Save A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
This casserole brings back memories of chilly evenings when I craved something warm and satisfying after a busy day. I love how the aroma fills the kitchen while baking, and everyone gathers around to dig in.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced
- Carrots: 1 cup, diced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (for chicken mixture) + 1 cup (for dumplings)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup (for chicken mixture) + 1/2 cup (for dumplings)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (for chicken mixture) + 1/2 teaspoon (for dumplings)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Unsalted butter (melted): 2 tablespoons (for dumplings)
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Vegetable Base:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.
- Create Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Veggies:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer Mixture:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined. Fold in parsley if using.
- Top Casserole:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save I remember making this for a weekend gathering, and my kids jumped with excitement at the fluffy dumplings. The recipe has become a weekend tradition everyone looks forward to.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or swap out vegetables for what's on hand. Herbs like rosemary or sage bring new flavors too.
Save This casserole is perfect for cozy nights and brings smiles to every table. Serve warm and enjoy the comfort in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What vegetables are used in this dish?
Carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and frozen peas add flavor and texture.
- → How are the dumplings prepared?
They are made from flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk, stirred together and spooned over the chicken mixture before baking.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well as a convenient shortcut.
- → What herbs can I add for extra flavor?
Fresh thyme is used, but rosemary or sage can be good alternatives.
- → How long should the dish bake?
Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes until dumplings are golden.