Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I first tried making this casserole after a chilly weekend and it quickly became a go-to comfort meal in our house.
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 (for chicken mixture): 1/4 cup
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk (for chicken mixture): 1 cup
- Salt (for chicken mixture): 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour (for dumplings): 1 cup
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt (for dumplings): 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
- Whole milk (for dumplings): 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Chicken Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Seasoning:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Make 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.
- Cool:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This casserole was a staple at our family gatherings and my kids always asked for seconds.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven.
Nutrition Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 17 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein.
Notes
For a shortcut, use rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. Swap herbs for your favorites: rosemary or sage work well. To make ahead, prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately; assemble and bake just before serving. Pairs nicely with a light green salad or steamed green beans.
Save Serve warm straight from the oven for the ultimate comfort meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can rotisserie chicken be used?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves prep time while keeping the dish flavorful.
- → What herbs complement this dish well?
Fresh or dried thyme adds depth, while rosemary or sage can be used for a different aromatic twist.
- → How can I tell when the dumplings are cooked?
Dumplings should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch, indicating they are baked through.
- → Can frozen mixed vegetables replace fresh ones?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and work well without compromising texture too much.
- → Is it possible to prepare parts ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.