Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I grew up making this casserole for Sunday dinners, and it always brought everyone together for seconds. The bubbly sauce and golden dumplings make it a favorite with both adults and kids in our home.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced
- Carrots: 1 cup, diced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Small onion: 1, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (plus 1 cup for dumplings)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup (plus 1/2 cup for dumplings)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (plus 1/2 teaspoon for dumplings)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter, melted: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tablespoons, optional
Instructions
- Prepare for baking:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Make sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add chicken:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture:
- Spread the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare dumplings:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for dumplings. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if desired.
- Add dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Every time we share this casserole at family gatherings, someone asks for the recipe. It makes cozy weeknights memorable and brings comfort with every serving.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9x13-inch casserole dish, measuring cups and spoons, oven.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, dairy. Always check store-bought broth for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 29 g
Save This casserole is sure to warm your table and satisfy hungry appetites. Enjoy leftovers the next day for an easy lunch.
Cooking Questions
- → What type of chicken is best?
Shredded cooked chicken works well, including rotisserie, poached, or leftover roasted chicken.
- → Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables are a quick substitute for fresh carrots, celery, and peas.
- → How do I know when dumplings are done?
Dumplings should be golden on top and cooked through, with no raw center when pierced.
- → Is it possible to make ahead?
Yes, prepare chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake before serving.
- → What herbs work well in this dish?
Thyme is classic, but rosemary or sage also complement the creamy, savory flavors nicely.
- → What can I serve alongside?
Light green salad or steamed green beans make perfect accompaniments for added freshness.