If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Recipe will be your new go-to comfort food. It brings together tender shredded chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, savory sauce all baked to golden perfection. This dish is not just incredibly tasty but also impressively easy to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. The seamless blend of flavors and textures in this casserole makes every bite utterly satisfying and sure to become a beloved favorite.

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create a dish bursting with flavor and comforting warmth. Each element plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance between creamy richness, light dumplings, and hearty chicken.

Cooked chicken (3-4 cups): I love using rotisserie chicken for its juicy, tender meat that saves time and adds depth.
Chicken broth (2 cups): This provides a savory base that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Melts beautifully at the bottom to enrich the dish with buttery goodness.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Combines with baking powder to create light, fluffy dumplings.
Baking powder (1¼ tsp): The secret ingredient for fluffy, tender dumplings that rise perfectly.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps the dumpling batter come together smoothly.
Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): Adds a creamy, comforting layer that blends all the flavors seamlessly.

How to Make Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF to get it ready for baking. Melt the butter—microwaving works perfectly for a quick melt—and pour it evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. This buttery base ensures the casserole has a rich foundation and helps keep the chicken moist.

Step 2: Layer the Chicken

Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and spread it evenly over the melted butter. Using rotisserie chicken here means you get tender, flavorful meat without extra effort. This layer forms the hearty protein part of the casserole that you’ll love in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Batter

Whisk together the milk with flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. This creates the dumpling batter that will bake on top of the chicken to perfection. Pour it slowly over the chicken—important not to stir, so the layers stay distinct and dramatic.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Sauce

Combine the chicken broth with the can of cream of chicken soup until well blended and pour gently over the dumpling batter. This creamy sauce bakes into the casserole and binds all the flavors together. Again, do not stir, so the dumplings have room to rise and get golden in the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dumplings turn a beautiful golden brown. This is the moment where all the aromas will fill your kitchen and you can’t wait to dig in!

How to Serve Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh pop of color and a slight herbaceous note that complements the dish’s creamy richness perfectly. A little freshly cracked black pepper on top can add a subtle kick that brightens each spoonful.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands beautifully on its own but if you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. Lightly steamed green beans or a simple cucumber and tomato salad add a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets to make it feel extra special and personal. You can also top it with shredded cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce for a playful variation that still keeps the comforting essence intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cover it well to keep the dumplings from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through to retain the casserole’s texture. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry, just be mindful that the dumplings may lose some crispness but will still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works well, whether it’s leftover from another meal or simply poached or roasted at home. Just shred it finely for the best texture.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure the cream of chicken soup and broth are gluten-free as well. This way, you keep all the comforting flavors without the gluten.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can make your own creamy base with a simple roux and some extra broth and milk, or use a cream of mushroom soup for a different but equally delicious flavor twist.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Adding veggies like peas, carrots, or corn before baking is a great way to incorporate extra color, nutrition, and texture without complicating the recipe.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings should be golden brown on top and set (not jiggly) when done. Give a gentle poke with a fork or toothpick; it should come out clean, indicating the batter is fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Recipe is truly a heartwarming dish that’s easy to make and full of delicious layers of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, it’s a reliable classic that never disappoints. So go ahead, try this recipe and enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness that only homemade chicken and dumplings can bring.

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 37 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting Chicken & Dumpling Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, fluffy dumpling topping. Baked to golden perfection, this easy one-pan meal is perfect for a hearty family dinner featuring simple pantry ingredients and wholesome flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

3–4 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
2 cups chicken broth
1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup

Dumpling Batter

¼ cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup milk

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
Prepare the pan and chicken: Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave. Pour the melted butter evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Shred the cooked chicken finely and spread it evenly over the butter layer.
Make the dumpling batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk while whisking to create a smooth batter with no lumps. Slowly pour this dumpling batter over the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the chicken but do not stir anything.
Prepare the soup mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and the canned cream of chicken soup until fully combined. Pour this mixture gently over the flour and milk batter layer without stirring to maintain distinct layers.
Bake the casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the dumpling topping turns golden brown and is cooked through.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
Do not stir the layers after assembling to allow the dumplings to form properly.
If you prefer a saltier dish, you may add a pinch of salt to the chicken mixture or topping.
Check the casserole towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American