Chicken & Dumpling Casserole

Chicken and dumpling casserole is one of those hearty, soul-nourishing comfort foods that’s easy to make and will please everyone’s palate. It is perfect for chilly nights, reheats well and can be made and frozen months ahead of time. This flavorful dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with fresh veggie side dishes or a green salad if you’d like to round it out.

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Ingredients

• Celery: Chopped celery helps to give this casserole a mild, slightly sweet taste.
• Butter: The butter fat helps create a smooth texture for the gravy.
• Garlic cloves: Garlic is a non-negotiable here, as it delivers a flavor punch with its strong, unmistakable taste.
• All-purpose flour: Flour acts as a thickening agent for the broth.
• Sugar: Sugar helps to tenderize the chicken.
• Salt: Salt is an unsung hero of a casserole dish, as it enhances each other included ingredient’s flavor.
• Dried basil: Dried basil offers a distinct taste and aroma that brings a savory twist to this dish.
• Pepper: Opt for fresh ground pepper to really enhance this recipe.
• Chicken broth: Chicken broth adds unbeatable flavor and a creamy consistency to this dish.
• Green peas: Frozen or fresh green peas brighten up the profile of this hearty casserole.
• Cooked chicken: Be sure your chicken is cooked and cubed prior to adding it to the recipe; shredding it is also fine.
• Biscuit/baking mix: A biscuit mix will cut down on time.
• Milk: Opt for 2% milk here, or if you’d like a richer dumpling, whole milk.

Directions

Step 1: Saute and combine the ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large saucepan, saute the onion and celery until tender. Add the garlic and cook for one minute longer. Next, gently stir in the flour, sugar, salt, basil and pepper until just blended. Gradually add broth and bring to a boil. Stir for one minute, or until thickened; reduce the heat. Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional five minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the cooked chicken. Pour the contents of the saucepan into a greased 13×9-in. baking dish.

Step 2: Make dumplings

In a small bowl, combine the biscuit mix and basil. Gradually stir in milk, using a fork to mix until the dough is just moistened and formed. Use a tablespoon to drop the dough in mounds over the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Bake

Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Cover, and continue to bake for 10 minutes longer. A toothpick inserted in a dumpling will come out clean when the casserole is finished.

Recipe Variations

• Substitute self-rising flour for the biscuit mix: If you prefer a homemade biscuit flavor, consider using self-rising flour in place of the biscuit mix.
• Add different spices: Playing around with flavors could totally change up the taste. Fresh rosemary and thyme instead of basil would be a particularly delightful swap.

How to Store Chicken & Dumpling Casserole

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze chicken & dumpling casserole?

One of the best things about a casserole is how easy it is to freeze for future meals. For this recipe, simply place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to three months.

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Tips

How do I reheat this casserole?

If frozen, you’ll need to thaw it completely in the refrigerator. If stored in the fridge (or once thawed), simply cover and place the casserole in the oven at 350° for 15 minutes.

What should I serve with chicken & dumpling casserole?

Because this dish is hearty and nearly complete on its own, we love to serve it with a few light sides. You can’t go wrong with a fresh green bean salad and oven-roasted carrots.

Can I use a different meat in place of the chicken?

This recipe is best made with chicken, but turkey would also work well. Leftover turkey from the holidays would be a fine addition to this recipe.

Variation: self-rising flour instead of biscuit mix