If you're craving comfort food, a Chicken and Dumpling Casserole should be at the top of your list. This cozy, homestyle dish is rich, hearty, and filled with satisfying flavors that make it a perfect meal for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner. Our recipe brings together tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings, all baked to perfection in a single dish. Keep reading to discover how to make this ultimate comfort meal—step by step!
What is Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a delicious baked version of the traditional chicken and dumplings dish. While the original is a stovetop meal featuring a savory chicken stew topped with dumplings cooked right on top, the casserole version brings these flavors into a baking dish. The casserole format allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish that's easier to make but still boasts all the heartiness and warmth of the classic.
Ingredients List for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare the perfect Chicken and Dumpling Casserole:
- 1 stick of butter – Butter adds a rich, creamy taste to the casserole and helps the ingredients come together smoothly.
- 3 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded – Pre-cooked chicken saves time and provides a tender bite throughout the dish.
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion – Onions give a sharp, savory flavor that builds the base of the dish.
- ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper – Adds a slightly sweet crunch and flavor complexity to the casserole.
- ¼ cup finely chopped red or orange bell pepper – This adds color and a hint of sweetness, making the casserole visually appealing and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning – A classic blend of herbs and spices that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper – Adds a little heat and elevates the seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons salt – Essential for balancing the flavors.
- 2 cups Bisquick flour – The foundation for the dumplings, making them light and fluffy.
- 2 cups milk – Adds moisture and richness to the dumpling batter.
- 2 cups chicken stock – Infuses the dish with deep, savory chicken flavor.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup – Helps create a creamy, cohesive sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few variations and substitutions you can use to make the dish more personalized or cater to dietary needs:
- Chicken Substitutes: Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version, or replace the chicken with turkey if you want a post-holiday twist. If you're vegetarian, consider swapping out the chicken for mushrooms and use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock.
- Gluten-Free Version: Opt for a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick, and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and almond or soy milk in place of regular milk for a lactose-free version of this dish.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, peas, or celery to increase the nutritional value and add more textures to the casserole.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making the perfect Chicken and Dumpling Casserole.

- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready when the casserole is assembled.
- Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already boiled and shredded your chicken, do so now. You can boil the chicken breasts in water seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper until fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes), then shred it with two forks.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the stick of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, green bell pepper, and red or orange bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Mix the Dumpling Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the Bisquick flour, milk, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, thick batter. Set it aside.
- Layer the Casserole: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, start by spreading the sautéed vegetables evenly across the bottom. Add the shredded chicken on top of the vegetables, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Add the Stock and Soup: Pour the chicken stock over the chicken and vegetables. Then, spoon the cream of chicken soup across the top, making sure to cover everything in a thin layer.
- Top with Dumpling Batter: Finally, pour the Bisquick batter evenly over the top of the casserole. It may look thin, but the batter will puff up into soft, fluffy dumplings as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumpling topping is golden brown and cooked through.
How to Cook Chicken and Dumpling Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down the process even further, focusing on each component:
1. Chicken Preparation
Boil your chicken until tender, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked chicken adds the right texture to your casserole. You can even season the water with herbs and garlic to infuse extra flavor into the chicken.
2. The Vegetables
While the original recipe calls for bell peppers and onions, you can expand this with other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots. Sautéing the vegetables helps to release their natural sugars, which deepens the flavor of the overall dish.
3. Building the Layers
Layering is key in this recipe. Vegetables go first, followed by the shredded chicken, which will absorb the delicious chicken stock and cream of chicken soup as it cooks. The batter on top creates a crust that seals in all the flavors.
4. Dumpling Creation
The Bisquick batter is easy to prepare and creates a light, fluffy topping that’s almost like a crust. As it bakes, it soaks up the broth below and forms a perfect golden top that complements the savory filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure you boil the chicken just until cooked through. Overcooked chicken will turn tough and dry, diminishing the casserole's texture.
- Too Much Liquid: Don’t overdo it on the chicken stock. Stick to 2 cups, or the casserole might turn out soupy instead of thick and hearty.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Ensure you season every layer well. Bland casseroles often result from under-seasoning, especially when dealing with a combination of ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
- Not Letting the Casserole Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can pair it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. Serve each portion with a large spoon, making sure to get a good mix of dumpling topping, chicken, and vegetables in each serving.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Garnish the top with some freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra color and flavor. Serving the casserole in the same dish it was baked in adds a rustic, homestyle touch, making it perfect for family-style dinners.
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture of the dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Chicken and Dumpling Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Simply prepare it, allow it to cool, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time.
What can I use instead of Bisquick?
You can use a homemade mix of flour, baking powder, salt, and butter as a substitute for Bisquick.
Conclusion
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the perfect dish when you're looking for something comforting, hearty, and simple to make. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, this dish will surely become a family favorite. Now that you know how to make it, grab your ingredients and give it a try! You’ll love the cozy and satisfying flavors of this timeless classic.
PrintChicken And Dumpling Casserole Recipe
This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole recipe features tender shredded chicken, creamy Bisquick dumplings, and a savory mix of onions and bell peppers. With a rich blend of chicken stock, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings, it's a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Keywords: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, Bisquick dumplings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 stick of butter
- 3 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped red or orange bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups Bisquick flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and melt butter in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the melted butter.
- Add the chopped onion and bell peppers over the chicken.
- Sprinkle poultry seasoning, ground black pepper, and salt over the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Bisquick and milk, then pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Combine the chicken stock and cream of chicken soup, then pour it over the Bisquick mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1500mg
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