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
- Prepare the oven by heating it to a moderate temperature of 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the casserole.
- Create a foundational layer by evenly distributing shredded chicken across the surface of a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Craft a silky dumpling batter by whisking together flour, melted butter, milk, and seasonings until smooth and free of lumps.
- Gently cascade the dumpling mixture over the chicken layer, taking care not to disturb the chicken underneath, allowing the batter to settle naturally.
- Construct a savory liquid base by blending chicken broth with cream of chicken soup, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Delicately pour the broth mixture over the dumpling layer, ensuring complete coverage without mixing the layers.
- 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.
- Once removed from the oven, let the casserole rest briefly to set and consolidate flavors.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and herbal freshness.
- 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