Chicken Dumpling Casserole - Comforting Baked Dish

Craving comfort food that's both satisfying and simple to make? Our Chicken Dumpling Casserole is the perfect go-to dish for cooking enthusiasts, comfort food lovers, and busy parents alike. It's hearty, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients List

Essentials

• Chicken:
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• Vegetables:
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Sauce:
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup milk

Variations in Dietary Preferences

• Gluten-Free:
• Use gluten-free flour for both sauce thickening and dumplings.
• Dairy-Free:
• Substitute almond milk or any plant-based milk for regular milk.
• Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Cook the Chicken:

• If not using rotisserie chicken, cook and shred 2 cups of chicken breasts or thighs.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, sauté chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in a bit of olive oil until they are tender.

3. Combine Ingredients:

• Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and sautéed vegetables into a large mixing bowl.

Making the Sauce

1. Create the Base:

• In a saucepan, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, and flour.

2. Season and Simmer:

• Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

Preparing the Dumplings

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in Butter:

• Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add Milk:

• Stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms.

Cooking Instructions

1. Layer the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

2. Top with Dumplings:

• Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the casserole.

3. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Presentation:
• Serve the Chicken Dumpling Casserole hot, straight from the oven.
• Complementary Sides:
• Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make great accompaniments.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage:
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating:
• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwaving is also an option, but the dumplings may not retain their texture.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and devouring this Chicken Dumpling Casserole as much as we do! It's a comforting dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Don’t forget to share your feedback and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Happy cooking!