist on chicken.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this cozy casserole, along with some tips for getting the best flavor and texture.

Chicken and Vegetables

3 cups cooked and chopped chicken – I like using rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
¼ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness; don’t substitute with margarine.
1 cup minced yellow onion – Fresh onion gives the best aroma; avoid pre-chopped frozen.
2 ribs chopped celery – Adds a subtle crunch and freshness.
2 peeled and chopped carrots – Sweetness and color; fresh is best.
¼ cup all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce evenly.
2 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium to control salt.
1 cup half and half – Creates a creamy, velvety texture.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances flavor without overpowering.
1 teaspoon dried parsley – Adds a touch of herbal freshness.
½ teaspoon dried basil – Complements the chicken perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste – Season gradually for balance.

Dumplings

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of soft dumplings.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps dumplings rise.
1 ½ teaspoons salt – Balances flavors.
1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley – For a light herby taste.
¼ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter – Keep it cold for tender, flaky dumplings.
¾ cup + 2 tablespoons whole milk – Brings the dough together smoothly.

Note: Serves 6 generously.

Variations

If you want to customize this dish:

Use dairy-free milk or cream for a lactose-free version.
Swap fresh veggies for frozen if pressed for time.
Add a touch of thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Make it low-carb by replacing flour dumplings with cauliflower mash dumplings. For a sweet treat after dinner, you can also enjoy the Pecan Turtles Bars Recipe which pairs wonderfully with this hearty casserole.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet – To sauté vegetables and make the sauce.
Whisk – Helps blend flour and liquids smoothly.
Baking dish – Hold the casserole for baking.
Pastry blender or fork – For cutting butter into flour for dumplings.
Oven – For baking the casserole until golden.

How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting dish.

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

First, preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray your baking dish with cooking spray. In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until tender, about 3–5 minutes.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and whisk to combine. Gradually pour in chicken broth and half and half, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add shredded chicken, garlic powder, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the chicken-vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish. Prepare the dumplings by cutting cold butter into flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley. Stir in milk until dough forms and drop spoonfuls evenly over the casserole. Cover loosely with foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until dumplings are lightly browned.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made this dish several times, and here’s what I’ve learned:

I always use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
Fresh vegetables make a noticeable difference in taste.
Don’t overmix dumpling dough; keeping it slightly lumpy gives fluffier dumplings.
Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving to set the sauce.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

This casserole is perfect as a main dish. I like garnishing with fresh parsley for color. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Serving it in individual bowls makes it extra cozy and inviting.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you get per serving:

Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It maintains its creamy texture well.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked casserole without dumplings for up to 2 months. Add dumplings fresh before baking.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Dumplings remain tender if covered with foil while reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and dumpling casserole has quickly become my go-to comfort meal. Here’s why:

Time-Saving: Using pre-cooked chicken makes prep a breeze.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
Versatile: Easy to customize with different veggies or seasonings.
Make-Ahead: Assemble ahead for stress-free dinners.
Rich Flavor: Creamy sauce and fluffy dumplings make every bite comforting.

Ben Carraoli