How to Make Hearty Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide in Simple English
If you’re looking for a comforting, filling meal to share with your family, chicken and dumpling casserole is the perfect choice. It’s warm, flavorful, and delightful, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings baked together into a satisfying dish. The best part? It’s easy to make! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe uses simple steps and ingredients. Let’s dive in and learn how to whip up this hearty classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before getting started, gather these ingredients to make your chicken and dumpling casserole:
For the Casserole Base:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or any blend you like)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps for a stress-free cooking experience.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your chicken. You can use leftovers from a roast chicken, a rotisserie chicken from the store, or cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs. If you’re cooking raw chicken, simply boil or pan-fry it until it’s fully cooked, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
You’ll also want to thaw your frozen vegetables if they’ve been sitting in the freezer. Running them under warm water for a few minutes works well.
Step 2: Make the Casserole Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, milk, and cream of chicken soup. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy mixture. Then add the shredded chicken and mixed vegetables into the bowl. Sprinkle in a little salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme (if using), to give the dish its savory flavor. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a casserole dish or baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent the food from sticking to the dish during baking.
Pour your chicken and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This will form the hearty base for your casserole.
Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough
Now it’s time to create the fluffy dumplings! In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, then gently stir to form a dough. The consistency should be thick but soft—just right for dropping spoonfuls onto the casserole.
Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Casserole
Using a spoon or scoop, drop small portions of the dumpling dough evenly over the casserole mixture. Leave some space between each dumpling to allow them to expand as they bake.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. The dumplings should puff up and turn golden brown when ready. To check if the dumplings are cooked through, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of one; it should come out clean.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Scoop out servings of chicken, creamy sauce, and soft dumplings onto plates or bowls. You can pair it with a fresh salad or warm bread on the side, but it’s equally satisfying on its own.
Tips for Success
- Shortcut with Biscuit Mix: If you don’t want to make dumplings from scratch, you can use store-bought biscuit mix—simply follow the package instructions to prepare the dough.
- Add More Flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Add a pinch of paprika, chopped parsley, or even shredded cheese to the casserole base for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap out the chicken for mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken to create a vegetarian version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken and dumpling casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a cozy hug in a dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it feels like homemade comfort food but requires surprisingly little effort. Plus, it’s customizable—you can add your favorite vegetables or play around with the spices to make it your own.
So, the next time you’re craving something hearty and delicious, give this recipe a try. Your family will love the creamy chicken filling and fluffy dumplings, and it’s bound to become a new favorite at your dinner table!
Now you know how to make this hearty casserole. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
