There’s something about the smell of chicken and dumplings baking that just stops you in your tracks. I remember the first time I made this casserole—it filled the whole house with that rich, comforting aroma that makes you want to pull up a chair and stay awhile.
Fluffy dumplings nestled over tender chicken, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that’s just the right kind of cozy. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a homemade hug, perfect for evenings when you need a little extra warmth.
Ready to make a meal that feels like a Sunday afternoon, any day of the week? Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty
- Creamy
- Easy
- Savory
Chicken and Dumplings Casserole Recipe
Here’s everything needed for the casserole, listed in order with amounts and descriptions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Butter, melted | ½ cup | Creates a rich, golden base for the casserole. |
| Chicken, cooked, diced or shredded | 3 1/2 cups | Provides tender, protein-packed filling. |
| Self-rising flour | 1 cup | Forms the fluffy dumpling layer. |
| Milk | 1 cup | Combines with flour for a soft batter. |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | Adds savory depth to the sauce. |
| Condensed cream of chicken soup | 1 (10.75 ounce) can | Brings creamy, rich flavor to the dish. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Seasons the casserole perfectly. |
Optional Add-Ons
- 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning – Enhances with herby, savory notes.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley – Sprinkles on fresh, vibrant flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar – Adds a cheesy, melty topping.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Bakes the casserole evenly.
- Microwave-safe bowl – Melts butter quickly.
- Mixing bowl – Combines flour and soup mixtures.
- Whisk – Blends ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula – Spreads layers evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C), allowing 10-12 minutes to heat up for consistent baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Melt Butter
Place ½ cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted—about 1 minute total. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Layer Chicken
Spread 3 1/2 cups cooked, diced, or shredded chicken evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish—break up any large pieces to ensure a uniform layer. Do not mix with the butter; this base layer keeps the chicken moist during baking.
Step 4: Mix Flour Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk 1 cup self-rising flour, 1 cup milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth—about 30 seconds. The batter should be pourable, like pancake batter, to form soft dumplings. If too thick, add 1 tbsp more milk and whisk briefly.
Step 5: Add Flour Layer
Pour the flour batter evenly over the chicken layer—use a spatula to spread gently, covering the chicken completely. Do not stir or mix into the chicken; keeping layers separate ensures fluffy dumplings form during baking.
Step 6: Mix Soup Mixture
In the same mixing bowl, whisk 2 cups chicken broth, 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup, and a pinch of salt and pepper until fully combined—about 20 seconds. The mixture should be smooth and slightly runny, creating a creamy sauce as it bakes.
Step 7: Add Soup Layer
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the flour batter layer—drizzle slowly to cover without disturbing the layers below. Do not mix; the distinct layers allow the dumplings to rise and the sauce to meld perfectly in the oven.
Step 8: Bake and Serve
Bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted in the dumpling layer comes out clean. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to set, then scoop into bowls, optionally garnishing with parsley or cheese.
Storage and Serving
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat at 325°F for 10-12 minutes. Serve as a main dish with a side salad or steamed veggies for a comforting meal.
Substitutes and Variations
- Soup Swap – Use cream of celery or mushroom soup for a flavor twist.
- Protein Twist – Swap chicken for cooked turkey or rotisserie leftovers.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Per Serving (8 servings total) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Total Carbs | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Net Carbs | 19g |
Note: Values are approximate and vary by brands.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with green beans for a fresh, crisp side.
- Pair with a glass of iced tea for a refreshing touch.
- Add a side of mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- Enjoy with a light salad for balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Early batches had issues, so here’s how to avoid them:
- Mixing layers and getting soggy dumplings – Stirring the layers blends the batter into the sauce, ruining the dumpling texture; a mushy dish was disappointing—keep layers distinct.
- Using all-purpose flour and ending with flat dumplings – All-purpose flour lacks leavening, making dumplings dense; a heavy bite was a letdown—use self-rising flour.
- Overbaking and drying out the casserole – Baking past 45 minutes dries the dish; a crumbly scoop was frustrating—check at 35 minutes for a clean toothpick.
- Serving too soon and getting a runny texture – Cutting immediately prevents setting; a watery portion was messy—rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, cook and shred chicken first—bake or boil until fully cooked, then proceed.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free self-rising flour and ensure the soup is gluten-free; adjust milk if batter is thick.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 dish?
Use an 8×8 dish, but reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes and check doneness.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, mix 1/2 cup diced carrots or peas into the chicken layer for extra flavor.
Can I prep this ahead?
Assemble layers and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake fresh for best texture.
What Others Are Saying About the Recipe
- Lila: “Comfort food at its best—so easy!”
- Dean: “Creamy and hearty—family loved it!”
- Sana: “Perfect for cozy dinners!”
Final Words
This casserole isn’t just food—it’s comfort, ease, and a little bit of love baked right in. Let it rest a few minutes before serving, and you’ll get those perfect, fluffy dumplings every time.
Pair it with your favorite veggies or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that hits the spot. I’d bet it’s going to become one of your go-to dinners.
And hey, when you try it, drop a note—I’d love to hear how it turned out. Here’s to warm kitchens and happy tummies.