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.
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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
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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.
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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.