Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: The Best Recipe You’ll Ever Make

There’s nothing quite like a hot, bubbling chicken and dumpling casserole on a chilly evening. This classic comfort food is a timeless favorite in Southern kitchens, beloved for its rich, creamy filling and fluffy biscuit-like topping. Whether it was made by grandma on a Sunday or served at a potluck dinner, it’s a dish that brings back memories of warmth and family.

More than just delicious, this dish is practical, too. Using simple pantry staples, you can create a meal that satisfies a crowd and keeps well for leftovers. As always, it’s essential to follow safe chicken handling practices to ensure your ingredients are properly cooked.

Casseroles like this one rank high among America’s favorite meals. In fact, it’s no surprise that it made the list of Top 10 Comfort Food Recipes, where casseroles are praised for their ease and nostalgic value.

What Is Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?

Chicken and dumpling casserole is a baked version of the traditional chicken and dumplings. Instead of boiling the dumplings, everything is layered and baked together in a casserole dish, resulting in a golden, comforting one-pan meal. The dumplings puff up while baking, absorbing the flavorful chicken and cream sauce below.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, big flavor
• One-pan meal, minimal cleanup
• Freezer-friendly and meal-prep ready
• Perfect for feeding a family or crowd
• Kid-approved and highly adaptable

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup Bisquick or self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup melted butter

How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Veggies

Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the frozen peas and carrots on top.

Step 3: Mix the Soup Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables—do not stir.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Batter

In another bowl, mix Bisquick with milk until just combined. Drop the mixture gently over the casserole in spoonfuls. Pour the melted butter over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the dumplings are golden and the sauce is bubbly.

Tips for Perfect Dumplings

• Don’t overmix your batter or the dumplings may turn out tough.
• For a fluffier texture, let the batter sit for 5 minutes before dropping it onto the casserole.
• Want more golden tops? Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Variations and Add-Ons

• Add cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy crust.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika.
• Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fragrant twist.

What to Serve With Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

While the casserole is filling on its own, it pairs beautifully with a few lighter sides or appetizers like:

• Crisp green salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Buttery corn on the cob
• Freshly baked rolls
• Try these mini quiche appetizers for a delicious starter
• For dessert, balance the richness with these lemon cream cheese bars

Looking for more side ideas? You’ll love this list of side dishes for hearty dinners

Storage and Reheating Tips

• To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Cool completely, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

FAQs About Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Final Thoughts

This chicken and dumpling casserole is everything a comfort food should be — creamy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding your family or enjoying leftovers on a quiet night, it never fails to deliver on flavor and nostalgia. Pair it with other slow-cooked comfort meals like these smoked beef cheeks and you’ve got a dinner worth remembering.

Print