Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

If you’re a fan of classic chicken and dumplings but are looking for a faster, more convenient way to enjoy this comfort food, this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole recipe is the perfect solution! Made with pulled rotisserie chicken and simple ingredients like self-rising flour and chicken broth, this casserole is not only quick but incredibly delicious. The best part? It requires no stirring, and the dumplings form naturally as the casserole bakes, making it a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

• Pulled chicken from a rotisserie chicken (no skin)
• 1 stick of butter, melted
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup of self-rising flour (this is a must for the recipe to work)
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Shred the chicken from a rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin, and spread it evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Add Butter and Season: Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.
4. Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and self-rising flour. Slowly pour this mixture evenly over the chicken—do not stir!
5. Prepare the Broth Mixture: In the same bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Slowly pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and batter. Again, do not stir!
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
7. Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the casserole sit for at least 5 minutes to allow the dumplings to finish forming. The longer it sits, the more dumplings you get, and it tastes just as good the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

• Simple and Quick: Unlike traditional chicken and dumplings, which often require multiple steps and hours of simmering, this casserole comes together in no time. With minimal prep and only 45 minutes of baking time, it’s an easy weeknight meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe doesn’t require any complicated shopping or extra steps.
• Dumplings That Form Naturally: One of the best parts of this casserole is that the dumplings form on their own as the dish bakes. No need to shape or drop dough—just pour and bake!
• Leftovers Taste Amazing: This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Pair with Sides: This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. You can also serve it with a warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your casserole with some freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added flavor. It also adds a fresh contrast to the rich, savory dish.
• Serve with a Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy touch, serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the dumplings will soak up the flavors, making it even more delicious the next day!
• Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 30-40 minutes. If frozen, you may want to cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
• Reheating: If reheating leftovers in the microwave, be sure to cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot throughout.

Variations

1. Add Vegetables
For a more balanced meal, you can add a variety of vegetables to your casserole. Chopped carrots, peas, corn, or green beans make great additions. Simply stir them into the chicken mixture before baking, or layer them on top of the chicken for added texture and flavor.

2. Use Different Proteins
While rotisserie chicken is the classic choice, you can substitute with other proteins like cooked turkey, sausage, or even shredded pork for a twist. Each protein will bring a unique flavor to the casserole while still maintaining that comforting feel.

3. Spicy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
If you enjoy a little spice, add some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the casserole. This will give the dish a subtle kick without overwhelming the flavors. You can also use spicy cream of chicken soup for an extra layer of heat.

4. Cheesy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
For cheese lovers, stir in 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese into the chicken and broth mixture. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both work well in this casserole. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly finish.

5. Use a Different Soup
If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you can swap it for other creamy soups like cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a creamy ranch soup. Each variation will give a slightly different flavor profile to the casserole while keeping it creamy and delicious.

6. Gluten-Free Version
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the self-rising flour for a gluten-free flour blend and check that your chicken broth and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy the comforting dish without gluten.

7. Herb-Infused Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
For a more aromatic casserole, experiment with adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. These herbs pair beautifully with the chicken and will enhance the flavor of the dumplings. Add the herbs to the chicken mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking.

8. Low-Fat Version
For a lighter version, substitute the butter with a reduced-fat option or olive oil. Use low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup, and replace whole milk with skim milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. These changes will reduce the calorie content while still keeping the casserole flavorful.

9. Vegetarian Version
Make a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole by using plant-based chicken (like soy or seitan) and replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also use a can of cream of mushroom soup in place of the cream of chicken soup for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish.

10. One-Pot Version
For an even simpler version, try making this dish in a large Dutch oven instead of a baking dish. Sauté the chicken and vegetables in the butter before adding the broth and flour mixture. Then, bake it all in the same pot for a one-pot meal that’s easy to clean up!

These variations will allow you to make the Chicken and Dumpling Casserole your own, experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy creating new versions of this comfort food classic!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to cook it first. You can either bake, boil, or pan-cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, shred the chicken and follow the recipe as instructed.

2. Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought chicken broth is a convenient option and works just as well in this recipe. You can also use low-sodium broth to control the salt levels if preferred.

3. How do I store leftover chicken and dumpling casserole?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing.

4. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When ready to cook, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

5. Can I use a different type of soup in place of cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can substitute with other creamy soups such as cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a creamy ranch soup for a different flavor profile.

6. What can I use if I don’t have self-rising flour?
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

7. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the broth and cream of chicken soup are also gluten-free. This will make the casserole gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

8. How do I make this casserole spicier?
To add spice to your casserole, you can stir in diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. You can also use a spicy cream of chicken soup to amp up the heat.

9. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden and the dumplings have formed and puffed up. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

10. Can I use a different type of chicken other than rotisserie?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken breast, thigh meat, or even leftover chicken. Just be sure to shred or chop the chicken before adding it to the casserole. Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but any cooked chicken will work just as well!

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a game-changer for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of chicken and dumplings but needs a quicker, easier alternative. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and a satisfying result, it’s a dish that you’ll return to time and time again. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the magic of dumplings forming right in the oven, and don’t forget—it’s even better the next day!

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