Cozy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite
Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty chicken and dumpling casserole that promises to warm your soul from the first bite.
Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy, stick-to-your-ribs dish that blends tender chicken and pillowy dumplings in a rich, velvety sauce.
Every spoonful of this chicken and dumpling casserole promises pure, nostalgic bliss that transports you to grandma’s kitchen.
Layers of succulent chicken mingle with soft, buttery dumplings, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this classic comfort meal.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.
Let’s find out this ultimate comfort classic and let its comforting magic work its delicious spell.
Equipment for Making Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
9×13-inch baking dish: Large rectangular pan for layering and baking the casserole.
Mixing bowls: Two separate bowls for preparing dumpling mixture and creamy sauce.
Whisk: Essential for blending Bisquick mix with milk smoothly.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for spreading and mixing ingredients.
Cheese grater (optional): If you want to shred chicken manually.
How to Assemble Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Oven Preparation Warm the kitchen with a toasty 350°F oven, creating the perfect environment for a hearty meal.
Buttery Foundation Melt rich butter in a spacious baking dish, spreading liquid gold across the bottom to create a delectable base.
Protein and Veggie Layer Scatter tender shredded chicken across the buttery surface, then sprinkle colorful onions and bell peppers for a vibrant touch of freshness and flavor.
Dumpling Magic Whisk together Bisquick and milk into a silky smooth batter, letting it cascade gracefully over the chicken and vegetables like a comforting blanket.
Creamy Sauce Blend chicken broth and cream of chicken soup into a luxurious sauce that will transform the casserole into a creamy dream.
Baking Transformation Slide the dish into the waiting oven, allowing the ingredients to mingle and dance for 50-60 minutes until a golden crown emerges, signaling culinary perfection.
Resting Period Let the casserole catch its breath for a few moments, allowing flavors to settle and making serving a breeze.
Tips to Improve Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Experiment with adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham for a smoky, salty twist that elevates the entire dish's protein profile.
Sprinkle sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking to create a melty, golden-brown crust that adds incredible richness.
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can transform this casserole, bringing bright, aromatic notes that complement the creamy chicken base.
Toss in additional vegetables like chopped carrots, peas, or spinach to boost nutrition and add delightful color and texture to your comfort food classic.
Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal that tastes like it was made moments ago.
Serving Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Hot
Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a comforting main dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Rustic Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, creamy texture of the chicken and dumplings.
Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Transform this casserole into a weekend brunch star by adding a side of fresh fruit and warm buttermilk biscuits for a complete morning spread.
Potluck Perfect Offering: Pack this dish in a portable container for gatherings, knowing it travels well and will be a crowd-pleasing addition to any community meal.
How to Store Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a double batch of this casserole and stash extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals during busy weeks.
Refrigerator Lifespan: Store leftover casserole in sealed containers for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious for easy reheating.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual servings or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead meal.
Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore that just-baked taste and texture.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 410 kcal
Servings: 7
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Ingredient List
For Protein Base:
Shredded Boiled Chicken Breast: Tender and lean protein that provides the hearty foundation of the casserole, best when freshly cooked and hand-shredded for optimal texture.
Chicken Broth: Adds rich, savory depth and helps create a moist, flavorful base for the casserole, preferably low-sodium for better control of seasoning.
For Creamy Sauce Components:
Whole Milk: Delivers rich, silky smoothness to the casserole, choosing full-fat milk ensures maximum creaminess.
Cream of Chicken Soup, Unsalted Butter: Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce with depth of flavor, opt for low-sodium soup for healthier option.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that bring subtle sweetness and crunch, dice finely for even distribution and balanced taste.
Poultry Seasoning: Blend of herbs that elevates the chicken's natural flavor, provides warm, comforting aromatics.
Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste, adjust according to personal preference.
For Dumpling Topping:
Bisquick Mix: Convenient base for creating fluffy, golden-brown dumplings that transform the casserole into a complete, satisfying meal.
Southern comfort shines through this chicken and dumpling casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Home cooks can savor rich, nostalgic flavors that connect generations around one delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups (720 ml) shredded boiled chicken breast
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
6 tbsps (90 ml or 3/8 cup) unsalted butter
2 cups (240 g) bisquick mix
¼ cup (40 g) finely chopped onion
¼ cup (40 g) finely chopped bell pepper
1 tsp poultry seasoning
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and position a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembly, creating a perfect canvas for this comforting casserole.
Foundation Layer: Melt butter across the dish’s surface, then strategically arrange shredded chicken as the initial protein base, ensuring complete bottom coverage.
Aromatic Enhancement: Disperse chopped onions and bell peppers over the chicken, sprinkling poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
Dumpling Creation: Whisk Bisquick mix and milk into a silky smooth batter, then cascade this mixture evenly across the seasoned chicken and vegetable landscape.
Liquid Integration: Blend chicken broth with cream of chicken soup, forming a luxurious liquid that will permeate through the casserole layers, adding moisture and depth.
Baking Transformation: Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 50-60 minutes until the surface achieves a golden-brown finish and edges become tantalizingly bubbly.
Resting Period: After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest 10-15 minutes, allowing layers to harmonize and settle, creating the perfect serving consistency.
Notes
Butter Base Technique: Melting butter directly in the baking dish creates a flavorful foundation and prevents extra dish washing.
Even Distribution Matters: Spread chicken and vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent taste and texture in every bite.
Whisking Wisdom: Ensure Bisquick mixture is completely smooth to avoid lumpy dumpling layers that could compromise the casserole’s texture.
Resting Ritual: Letting the casserole rest after baking allows ingredients to settle, making serving easier and helping flavors meld together perfectly.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.