Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty and satisfying dish to warm your soul? This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings, baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple, comforting meal that the whole family will love. Read on for step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, substitutions, and tips to make this classic casserole with ease.

this Recipe

What Is Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a Southern-inspired dish that combines shredded chicken with a creamy, savory sauce and dumplings made from a biscuit-like dough. The casserole is baked until the dumplings are soft on the inside but slightly crispy on top, absorbing the flavors from the chicken and sauce. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that is rich, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients List for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients for your Chicken and Dumpling Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These basic ingredients come together to create a creamy, savory dish with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. The cream of chicken soup provides a rich, velvety base, while the seasonings add depth of flavor.

Ingredients List for the Dumplings

The dumplings in this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole are made from a simple dough. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg (optional, for a richer dumpling texture)

These ingredients will come together to create dumplings that are light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all that delicious creamy sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

There are several ways to customize this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole recipe depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Chicken: Instead of shredded chicken, you can use cooked turkey, ham, or even sausage. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: For a lighter option, use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You can also make a homemade roux-based sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute to make this casserole completely dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the self-rising flour and the flour for the dumplings. Make sure your soup is also gluten-free.
• Vegetables: Add some frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn for added texture and nutrition.

Feel free to experiment with flavors to make this dish your own!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Shred the chicken. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked chicken.
3. Prepare the baking dish. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
4. Combine the base. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and salt and pepper.
5. Layer the chicken. Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour the sauce. Slowly pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure the chicken is well coated.
7. Make the dumplings. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until the dough comes together. If using, whisk in the egg for extra richness.
8. Drop the dumplings. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the top of the casserole. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly spaced; they will puff up as they bake.
9. Bake the casserole. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Garnish and serve. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Cook Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is straightforward if you follow these key steps. Make sure to layer the chicken first, then pour the sauce on top to ensure even cooking. When adding the dumplings, don’t overmix the dough to keep them light and fluffy. Baking at the right temperature ensures the dumplings cook through while the sauce thickens beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is relatively simple, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure the perfect casserole every time:

1. Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough dumplings. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Not Fully Cooking the Dumplings: Make sure the dumplings are cooked all the way through by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
3. Using Cold Chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, make sure it’s at room temperature before adding it to the casserole. Cold chicken can lower the cooking temperature and affect the dish's texture.
4. Too Much Salt: Be careful with adding extra salt since the canned soup and chicken broth are often already seasoned.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The beauty of Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is that it’s already a complete meal, but there are a few extra touches you can add to elevate the presentation.

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor.
• Add a Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: While the dumplings are the star, a slice of crusty bread can help mop up any extra sauce.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Once the casserole has cooled slightly, use a large serving spoon to scoop portions onto individual plates. The dumplings should be fluffy and golden on top, with creamy chicken and sauce underneath. Serve the casserole hot, as the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

For a more visually appealing dish, bake the casserole in an oven-safe skillet or individual ramekins for personal servings. Garnish with herbs or even a little shredded cheese if you want to add a bit of richness. Serving in a rustic dish can make the meal feel extra cozy.

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe Tips

To ensure success with this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole recipe, keep the following tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your milk and chicken come to room temperature before mixing them into the casserole to help everything cook evenly.
• Check the Dumplings: To make sure the dumplings are done, cut one open to check for doneness. They should be soft and fluffy but not doughy.
• Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This will allow the sauce to set and the flavors to meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and then bake according to the recipe.

Can I Freeze Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
This casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a simple roux by cooking 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of flour, then whisking in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk until thickened.

Can I Use Homemade Dumplings?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your dumplings from scratch, feel free to use your favorite biscuit or dumpling recipe.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner, this dish delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.

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