There’s something undeniably heartwarming about chicken and dumpling casserole—a dish that wraps you in comfort like a soft, familiar blanket. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich, savory broth baked to golden perfection, this cozy classic brings soul-soothing delight in every bite. Perfect for chilly days or a nostalgic taste of home, it continues to bring warmth and smiles to countless tables.
Cozy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the ultimate embrace on a chilly day-a melding of tender chicken, rich savory filling, and pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth. This dish has roots in classic Southern kitchens where every bite brought warmth and comfort after a long day, evoking memories of family gatherings and slow-simmered love. Perfecting each component, from the delicate dumplings to the bubbling golden crust, ensures a satisfying meal that feels like home.
prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 hearty portions
Difficulty Level
Medium – beginner cooks can master it with patience and tips provided
Ingredients
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- For the Chicken Filling:
- 4 cups cooked chicken,shredded (preferably rotisserie or poached)
- 1 large onion,finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic,minced
- 2 celery stalks,finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot,diced small
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour,sifted
- 3 cups chicken broth,low sodium
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp fresh thyme,chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas,thawed
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley,chopped (for garnish)
- For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup whole milk (plus extra if needed)
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- For the Chicken Filling:
Instructions
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- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Create the Roux Base: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Season and Combine: Stir in shredded chicken, thyme, salt, pepper, and peas. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat once thick and creamy.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate Milk: Pour in milk and stir just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add extra milk by tablespoon if too dry.
- Assemble the Casserole: preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the chicken filling to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Shape Dumplings: Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken filling. Aim for about 12-15 dumplings.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over dumplings and brush lightly with melted butter for a shiny, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place casserole in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until dumplings are fluffy and golden brown, and cheese is bubbling.
- Serve Warm: Garnish with fresh parsley and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Tips for Success
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- Warmth from spice: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne adds an unexpected depth to the filling while keeping it cozy.
- Dumpling dough: Avoid overmixing to keep dumplings tender and fluffy; gentle folding is key.
- Moisture balance: Use whole milk (or cream for extra richness) in both filling and dumplings to enhance comfort and texture.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; assemble and bake when ready.
- Substitutions: Swap chicken for turkey or use gluten-free flour blends ensuring similar weight for dumplings.
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Serving Suggestions
Present this cozy casserole in deep rustic bowls to showcase its bubbling golden top. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crusty baguette or warm cornbread rounds out the meal beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped chives or a light drizzle of hot sauce to brighten each heavenly bite.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
Explore more comforting classics like Creamy Turkey and Dumpling Casserole for family-friendly dinner inspiration or dive deeper into poultry nutrition on ChooseMyPlate.gov.
Q&A
Q&A: Cozy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole – A Comfort Classic
Q1: What makes Chicken and Dumpling Casserole a true comfort food?
A: There’s something about the warm, tender chicken paired with fluffy dumplings swimming in creamy sauce that hugs you from the inside out. It’s like a culinary embrace on a chilly day-simple, hearty, and filled with nostalgic flavors that remind many of home-cooked family dinners.
Q2: How does a casserole version differ from traditional chicken and dumplings?
A: Traditional chicken and dumplings are frequently enough slow-simmered on the stovetop, resulting in a soupy stew. The casserole takes that comforting essence and bakes it into a cozy, sliceable dish. It’s an easier, hands-off approach perfect for busy nights, boasting a golden crust that adds texture and appeal.
Q3: What are the key ingredients that bring this dish to life?
A: Tender chicken pieces, fluffy homemade or store-bought dumplings, rich chicken broth, a splash of cream or milk, and aromatic seasonings like thyme, sage, and black pepper all meld together in harmony. A hint of onion and garlic rounds out the flavor, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a pop of colour.
Q4: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! One of the beauties of this dish is its prep-friendly nature. Assemble it the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, pop it in the oven until it’s bubbly and golden. it’s perfect for entertaining or simply easing your weekday dinner routine.
Q5: What sides pair well with Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
A: Think light and fresh to balance the richness-a crisp green salad, steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli, or even a tangy cranberry relish to cut through the creamy goodness. Rustic crusty bread also makes a lovely companion for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Q6: any tips for making the dumplings extra fluffy?
A: Use cold butter cut into the flour mixture for that tender texture and handle the dough gently-overmixing can make dumplings tough. Adding a little baking powder or a touch of baking soda can help them rise beautifully, creating that cloud-like softness.
Q7: Can this dish be adapted for dietary preferences?
A: Certainly! For a lighter take, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream, or swap out the dumplings for gluten-free biscuits. Vegetarians can replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or root vegetables and use vegetable broth-delivering comfort without compromise.
dive into this cozy casserole, and you’ll find more than a meal-you’ll discover a love letter to classic comfort food, wrapped in warmth and full of soul.
To Wrap It Up
Whether you’re seeking a soul-soothing meal on a chilly evening or simply craving the nostalgic flavors of home-cooked comfort, this Cozy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole delivers in every delicious bite. Its tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth create a harmonious embrace that warms both heart and home. So next time you want to curl up with a dish that feels like a hug from the inside out, this classic casserole is ready to answer the call-comfort has never tasted so inviting.
