Pin It A comforting hearty casserole combining tender chicken vegetables and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy savory sauce. With classic flavors and simple steps this American favorite brings warmth to your table.
This dish instantly takes me back to childhood Sunday suppers when a bubbling casserole meant everyone gathered in the kitchen. Each bite brings a sense of nostalgia and homemade comfort.
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 divided for sauce and 1 cup for dumplings
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup for sauce and 1/2 cup for dumplings
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for sauce and 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 (optional): 2 tablespoons chopped
Instructions
- Preheat:
- 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
- Make the roux:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute
- Add liquids:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook stirring until thickened about 3(4 minutes
- Combine chicken mixture:
- 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 for the dumplings. 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(30 minutes or until dumplings are golden and cooked through
- Rest:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving
Pin It We love making this casserole together on cold evenings when everyone wants a turn dropping dumplings over the bubbling filling. It always feels special.
Serving Suggestions
Serve piping hot with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed green beans for a complete meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Try swapping in turkey or leftover roast veggies. Rosemary or sage offer delicious alternative flavors.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately; store in the fridge and assemble just before baking. Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pin It This classic casserole brings people together with every spoonful. Enjoy it as a cozy centerpiece for your family table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best to use?
Use cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience and tenderness.
- → Can I substitute fresh vegetables for frozen peas?
Yes, fresh peas or other vegetables like green beans can be substituted to suit your preference.
- → How do I ensure the dumplings stay fluffy?
Mix the dumpling dough gently to avoid overworking and drop spoonfuls evenly over the chicken mixture before baking.
- → What herbs complement this casserole well?
Thyme is traditional, but rosemary or sage are excellent alternatives to enhance flavor.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- → Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Freeze before baking for best results. Thaw completely before baking to ensure even cooking.