There’s nothing quite like the smell of chicken and dumpling casserole bubbling away in the oven on a chilly evening. This dish has been my go-to comfort food ever since I first made it for my family during one particularly rough winter. My kids still beg for it whenever the temperature drops! What I love most is how simple it is to throw together – just tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and that creamy, dreamy sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need some serious comfort, this casserole delivers every single time. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table a little faster.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Listen, I know you’re busy – we all are. That’s why this recipe is my secret weapon. Here’s why you’ll fall for it too:
- Weeknight lifesaver: Made with pantry staples and ready in under an hour
- Comfort in every bite: Fluffy dumplings and creamy sauce hug your soul
- Kid-approved magic: My picky eaters clean their plates every time
- Leftover superstar: Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long!)
- Endlessly adaptable: Add veggies, swap chicken for turkey – make it yours
Trust me, once you try this cozy hug of a dish, it’ll become your new favorite too.
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy classic – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably have on hand already! The key is using cold butter for the dumplings (trust me, it makes all the difference in texture).
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups chicken broth – homemade or good quality store-bought
- 1 cup milk – whole milk gives the richest flavor
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, not packed
- 2 tbsp butter – cold and cubed (don’t soften it!)
- 1 tsp baking powder – makes those dumplings light and fluffy
- 1/2 tsp each salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – our flavor dream team
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional but delicious)
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – no fancy gadgets required here! Just grab these basics from your kitchen:
- A medium mixing bowl for the dumpling dough
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork for blending butter
- Spoon for dropping dumplings
That’s it – now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this cozy masterpiece! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the smell while it bakes? Absolute heaven. Here’s exactly how I put it all together:
Step 1: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Now here’s my secret – take your cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or two forks if you’re in a pinch) to cut it into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix! Just until the butter pieces are about the size of peas.
Next, pour in the milk and stir gently until just combined. The dough will be shaggy – that’s perfect! Overmixing makes tough dumplings, and we want clouds of fluffy goodness.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Now for the assembly! Spread your shredded chicken evenly in the baking dish – if you’re using those frozen peas and carrots, toss them in now too. Pour the chicken broth over everything – it should just barely cover the chicken. Then comes the best part: drop spoonfuls of that dumpling dough right on top. I like to make mine about golf ball sized, leaving little spaces between them so they can puff up as they bake.
Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean. Oh, and that amazing smell filling your kitchen? That’s how you know it’s working!
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Cozy 30-Minute Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting and hearty dish combining tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk until just combined to form the dumpling dough.
- In a baking dish, layer shredded chicken and optional vegetables.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add more broth if you prefer a saucier casserole.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, dumpling, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner