Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home? This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe is everything you need. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to prepare a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients, cooking tips, and the ultimate way to serve this delightful casserole. Keep reading—you won't want to miss a single detail of this mouthwatering recipe!

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What Is Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a modern twist on the classic Southern dish, chicken and dumplings. It combines tender chicken, a creamy base, and fluffy biscuit-like dumplings baked together in a casserole dish. This version is less time-consuming than traditional methods, as it streamlines the process while keeping all the flavors and textures you love. The end result? A warm, savory, and rich meal that fills you up and leaves everyone coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients List for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have all the ingredients ready. Here's a complete list of what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

For the Chicken and Filling:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any frozen mixed vegetables)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for sautéing the onions and garlic)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is how adaptable it is to different preferences and ingredients you might already have on hand. Here are some substitution ideas and variations:

• Vegetables: Swap out peas and carrots for green beans, corn, or mushrooms. You can also add fresh spinach at the end of cooking for a nutritious boost.
• Soup Base: If you’re not a fan of canned soups, you can make a homemade roux with butter, flour, and chicken broth to thicken the filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure that your cream soups are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the whole milk in both the filling and dumpling mixture. Also, opt for dairy-free butter or margarine.
• Cheesy Twist: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for extra richness.

Feel free to get creative, as this dish can be easily customized to suit your family’s taste buds!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your Chicken and Dumpling Casserole? Follow these simple steps to whip up this delicious meal.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or a deep baking dish to ensure nothing sticks during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the frozen vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.

Once the veggies are ready, add the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, milk, and seasonings (poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper). Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the milk until the dough comes together, but be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Drop Dumplings on Top

Using a spoon, drop small spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the chicken mixture. The batter doesn’t need to completely cover the filling, as the dumplings will expand while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the dumplings—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. For an extra burst of flavor and color, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a recipe as simple as this, there are a few potential pitfalls you’ll want to avoid to ensure your Chicken and Dumpling Casserole comes out perfect every time.

1. Not Cooking the Onions and Garlic Properly: Make sure your onions and garlic are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole. Undercooked onions can remain crunchy and throw off the texture of the dish.
2. Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: The dough should come together just enough to hold its shape. Overmixing can result in tough, dense dumplings.
3. Using Too Much Salt: Be mindful of the salt in your ingredients. Canned soups and chicken broth often contain high amounts of sodium, so taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving any dish, and Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is no exception. While it’s naturally rustic, you can still elevate its presentation with a few simple tricks.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

• Individual Portions: Use a large spoon to scoop out individual servings, ensuring each person gets a good balance of chicken, veggies, and dumplings.
• Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a homestyle, rustic presentation. Make sure to have a large spoon on hand to dish out generous portions.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

• Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brightens up the dish and adds a touch of freshness.
• Side Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Bread Basket: Pair the casserole with crusty bread or dinner rolls for an extra indulgent meal.

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Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe Tips

Want to make sure your casserole turns out perfect every time? Keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake when you're ready to serve.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the dumplings from becoming soggy, which can happen if reheated in the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook or reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook the chicken filling in the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, then drop the dumpling batter on top during the last hour of cooking. Switch the slow cooker to high and cover until the dumplings are cooked through.

Q: How long does Chicken and Dumpling Casserole last in the fridge?
A: It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Conclusion

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—simple to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy dinner idea, this casserole won't disappoint. From tender chicken to fluffy dumplings, every bite is packed with flavor and warmth. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to this delightful dish today!

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