Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: A Comforting Classic Recipe

Introduction

Chicken and dumpling casserole is the epitome of Southern comfort food. Imagine tender, juicy chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for an easy chicken casserole recipe for a busy weeknight or craving the classic taste of homemade chicken and dumplings, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

This recipe brings all the warmth of a traditional stovetop chicken and dumplings but in a baked, casserole form—ideal for feeding a family or preparing ahead of time. Below, we’ll explore the history of this beloved dish, step-by-step instructions, variations for different diets, and tips to perfect the recipe.

A Brief History of Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

The origins of chicken and dumplings trace back to Southern and Midwestern American cuisine, where home cooks needed to make the most of simple, hearty ingredients. Early settlers in the United States created dumplings from flour, water, and fat, adding them to broths and stews to stretch their meals further.

Over time, the dish evolved into the creamy, comforting meal we love today. The casserole version emerged as an easy way to prepare the dish without standing over the stove. By layering the ingredients and baking them together, this dish became even more convenient while maintaining its classic flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Base

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.

2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Stir well until smooth.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.

3. Make the Dumpling Dough

• In a separate bowl, whisk together self-rising flour and cold, cubed butter.
• Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour until it forms coarse crumbs.
• Slowly add milk, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing!

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
• Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the top, spacing them apart slightly.
• Drizzle the melted butter over everything for extra richness.

5. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

• Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• To check doneness, insert a toothpick into a dumpling—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

6. Let It Rest & Serve

• Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper for extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

✅ Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – Pre-cooked shredded chicken saves time and adds deep flavor.

✅ Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough – A light touch ensures soft and fluffy dumplings.

✅ Add More Creaminess – For a richer taste, substitute half the milk with heavy cream or add shredded cheese.

✅ Layer for a Crispy Dumpling Top – If you love crispy dumplings, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.

Delicious Variations

1. Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

• Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with a homemade gluten-free white sauce.

2. Keto-Friendly Version

• Replace the dumpling dough with almond flour biscuits.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for a low-carb, high-fat alternative.

3. Dairy-Free Option

• Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of dairy.
• Substitute vegan butter or olive oil for the butter.

4. Loaded Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

• Add cooked bacon bits, shredded cheese, or sautéed mushrooms for a richer flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Pair your casserole with these delicious sides for a well-rounded meal:

🥗 Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.

🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Try oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots.

🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

🍷 Wine Pairing – A light Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy texture.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Why are my dumplings tough?

Overmixing the dough can make the dumplings dense. Stir gently until just combined.

Why is my casserole watery?

Too much liquid or not enough baking time can cause a soupy consistency. Let it bake fully and rest before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze the chicken base separately and add fresh dumplings before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

📌 Calories: ~450 kcal
📌 Protein: 30g
📌 Carbohydrates: 35g
📌 Fat: 20g

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the perfect easy chicken casserole recipe to warm your soul. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, its creamy texture and soft dumplings make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You May Also Like

If you loved this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, you’ll definitely enjoy our Garlic Butter Buns Recipe! These soft, buttery buns pair perfectly with any hearty dish and are the ultimate side for comfort food lovers.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! 🍽️

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

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• Author: Annah Chef
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting Chicken and Dumpling Casserole combines tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings the classic flavors of chicken and dumplings into a convenient casserole form.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Base:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken​
• 1 medium onion, chopped​
• 2 medium carrots, chopped​
• 2 celery stalks, chopped​
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth​
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour​
• 1 cup frozen peas​
• 1/4 teaspoon salt​
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper​

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour​
• 2 teaspoons baking powder​
• 1/4 teaspoon salt​
• 1 large egg​
• 1/3 cup nonfat or 1% milk

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).​

• Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

• Prepare the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.​

• Combine with Chicken and Peas: Add shredded chicken and frozen peas to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through.​

• Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.​

• Prepare Dumpling Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.​

• Top with Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish, making about 8 dumplings.

• Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown.​

• Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers based on your preference.​

• Dumpling Texture: Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter to ensure light and fluffy dumplings.​

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the dumplings’ texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (232g)​
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 370mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 55mg​