If you’ve stumbled upon this recipe, chances are you’re after that heartwarming, cozy, and delightful dish known as chicken and dumpling casserole. Imagine myself as I pour over my notes, pondering what elements create the spirit of comfort food. That’s right—tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings working in harmony.
I’m a registered dietitian and food enthusiast on a constant quest for meals that delight the palate and nourish the body. With a love for easy, healthy recipes, I’ve perfected this dish over time, letting it evolve in my kitchen.
There’s something about the melding of flavors that just feels like home. And that is exactly what I want to share with you today: a wholesome and straightforward chicken and dumpling casserole recipe.
What is Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
At its core, chicken and dumpling casserole combines the classic elements of chicken soup, but with the sturdy heartiness of a casserole. We layer shredded rotisserie chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, topped with fluffy dumplings that bake up golden. It’s hearty, satisfying, and doesn’t require any culinary wizardry—just a desire to eat well.
Why This Recipe Works?
This is not just a run-of-the-mill casserole. It embraces simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Using rotisserie chicken cuts down the prep time significantly—this bird is already cooked to perfection and packed with juicy flavor.
The creamy elements, thanks to the soup and milk, create a luscious base that cradles the dumplings. The baking powder ensures the dumplings rise beautifully, while a few spices, like garlic powder, bring the dish to life.
In essence, this recipe works because it captures the essence of what makes food heartwarming: familiar flavors, homestyle techniques, and a generous sprinkle of love.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted sweet cream butter
- 1¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3-4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup diced celery
These ingredients create a melange of flavors and textures, which together turn into something truly special.
How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
In the kitchen, every recipe tells a story. My tale with this chicken and dumpling casserole begins humbly with a few simple ingredients. The beauty lies in the variations you can explore. Let’s dive into the journey step-by-step.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Gather your ingredients and chop up your celery. This will help ensure that everything is ready for the delicious concoction that is about to unfold.
Step 2: Create the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned Cream of Chicken Soup, chicken stock, and milk. Stir until it’s smooth, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken and diced celery. Your mouth will water just from the scent of this creamy blend.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Let’s melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir it into the dry ingredients. Gradually add in milk until you have a thick, yet dollop-able batter.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
In your baking dish, pour in the chicken mixture, spreading it evenly. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, dollop the dumpling mixture on top, covering the chicken mixture. This creates a nice dumpling layer that will bake up fluffy.
Step 5: Let it Cook
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden. The aromas will fill your kitchen—a hint of garlic wafting into every corner.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken. It will save you precious time and pack in lots of flavor.
- Experiment with spices. Feel free to add thyme, pepper, or paprika to jazz it up a bit.
- Don’t rush the dumplings. Allow them to puff up beautifully by not peeking during the first 30 minutes of baking.
- Go for quality broth. A rich chicken stock makes a world of difference.
- Make it ahead. You can prepare this casserole the night before, just hold off on baking until you’re ready to eat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. The leftovers will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze portions, ensure they are in freezer-safe containers, where they can last up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
How Would I Recommend Serving Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
Here are a few serving suggestions for elevating this dish:
- Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the top before serving. This simple addition brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve it alongside garlic bread. The crispiness of the bread creates a delightful contrast with the creamy casserole.
- Add a Salad: A garden salad with a citrus dressing will introduce a refreshing aspect and soak up extra flavor from the casserole.
- Serve with Hot Sauce: If you or your friends enjoy a kick of heat, drizzle some hot sauce over individual servings. This will give the dish an exciting twist.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
- Substitute for Chicken: Canned chicken can be a quick alternative. It’s convenient and will still give that creamy texture.
- Flour alternatives: Gluten-free flour can replace regular flour in the dumplings for those avoiding gluten.
- Broth alternative: Vegetable stock can work if you want a vegetarian version, offering a different flavor profile and slightly lighter tones.
- Cream of chicken soup alternative: You could use homemade cream soup using milk and flour as a thickening agent, adjusting with herbs and spices for flavor.
Conclusion
As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of this chicken and dumpling casserole, I can’t help but think how food brings people together. Every bite is a reminder of warmth and connection—perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a quick weeknight meal.
Make it your own; add in your favorite herbs or even swap in other proteins. I’m excited for you to make this dish, share it with loved ones, and create new memories around your dinner table. Trust me, once you take that first scoop, you’ll be back for seconds. Happy cooking!
Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe – Comfort Food Meals
Description
When I think of comfort food, few dishes rival the warm embrace of chicken and dumpling casserole. Whether you are settling in for a movie night, hosting friends for dinner, or just trying to whip up something hearty during the week, this dish has your back. But it begs the question: what pairs well with it?
Consider a simple green salad to counterbalance the richness. A crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette is refreshing. Or, go for roasted vegetables. Carrots and broccoli nicely complement the flavors of the casserole, bringing a touch of color and texture to the table.
Don’t overlook the power of homemade bread—pull-apart garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls will have everyone clamoring for more. And let’s not forget dessert; a fruit crumble, like apple or berry, serves as the perfect sweet ending that feels celebratory yet simple.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
-
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Gather your ingredients and chop up your celery. This will help ensure that everything is ready for the delicious concoction that is about to unfold.
Step 2: Create the Base
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned Cream of Chicken Soup, chicken stock, and milk. Stir until it’s smooth, then fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken and diced celery. Your mouth will water just from the scent of this creamy blend.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Mixture
-
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Let’s melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir it into the dry ingredients. Gradually add in milk until you have a thick, yet dollop-able batter.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
-
In your baking dish, pour in the chicken mixture, spreading it evenly. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, dollop the dumpling mixture on top, covering the chicken mixture. This creates a nice dumpling layer that will bake up fluffy.
Step 5: Let it Cook
-
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden. The aromas will fill your kitchen—a hint of garlic wafting into every corner.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 229kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.4g21%
- Saturated Fat 4.2g22%
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 132mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 23g46%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use rotisserie chicken. It will save you precious time and pack in lots of flavor.
- Experiment with spices. Feel free to add thyme, pepper, or paprika to jazz it up a bit.
- Don’t rush the dumplings. Allow them to puff up beautifully by not peeking during the first 30 minutes of baking.
- Go for quality broth. A rich chicken stock makes a world of difference.
- Make it ahead. You can prepare this casserole the night before, just hold off on baking until you’re ready to eat.
