Start with the chicken. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this is the perfect use for it. Shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a mixing bowl. Those lovely bits of chicken are going to be the star of our show.

Now, toss in the chopped sweet carrots and petite frozen peas. There’s something beautifully nostalgic about veggies in a comforting dish like this. The colors brighten it up, making it inviting. Mix everything until the chicken is coated with the veggies.

In a separate bowl, combine the chicken stock and homemade creamy chicken soup. Stir until well mixed. The creamy soup adds richness, and the chicken stock infuses all the flavors together. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetable mix and stir gently.

In another bowl, combine the self-rising flour, whole milk, melted salted butter, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Mix until you get a smooth batter. The key to fluffy dumplings is not over-mixing. You want them tender, not tough!

Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish. Next, dollop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the top. Don't worry about making it look perfect; the dumplings will spread and puff up while baking.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dumplings are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Ladle generous portions into bowls and watch as everyone gathers, eager to dig in. You’ll cherish every bite, and so will your guests!