So you are craving that good old taste of chicken and dumplings but have no wish to go the distance cooking it? From the get-go, this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole has that homey, comforting feel that is the hallmark of the best of the genre, only with a cheap ticket. Steaming-hot tender chicken goes hand-in-hand with a luscious creamy sauce and makes for a supper-cozy baked concoction with dumplings akin to warm, heavenly soft biscuits. This is the most homey meal especially when the weather is chill or on wonderful family dinner occasions. It is very easy and unbeatable when it comes to getting dinners served on busy weekdays, and there will be cries of more in a jiff. Shouldn’t we make this super-duper good thing straightaway?
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken (3 cups, shredded or cubed)
- Butter (¼ cup, melted)
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Baking powder (2 tsp)
- Salt (½ tsp)
- Milk (1 cup)
- Chicken broth (1 ½ cups)
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
- Onion (1 small, finely diced)
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 ½ cups, peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, optional)
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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Spread the shredded or cubed cooked chicken evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the diced onions and frozen mixed vegetables over the chicken layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined, forming a thick batter. Spoon or pour this batter evenly over the chicken and vegetable layer in the baking dish. Do not stir.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the dumpling batter in the baking dish. Do not stir; the batter will rise through the broth mixture during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dumplings are cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this casserole with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or soft bread for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for three days in an airtight container.
To freeze leftovers, cool them well and wrap and freeze them for up to two months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to warm them up.
Helpful Notes
In coriander dumplings, a spoonful of garlic powder or onion powder could be used.
Just a tiny pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes could liven up the soup mixture for some heat.
To make it vegan, substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Paula Deen’s favorite topping for color and flavor is a sprinkle of paprika on top.
Trisha Yearwood adds praises to the use of homemade chicken broth over the conventional variety for a richer result.
Ina Garten contributes her input for a modest version, warming the vegetables a bit before loading them into the panna cotta so that their flavor and texture weigh in prevalence over watery bitterness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an alternative to using frozen vegetables?
How can I use fresh vegetables? Yes, dice fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans and partially cook them first before you add them to the casserole.
Can this casserole be prepared with gluten-free ingredients?
Yes, all-purpose flour could be changed to a gluten-free variety and supplement the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free option.
What if I cannot get any cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can make a simplified chicken soup with butter, flour, broth, and milk; then cook the soup until it thickens over medium heat.
Can other meats be used, or must the chicken be the secret?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken, turkey, or even ground beef in place of chicken.
What should I do to ensure the dumplings are not denser?
Ensure the baking powder is fresh, and don’t overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined will help keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
Can I put cheese into the casserole?
Yes, adding mozzarella or cheddar cheese in small quantities on top of the batter before baking is an option you might want to consider.
How can I avoid the finish starting to get soupy?
Once combined, ensure the broth and soup mixture is thickened just sufficient before you pour it over your dough. Bake till your dumplings are already firm and brown.
Is there a way to make the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can accumulate the casserole one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What goes well with this casserole on the side?
This comforting casserole dish pairs nicely with a garden-fresh salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread.
Enjoy and hurry back from the chilly night with this inviting Chicken and Dumpling Casserole!
