Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: A Comforting and Hearty Meal for All Seasons

When you crave the warmth of a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the perfect choice. Combining tender pulled rotisserie chicken, a creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings, this casserole is a delicious twist on a classic dish that everyone loves. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting a casual gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling cozy and content.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of making Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, offering tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect dish every time. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

There are plenty of reasons why Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a standout meal. Here’s why this comforting casserole should be on your go-to recipe list:

• Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is a true comfort food, combining the best of creamy, savory chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings in a single dish.
• Simple to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
• Uses Rotisserie Chicken: The inclusion of pulled rotisserie chicken makes this recipe super convenient, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
• Filling and Satisfying: The combination of chicken, broth, and fluffy dumplings makes for a hearty meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients and steps involved in making this delicious casserole.

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

This dish requires just a few simple ingredients that are easy to find and work together perfectly to create a rich, comforting casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole:

• Pulled chicken from a rotisserie chicken (no skin): This is the star of the dish. Rotisserie chicken adds a deep, savory flavor and is already cooked, making it a time-saving option for this recipe.
• 1 stick of butter, melted: The melted butter helps to give the casserole a rich, buttery flavor and ensures the dumplings cook to a golden perfection.
• 1 cup milk: The milk adds creaminess to the sauce and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 cup self-rising flour (must be self-rising): The self-rising flour is a key ingredient for the dumplings, as it helps them rise and become fluffy during baking.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth adds flavor and moisture to the casserole, creating a delicious base for the chicken and dumplings.
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup: The cream of chicken soup brings richness and creaminess to the dish, ensuring that the casserole has a smooth, velvety texture.

How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Making Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the dumplings become golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish

In a large casserole dish, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave or by placing the casserole dish in the oven for a few minutes. Once the butter is melted, pour it into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly to coat the surface.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the milk and chicken broth, stirring until well-mixed. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup to the mixture and stir until smooth. This will be the creamy base of your casserole that holds everything together.

Step 4: Add the Pulled Chicken

Now, take the pulled rotisserie chicken (remove the skin beforehand) and add it to the casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring that the chicken is well-distributed. The chicken provides a hearty base for the casserole, making it the perfect filling for the dumplings.

Step 5: Prepare the Dumpling Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the self-rising flour and the butter-milk mixture. Stir until the dough comes together and is slightly thick. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, thick enough to scoop but not too stiff. Spoon the dumpling mixture over the chicken in the casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the chicken.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. During this time, the dumplings will rise and cook through, becoming soft and fluffy, while the chicken and sauce will bubble and meld together to create a comforting, cohesive dish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The golden, fluffy dumplings should sit atop the creamy chicken base, creating the perfect texture contrast. Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can also cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs. However, using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich, savory flavor to the dish.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling batter: When preparing the dumplings, make sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in dense dumplings. Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Add vegetables: If you want to make the casserole even heartier, feel free to add some frozen or fresh peas, carrots, or corn to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the broth mixture before baking and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for a more flavorful casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a filling meal without too much effort.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of chicken, broth, and dumplings creates a dish that is both satisfying and cozy—just what you need after a long day.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings, making it a versatile dish that you can modify to suit your family’s taste.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. With its tender pulled chicken, rich creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that you’ll make again and again.