Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
This casserole has always been a family favorite for chilly evenings. The first time I made it, the aroma filled the kitchen and everyone eagerly gathered at the table.
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 filling, 1 cup for dumplings
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for dumplings
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for filling, 1/2 teaspoon for dumplings
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare to Bake:
- 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 and Liquids:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk; cook until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to Dish:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix Dumplings:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if using.
- Add 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.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save We love serving this dish for Sunday dinners where everyone gathers around the table — there are always calls for second helpings.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven.
Allergen Information
Contains: wheat (gluten), milk, dairy. Always check labels when using store-bought broth.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein.
Save This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family gatherings. The leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick lunch the next day.
Common Questions
- → What type of chicken works best?
Cooked shredded or diced chicken, such as rotisserie or poached, blends well to provide tender bites.
- → Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh carrots, celery, peas, and onions can be sautéed as called for, enhancing natural flavors.
- → How do I make the dumplings light and fluffy?
Using baking powder and gently mixing dough prevents overworking, resulting in tender, airy dumplings.
- → Is there a way to prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- → What herbs can be used to vary the flavor?
Thyme is traditional, but rosemary or sage add lovely aromatic notes to the casserole.
- → How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure the sauce is thick but still moist and avoid overbaking to keep the casserole creamy and tender.