Chicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the warmth and heartiness of a chicken and dumpling casserole. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, rich creamy sauce, and soft dumplings baked to perfection—this is the kind of meal that brings the family together around the dinner table. Whether you’re craving something savory for a weeknight meal or need a hearty dish for a gathering, this casserole hits all the right notes. Follow this comprehensive guide for an unforgettable chicken and dumpling casserole recipe that you’ll want to make time and again!

What is Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?

Chicken and dumpling casserole is a classic comfort dish made from layers of tender shredded chicken, soft dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth. The recipe blends the homey flavors of chicken and dumplings with the convenience of a baked casserole. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or as leftovers for the week. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the steps to create this satisfying meal.

Ingredients List for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

For the casserole base:

• 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie or baked chicken)
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of milk
• ½ cup of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the dumplings:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk if buttermilk is unavailable)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

One of the great things about this chicken and dumpling casserole recipe is its flexibility. You can make several substitutions or add-ins based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

• Vegetables: Add some diced carrots, peas, or celery to the casserole for added nutrition and texture. You can sauté them with a little butter before adding them to the mix.
• Broth alternatives: While chicken broth works best for a savory flavor, you can also use vegetable broth, especially if you’re adding more veggies.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use a dairy-free butter alternative. You can also use a dairy-free cream soup alternative.
• Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour mix for the dumplings and make sure to use gluten-free cream soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the chicken layer: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread this evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You can also add sautéed vegetables to this layer if you're incorporating them.
3. Prepare the sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth and well-combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish. Don’t stir; you want the layers to stay separate.
4. Prepare the dumplings: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined—don’t overmix, as you want the dumplings to remain tender.
5. Top the casserole with dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the chicken and sauce layer, covering as much of the surface as possible. The dumplings will expand and puff up as they cook, creating a deliciously golden topping.
6. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
7. Rest and serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added color and flavor.

How to Cook Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and prepare: Always start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish. This ensures an even cooking process and prevents sticking.
2. Layer the ingredients: Begin with your seasoned chicken at the base, then pour over your liquid sauce mixture. These distinct layers ensure that every bite will have a balance of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings.
3. Mixing the dumpling batter: When making the dumplings, be careful not to overwork the dough. The key to fluffy dumplings is to mix until the ingredients are just combined.
4. Bake to perfection: Keep an eye on the casserole during baking. You want golden, puffy dumplings with a firm but tender texture. If the dumplings are too pale, you can leave the casserole in the oven for a few extra minutes, but be cautious not to dry out the chicken or sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the dumpling batter: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
2. Undercooking the dumplings: Make sure the dumplings are fully cooked through. You can check by inserting a toothpick or fork into the center of one; it should come out clean.
3. Using dry chicken: Pre-cooked chicken can sometimes be dry, especially if it’s leftover. To keep it moist, try using chicken thighs, which are naturally juicier than breasts, or mixing some extra broth into the chicken layer.
4. Skipping the rest time: After baking, give the casserole some time to rest. This allows the sauce to thicken and prevents the dish from being too runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving this casserole is easy, but a few simple touches can elevate the presentation:

1. Portion control: Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out individual servings. Aim to get some chicken, sauce, and dumpling in every scoop.
2. Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add color and brightness to the dish. You can also sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a light dusting of paprika for added flavor.
3. Side dishes: Pair your chicken and dumpling casserole with a light green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the rich flavors.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

This casserole is best served hot, straight out of the oven. Be sure to let the dish cool slightly before serving, as it will be quite hot immediately after baking. You can serve this casserole family-style, with everyone helping themselves, or plate individual portions for a more formal dinner.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

1. Rustic appeal: Serve the casserole in the baking dish for a rustic, homey presentation. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner where comfort is key.
2. Individual portions: For a more elegant presentation, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins or small cast-iron dishes before baking. This way, everyone gets their own personal serving.
3. Fresh herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even chives gives the dish a professional touch and adds a pop of color.

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It's flavorful and already cooked, cutting down your prep time significantly.
2. Add more flavor with herbs: If you like, add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the sauce mixture. These herbs complement the chicken beautifully and elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.
3. Don’t overcook: The casserole will continue cooking slightly after it’s removed from the oven, so be sure not to overcook it. Check it at the 35-minute mark to see if the dumplings are done.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze chicken and dumpling casserole?
A: Absolutely! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
A: Make sure not to overmix the batter, and use cold butter to create those light, fluffy dumplings.

Q: What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
A: You can make a homemade roux with butter, flour, and chicken broth, or use a cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Chicken and dumpling casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and satisfying. With its flavorful chicken filling and soft dumplings, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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