Chicken and Dumplings Casserole

Chicken and dumplings casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that's a favorite with many families. The classic version of this recipe involves layering chicken, vegetables, creamy sauce, and homemade biscuit dough in a casserole dish; when the dish is baked, the biscuit dough turns into fluffy dumplings that soak up all the flavors from the rest of the ingredients. It’s also perfect for potluck occasions or to make in large quantities as leftovers taste great when reheated.

Need another comforting chicken dish? Check out this chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe. It is a perfect choice when comfort food is just what you need.

place setting of blue and white bowl of dumplings with fork next to baking dish and fresh herbs

What is Traditionally Served with Chicken and Dumplings?

This chicken and dumplings recipe can be served as its own meal because it is packed with delicious veggies as well as chicken and biscuits. Since it's a one-pot meal, it tends to be a favorite on busy weeknights. One bowl is all that is needed!

If you feel like you want more to go with this, or need to stretch it a bit further, then definitely add a side dish. Typical side dishes to serve with chicken and dumplings include mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread muffins, or a fresh salad.

casserole dish of chicken and dumplings on table by striped napkin

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 small red onion, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
⅔ cup green peas (160g)
2 cups chicken stock (473ml)
1 cup cream of chicken soup (250ml)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
2 cups shredded roasted chicken (280g)
1 sprig of fresh rosemary

For the dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
2 teaspoons baking powder (8g)
1 egg
⅓ cup milk (80ml)
Pinch of salt

ingredients for chicken and dumplings casserole in a variety of white ramekins on table with fresh herbs

Kitchen Tools Used

white baking dish of casserole topped by biscuits with silver spoon in side and striped napkin in background

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Casserole

Video Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray then set it aside.

Now, in a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions, and peas, and cook, stirring regularly, for 5 to 7 minutes.

peas carrots and onions in skillet on silver hot plate on marble counter

Now, sprinkle the flour on top of the vegetables and stir together cooking for 1 minute. Then, pour the chicken stock into the pan along with the cream of chicken soup.

broth in skillet with cooked peas and carrots

Add in the rosemary sprig and cook until the sauce thickens, around 7 to 10 minutes.

cream soup with thyme sprig on top in deep skillet on hot plate

Remove the rosemary sprig from the mixture and discard it, then stir in the shredded chicken. Once mixed well, pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan.

chicken and vegetable sauce being scooped into baking dish

Now, make your dumplings. Start by sifting the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together in a bowl.

Then add in the egg and milk and knead until a sticky dough forms.

Lightly spray an ice cream scoop or large spoon, and scoop 6 dumplings from this mixture and place on top of the chicken mixture.

scoops of dumplings being added to the top of casserole in baking dish

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until bubbling and the dumplings are cooked through.

rectangle baking dish of chicken and dumpling casserole on marble counter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Good Thickener for Chicken and Dumplings?

The best thickener for chicken and dumplings is a roux. A roux is made by combining equal parts of butter and flour and cooking until it forms a paste. This is usually a base that you add broth or cream soup to and create the creamy sauce for this dish.

In this recipe, we cook down the vegetables and then add the flour to coat them. Adding in the broth and cream of chicken soup and stirring together prevents lumps and allows this to thicken the sauce while it simmers.

What are the best vegetables to add to chicken and dumplings casserole?

For this recipe, I am adding onions, carrots, and peas. This is a classic combination of vegetables for chicken and dumpling casserole.

However, you can add whatever vegetables you like. Some other popular choices for this dish are mushrooms, celery, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. You could even simply add a bag of frozen mixed vegetables to the sauce rather than cooking down the carrots and peas.

Can I use a rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

I love using store-bought chicken when I am making recipes like this. It is a great time saver. Buy a rotisserie chicken from the store, use some of it for dinner the first night, and then save the rest for chicken and dumplings.

Can I use store-bought dumplings for chicken and dumplings?

You definitely can. For this recipe, I recommend using either canned biscuits, frozen biscuits, or frozen dumplings such as Reame's or Mary B's. Just place it on top of the casserole as directed.

Can I make a gluten-free chicken and dumplings casserole?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free chicken and dumplings casserole. Simply use gluten-free flour when making the roux and you can use store-bought gluten-free biscuits in place of the homemade biscuit dough.

You can also use the same gluten-free flour to make the biscuit dough if you want. This will ensure that your dish is safe for anyone with a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.

What is the best way to reheat chicken and dumplings?

The best way to reheat chicken and dumplings casserole is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for a few minutes, but this will result in softer dumplings.

fresh herbs and casserole dish behind blue and white bowl of casserole topped by biscuit

More Chicken Casseroles

Whether you like chicken breasts or chicken thighs, you probably have chicken on your menu a few times per week. If you need more inspiration for meal planning, take a moment to check out some more of our favorites listed below. Bookmark your favorites, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

Yield: 6

Chicken and Dumplings Casserole

Try our savory Chicken and Dumplings Casserole - a comforting, warm dish perfect for any dinner table. Enjoy the delicious blend of tender chicken and soft dumplings in every bite.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 small red onion, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
⅔ cup green peas (160g)
2 cups chicken stock (473ml)
1 cup cream of chicken soup (250ml)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
2 cups shredded roasted chicken (280g)
1 sprig of fresh rosemary

For the dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
2 teaspoons baking powder (8g)
1 egg
⅓ cup milk (80ml)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F.
In a large pan, heat up olive oil over medium heat and sauté carrots, onion, and peas for 5-7 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken stock and cream of chicken soup. Add rosemary sprig and cook until sauce thickens, 7-10 minutes.
Remove rosemary and stir in shredded chicken. Transfer the mixture to a baking pan.
To make dumplings, sift dry ingredients into a bowl. Add egg and milk, and knead until a sticky dough forms.
Using a greased ice cream scoop, scoop 6 individual dumplings and place them on top of the casserole.
Bake casserole for 18-20 minutes. Enjoy!