Pin this A comforting, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings baked in a creamy, savory sauce.
My family requests this casserole every winter. It is a dish that reminds me of cozy weekends at home, especially when we gather around the table for seconds because it is just that good.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced
- Carrots: 1 cup, diced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
- All-purpose flour (for sauce): 1/4 cup
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Whole milk (for sauce): 1 cup
- Salt (for sauce): 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper (for sauce): 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour (for dumplings): 1 cup
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt (for dumplings): 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (for dumplings): 2 tablespoons, melted
- Whole milk (for dumplings): 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C) before starting.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour on vegetables. Stir for 1 minute until flour coats the mixture.
- Add Liquids and Thicken:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes to thicken sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Seasoning:
- Add cooked chicken, peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish:
- Spread chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and milk, stirring just until combined. Fold in chopped parsley if using.
- Add Dumplings:
- Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly across chicken mixture.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until dumplings turn golden and are cooked through.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Let casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin this We love sharing this casserole after long walks in the park. It has become a recipe my kids look forward to every time they see carrots and chicken coming out of the fridge.
Variations
Try swapping the thyme for rosemary or sage, or use rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables for extra convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a moderate oven until warmed through.
Pin this Enjoy this casserole as the ultimate comfort food for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of chicken works best?
Cooked shredded or diced chicken is ideal. Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that adds flavor and saves time.
- → Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh diced carrots, celery, peas, and onions can be sautéed until tender before combining with the sauce for optimal texture.
- → How do I ensure the dumplings are fluffy?
Use fresh baking powder and gently fold the wet ingredients with flour to keep the batter light before dropping spoonfuls onto the casserole.
- → What herbs complement this dish?
Thyme is traditional, but rosemary or sage can also enhance the savory flavors and add aromatic depth.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture and dumpling dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain freshness.