Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This **Chicken and Dumplings Casserole** isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a dish, destined to become a cherished family favorite. What makes it truly special? The dumplings miraculously make themselves, baking right into a tender, fluffy topping over a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful chicken sauce. Prepare yourself for a hearty, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Effortless Comfort: Your Go-To Easy Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
Discovering this **Chicken and Dumplings Casserole** was a game-changer in my kitchen. While my photographs may not fully capture its incredible deliciousness, I assure you, my family and I instantly fell in love with this recipe. The depth of flavor is simply amazing, making it an undeniable crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from busy weeknights to relaxed Sunday dinners. Pair it with a crisp green salad and your favorite seasonal vegetable for a complete, nourishing meal. This dish truly embodies the soulful, comforting flavors of my childhood, reimagined in a simple, fuss-free casserole format that’s perfect for modern home cooks seeking both convenience and taste.
Inspired by Southern Culinary Traditions: A Recipe from a Trusted Source
This remarkable recipe hails from a truly special cookbook: The Southern Bite Cookbook. Authored by my good friend, Stacey Little, the creative mind behind SouthernBite.com, this cookbook is a treasure trove of authentic Southern flavors. Stacey masterfully shares both cherished generational recipes and some of his contemporary favorites, all deeply rooted in the rich culinary heritage he experienced growing up in the South. His approach to cooking is all about creating comforting, accessible dishes that bring people together, and this **easy Chicken and Dumplings Casserole** is a shining example of that philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a fantastic shortcut, especially when you’re short on time but still craving a delicious homemade meal. A rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. Simply shred or dice about 3 cups of chicken from a family-sized rotisserie bird. Some stores, like Costco, even offer pulled rotisserie chicken, which is an even bigger time-saver. This small adjustment won’t compromise the amazing flavor of your **Chicken and Dumplings Casserole** and will get dinner on the table much faster.
If celery isn’t to your liking, feel free to simply omit it from the recipe. It’s not a critical ingredient for the structure or overall flavor profile of this **creamy chicken casserole**. You don’t need to substitute it with anything else; the dish will still be incredibly delicious without it.
Self-rising flour is key to those “dumplings make themselves” moments because it already contains a leavening agent (baking powder) and salt. If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make your own self-rising flour substitute. For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, simply whisk in 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Make sure to combine these ingredients thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe. This small adjustment ensures your homemade dumplings will be perfectly light and fluffy.
For the best results and proper texture in this **Chicken and Dumplings Casserole**, butter is highly recommended. Margarine, particularly brands like Country Crock, is primarily oil-based and has a different fat content and composition than butter. Using margarine will prevent the casserole from coming together as intended, potentially affecting the creamy sauce and the texture of the self-rising dumplings. Stick with real butter for that authentic, rich flavor and perfect consistency.
While some casserole recipes do incorporate raw meat, this **easy chicken and dumplings** recipe is specifically designed for cooked chicken. Typically, when raw chicken is used in a casserole, it requires a much longer cooking time. This extended baking period would unfortunately lead to other ingredients, like the vegetables and the dumpling topping, becoming overcooked, mushy, or dried out by the time the chicken is safely cooked through. To ensure a perfectly tender chicken, soft vegetables, and ideal dumpling texture, it’s always best to use pre-cooked chicken as specified in this recipe.
The beauty of a casserole is its versatility, and that extends to the cream soup! While cream of chicken soup provides a classic flavor, you can certainly experiment based on your family’s preferences. **Cream of mushroom**, **cream of onion**, or even **cream of celery soup** would make excellent substitutions, each lending its unique nuanced flavor to the rich, creamy sauce of this **Southern comfort food** dish.
I generally do not recommend freezing this **Chicken and Dumplings Casserole**. The primary reason is that the texture of the dumplings and the creamy sauce can significantly change upon freezing and reheating. The dumplings tend to become a bit dense or rubbery, and the sauce may lose some of its creamy consistency, potentially becoming grainy or separating. While some people might not mind the slight change in texture for the sake of convenience, if you’re aiming for the exact intended fresh-baked quality, it’s best enjoyed straight from the oven.
Key Ingredients for Your Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
Creating this satisfying **Chicken and Dumplings Casserole** requires a straightforward list of everyday ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry or refrigerator. The magic truly happens when these simple components come together to form a rich, comforting, and incredibly flavorful dish. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather:
- Salted Butter: The foundation for sautéing your aromatics, adding rich flavor.
- Onion: Finely chopped, it provides a sweet and savory base.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and classic aromatic depth.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, a great way to use leftovers or a rotisserie chicken.
- Self-Rising Flour: The secret to our “dumplings make themselves” method.
- Milk: (2% or higher for best creaminess) Essential for the dumpling batter.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the savory liquid base of our casserole sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The star ingredient for a wonderfully creamy and rich sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: To season each layer to perfection, enhancing all the flavors.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this **Southern comfort food** casserole so irresistible. For precise measurements, be sure to check the full recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
Preparing this **Chicken and Dumplings Casserole** is surprisingly simple, designed for ease without compromising on flavor. Follow these straightforward steps to create a truly memorable **one-dish meal** that your family will adore:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish. Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously spray it with a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your delicious casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics. In a small skillet, placed over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it’s glistening. Once melted, add your finely chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Cook these vegetables gently for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they have softened beautifully and the onion is translucent. As they cook, I like to season them with just a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to build layers of flavor right from the start. The butter will continue to melt and infuse the vegetables with its rich taste.
Step 3: Layer the Vegetables. Once your onion and celery are perfectly softened, carefully pour the entire butter and veggie mixture into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 baking dish. Spread it evenly to create the first flavorful layer of your **creamy chicken casserole**.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Layer. Next, arrange your cooked, shredded, or diced chicken evenly over the sautéed vegetables. This forms a robust and satisfying layer. Note: I like to lightly season the chicken with a little more salt and pepper at this stage to enhance its natural flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumpling Batter. In a small bowl, combine the self-rising flour with the milk. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, pourable batter. This mixture is the secret to those effortless, self-making dumplings! Gently pour this flour and milk mixture directly over the chicken layer in the baking dish. It’s important not to stir or mix the layers at this point, as keeping them separate is key to the casserole’s structure and the dumplings forming correctly.
Step 6: Mix the Creamy Sauce. In a separate bowl (or you can use the same one you mixed the flour and milk in to save on dishwashing!), combine the chicken broth with the cream of chicken soup. Stir them together until well blended and smooth. Season this creamy sauce mixture with a bit more salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a flavorful base for the entire casserole. This is where the rich, savory heart of the **Chicken and Dumplings Casserole** truly comes alive.
Step 7: Add the Sauce Layer. Carefully pour this creamy chicken broth and soup mixture over the flour and milk layer in the baking dish. Again, resist the urge to stir the layers. The distinct layering is crucial for the dumplings to properly form and rise during baking, creating that wonderful texture contrast against the rich sauce and tender chicken.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place your prepared casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is beautifully set, bubbly around the edges, and the top (where the dumplings have formed) is golden brown. Once cooked, remove it from the oven and, for a touch of freshness and color, sprinkle with a bit of dried parsley before serving. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly. Enjoy your incredible **homemade chicken and dumplings casserole**!
Craving More Comfort? Discover Other Delicious Recipes!
If you’ve loved this **easy Chicken and Dumplings Casserole**, you’re likely a fan of hearty, comforting meals that bring warmth to your table. Explore some of our other cherished recipes, ranging from classic Southern staples to creative twists on family favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for more chicken, another delicious casserole, or something to warm you from the inside out, we have a dish waiting for you:
- Old Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings
- Crock Pot Chicken and Cheese Dumplings
- Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
- Poppy Seed Chicken
- Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Soup
- Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Chicken and Bisquick Dumplings
- No Peek Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Cobbler
- Creamy Chicken Bundles
- One Pot Chicken and Stuffing
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- 30 Comforting Casseroles
Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
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Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup small onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 cups cooked (shredded or diced) chicken
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup milk (2% or higher)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 10.75 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add chopped onion and celery.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes (until veggies are soft). Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the butter and veggie mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Add the chicken in a layer on top of the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, combine self-rising flour with milk.
- Pour this mixture over chicken (do not stir mixture).
- In another small bowl combine the chicken broth with the cream of chicken soup. Season with a bit more salt and pepper.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken. Do not mix the layers.
- Then bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is set.
Video
Notes
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to make preparation even faster
- You must use self-rising flour in this recipe (not all-purpose)
Main Course
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 24g |
Protein: 23g |
Fat: 25g |
Sodium: 861mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 4g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Originally published: March 2014
Updated & republished: May 2020