Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Easy Homestyle Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe

My mom’s treasured chicken and dumpling casserole recipe brings comfort straight from her Southern kitchen.

Memories of cozy Sunday dinners flood back with each savory bite.

Hearty ingredients blend into a creamy, soul-warming dish that feels like a warm hug.

Layers of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings create a delightful texture combination.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with this simple yet spectacular family favorite.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Grab a spoon and get ready to savor every comforting mouthful of this classic Southern comfort food.

Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe People Always Request

  • Comfort Food Champion: Transforms classic chicken and dumplings into an easy, hands-off casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires only basic ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Creates a hearty, one-dish meal that appeals to both kids and adults, delivering nostalgic Southern-style comfort food with minimal cleanup.
  • Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like chicken, flour, and pantry staples, providing a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing taste.

What’s Inside Chicken And Dumpling Casserole

Main Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and thickness for the casserole's base and dumplings.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy texture in the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Delivers deep chicken flavor and provides essential liquid for cooking.
Protein and Creamy Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich, creamy base that binds the casserole together.
  • Milk: Enhances the creamy consistency and adds smoothness to the sauce.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Black Pepper: Offers a mild, warm spiciness to enhance overall flavor.
  • Salt: Balances and amplifies the other seasonings in the dish.
  • Poultry Seasoning: Optional herb blend that adds traditional chicken dish flavor.
  • Parsley: Optional fresh herb for bright color and light, fresh garnish. Fresh parsley provides the best flavor and appearance.

Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Steps

Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Steps

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for this hearty Southern-style dish.

Step 2: Layer Chicken Base

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and lovingly spread the shredded chicken across the bottom, creating a delicious foundation for the casserole.

Step 3: Create Dumpling Magic

In a mixing bowl, whip together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Melted butter
  • Whole milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, silky dumpling batter.

Gently pour this heavenly mixture over the chicken, but resist the urge to stir – let the magic happen naturally.

Step 4: Add Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Chicken broth
  • Cream of chicken soup

Carefully cascade this creamy sauce over the dumpling layer, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbling top that promises comfort in every bite.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once done, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve piping hot and watch your family gather around for a true Southern comfort meal.

Chicken And Dumpling Casserole The Pro’s Approach

  • Ensure chicken is patted dry before spreading in the baking dish to maintain a crisp texture and avoid excess moisture.
  • Adjust milk quantity slightly for thicker or thinner dumplings based on personal preference, keeping the consistency similar to pancake batter.
  • Sauté minced garlic or add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken broth mixture for enhanced taste profile.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Tent the casserole with aluminum foil if top browns too quickly, allowing even cooking without burning the surface.

Save Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Easily

  • Store leftover chicken and dumpling casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen casserole maintains quality for up to 2 months.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Suggestions

Pairing Comfort with Culinary Companions: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

  • Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy, rich textures of the casserole. Its buttery notes will enhance the dish's velvety sauce and balance the hearty chicken flavors.
  • Rustic Green Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness. Fresh herbs and a tangy dressing will provide a bright contrast to the warm, comforting main dish.
  • Roasted Seasonal Vegetable Sidekick: Prepare roasted brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to add color and nutritional balance. The caramelized edges and natural sweetness will beautifully frame the savory casserole.
  • Crusty Sourdough Bread Ally: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread on the side for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce. Its slightly tangy flavor and crunchy texture will elevate the entire dining experience.

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Variants to Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a celiac-friendly meal.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, and reduce added salt to create a heart-healthy version of the classic casserole.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or sage to the dumpling batter for an aromatic flavor boost that elevates the traditional recipe.

FAQs

  • What ingredients are essential for the dumpling batter?

The key ingredients are flour, melted butter, milk, salt, and pepper. These simple pantry staples create a creamy, tender dumpling layer that covers the chicken perfectly.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and use it as the base layer in your casserole. It adds extra flavor and makes preparation much quicker.

  • Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, chicken and dumpling casserole reheats beautifully. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When ready to eat, warm it in the oven to maintain its creamy texture and delicious taste.

  • How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden, bubbly top and a set dumpling layer. The casserole should be heated through and have a slightly crispy surface. Baking for 40-45 minutes at 350°F usually ensures perfect doneness.

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Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Southern comfort finds its champion in this chicken and dumpling casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty chicken and pillowy dumplings. Warm, comforting layers invite you to savor each spoonful of pure homestyle bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken or chicken pieces

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)

Liquid and Creamy Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 grams) butter, melted

Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a moderate temperature of 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the casserole.
  2. Create a foundational layer by evenly distributing shredded chicken across the surface of a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Craft a silky dumpling batter by whisking together flour, melted butter, milk, and seasonings until smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Gently cascade the dumpling mixture over the chicken layer, taking care not to disturb the chicken underneath, allowing the batter to settle naturally.
  5. Construct a savory liquid base by blending chicken broth with cream of chicken soup, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
  6. Delicately pour the broth mixture over the dumpling layer, ensuring complete coverage without mixing the layers.
  7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate thorough cooking.
  8. Once removed from the oven, let the casserole rest briefly to set and consolidate flavors.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and herbal freshness.
  10. Serve the casserole warm, allowing guests to scoop through the layers of tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and creamy sauce.

Notes

  • Prevent dry chicken by using rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken with high moisture content for optimal tenderness.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance flavor profile by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary directly into dumpling batter for extra depth and aromatic notes.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, making the casserole heart-friendly and diet-conscious.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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