Cozy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty chicken and dumpling casserole that promises warmth with every single bite.

Cozy layers of tender chicken meld perfectly with fluffy, pillowy dumplings nestled in a creamy sauce.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish, but our version brings a modern twist to traditional comfort food.

Crisp herbs and unexpected spices dance through the casserole, making each forkful a delightful surprise.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Hearty enough to feed a crowd and quick enough to whip up in under an hour, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket.

Dig into a plate of pure, soul-warming deliciousness that feels like a culinary hug.

Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Comfort Classic Night

• Burst with Fresh Flavor: Dive into a delightful strawberry sensation that captures the essence of ripe, juicy berries in every single bite.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal baking skills, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Guaranteed to win hearts at potlucks, birthday parties, and family gatherings with its irresistible combination of sweet strawberry taste and creamy frosting.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Easily adaptable for special occasions or as a simple treat, these cupcakes work wonderfully for everything from casual get-togethers to elegant celebrations.

Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Ingredient Checklist

• Shredded Chicken: The star of the casserole, providing a hearty and satisfying protein base for the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy and rich foundation for the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the entire dish.
• Milk: Helps to create a smooth and creamy texture in both the soup mixture and dumpling batter.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and thickness for the dumpling layer.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dumpling batter.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and a golden color to the dumpling layer.

• Dried Thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note to the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Provides basic seasoning to balance the flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the completed dish.

How To Make Chicken And Dumpling Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350F (175C). This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your casserole.

Step 2: Spread Chicken Base

Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread shredded chicken evenly across the bottom. This creates a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: Create Creamy Soup Mixture

• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Milk

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well blended. Pour the mixture directly over the chicken, covering it completely.

Step 4: Mix Dumpling Batter

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

• Milk
• Melted butter

Stir until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Step 5: Layer Dumpling Topping

Gently pour the dumpling batter over the chicken and soup mixture.

Do not stir or mix the layers.

Step 6: Season The Casserole

• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

This adds wonderful flavor to the entire dish.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the dumplings are fully set.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to your comforting casserole.

Kitchen Hints For Chicken And Dumpling Casserole

• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, comforting texture of the original dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and homemade chicken broth to control salt levels.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the dumpling batter for an aromatic twist.
• Prevent dumplings from becoming soggy by avoiding overmixing the batter and ensuring even distribution across the casserole.
• Make ahead and refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld and saves time during meal preparation.

Try These Chicken Dumpling Casserole Swaps

• Herbaceous Herb Lover's Version: Replace dried thyme with a blend of fresh rosemary, sage, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chiles, sprinkle cayenne pepper, and mix in shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Cheesy Comfort Upgrade: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese into the dumpling batter and top with additional cheese before baking for extra richness.
• Vegetable Enriched Option: Mix in sautéed carrots, celery, and peas directly into the chicken layer for a more nutritious and colorful one-pan meal.

Favorite Sides With Chicken And Dumpling Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this comforting chicken and dumpling casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture.
• Hearty Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add color and nutritional variety to the plate.
• Weekend Gathering Feast: Present alongside warm buttermilk biscuits and cranberry sauce for a classic southern-inspired meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Rustic Potluck Presentation: Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve directly from the baking dish for a homestyle, inviting approach that highlights the casserole's golden, comforting appearance.

Store Chicken And Dumpling Casserole For Freshness

• Store the chicken and dumpling casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and use it as a quick substitute for homemade cooked chicken.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth as an alternative.

• How do I know the dumplings are fully cooked?

The top will turn golden brown, and the batter will set with a slightly firm texture. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean without wet batter.

Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in this chicken and dumpling casserole, blending hearty ingredients with creamy textures. Homestyle cooking meets pure satisfaction, inviting you to savor each comforting spoonful of this classic dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) milk (divided)
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 stick (113 g / 0.5 cup) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Arrange shredded chicken in a uniform layer across a pre-greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Create a savory liquid base by whisking cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until thoroughly combined.
3. Gently cascade the liquid mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage without disturbing the chicken layer.
4. Prepare dumpling batter by blending flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Incorporate remaining milk and melted butter into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth, lump-free consistency develops.
6. Delicately pour the dumpling batter across the surface, allowing it to settle naturally without mixing or stirring.
7. Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the top layer.
8. Position the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden-brown crust and dumplings set firmly.
9. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant, aromatic garnish before serving.

Notes

• Customize the protein by substituting rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even shredded pork for a different flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the same comforting texture.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat milk with almond or skim milk and use low-sodium cream of chicken soup to reduce calories and fat content.
• Enhance the herbal notes by adding fresh rosemary or sage alongside thyme, creating a more complex and aromatic dumpling casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg