Save to Pinterest A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
I still remember the first chilly evening I made this casserole for my family. The aroma of chicken and vegetables simmering together brought everyone to the kitchen before it was out of the oven.
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 (for mixture): 1/4 cup
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk (for mixture): 1 cup
- Salt (for mixture): 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour (for dumplings): 1 cup
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt (for dumplings): 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
- Whole milk (for dumplings): 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté Veggies:
- 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.
- Make Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine Chicken & Herbs:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Transfer Mixture:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- 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 & Bake:
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the chicken mixture. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this casserole on Sunday nights has become a little family tradition. The kids love scooping out fluffy dumplings while adults linger over second helpings and stories.
Variations
Try swapping rosemary or sage for the thyme, or adding corn instead of peas for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs nicely with a light green salad or steamed green beans to balance the rich flavors.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for best freshness.
Save to Pinterest This casserole brings warm comfort with minimal effort. You will love how well leftovers store and reheat for busy days.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Use cooked, shredded or diced chicken such as rotisserie for convenience and moist texture.
- → Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas and mixed vegetables work well and save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I ensure the dumplings bake fluffy and tender?
Combine baking powder with flour and fold in melted butter and milk gently before spooning over the mixture and baking uncovered.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
Thyme adds a subtle earthiness, but rosemary or sage are excellent alternatives for a different aromatic profile.
- → Can this casserole be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, refrigerate, then assemble and bake just before serving.