Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole combines the comforting flavors of creamy chicken soup, fluffy dumplings, and tender chicken in an easy-to-make baked dish. The melted butter adds a rich base, while the Bisquick batter creates a light, dumpling-like layer over the chicken and vegetables. As the casserole bakes, the creamy broth and soup mixture seeps through the layers, adding depth and moisture to each bite.

For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of green beans or a fresh salad to balance the richness. This casserole is a perfect dish for family dinners or cozy gatherings! Enjoy the blend of hearty textures and savory flavors in each spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole:

Quick and Convenient: Using Bisquick mix and cream of chicken soup makes this dish quick to assemble, without the need to roll out dumplings.

Layers of Flavor: Each layer adds something special—the buttery base, savory chicken and vegetables, creamy sauce, and a fluffy dumpling topping.

Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is perfect for serving a crowd or for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.

One-Dish Meal: This casserole combines protein, sauce, and a carb all in one dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients:

Shredded Chicken: Boiled and shredded chicken breast is tender and lean, but you can use rotisserie chicken or even leftover roast chicken for extra flavor.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This canned soup adds creaminess and a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different twist.

Butter: Melted butter creates a rich base layer and helps keep the casserole moist. It also adds flavor to the entire dish.

Chicken Broth: Chicken broth enhances the casserole’s flavor and creates a moist, creamy texture. Use low-sodium broth if you want to control the saltiness.

Onion and Bell Pepper: These finely chopped veggies add subtle sweetness and flavor, creating a great base layer. Feel free to use any color of bell pepper.

Poultry Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a warm, savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. You can also use a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary if you don’t have poultry seasoning.

Milk: Whole milk is used to create the dumpling batter, adding a rich, fluffy texture to the top layer.

Bisquick Mix: Bisquick mix is a quick shortcut for the dumpling topping, providing a fluffy texture without extra fuss. You can substitute with self-rising flour if needed.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and creates a golden, delicious top.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Melt the Butter: Place 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it melt as the oven preheats. This will coat the dish and add rich flavor to the casserole.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken and Vegetables

Add Ingredients: Once the butter has melted, remove the dish from the oven. Spread 2 cups of shredded chicken evenly over the butter.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Scatter finely chopped onions and bell peppers over the chicken and sprinkle with poultry seasoning for a savory, aromatic base.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Batter

Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Bisquick mix, 1 cup of milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. This will be the dumpling layer of the casserole.
Layer the Batter: Gently pour the batter over the chicken and vegetable layer, spreading it out to cover evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Mix Sauce Ingredients: In another bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of chicken broth with 1 can of cream of chicken soup, stirring until well-blended. This will create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Add to Casserole: Carefully pour this sauce mixture over the dumpling batter, allowing it to seep down into the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let it Set: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly, helping the flavors meld and making it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few sides that can complement it beautifully:

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, green beans, or asparagus to add color and extra nutrients to the meal.
Biscuits or Cornbread: Serve with fluffy biscuits or cornbread for an extra touch of Southern comfort.
Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce on the side can add a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs surprisingly well.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy a comforting, filling meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is great for leftovers and can be stored and reheated easily.

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

Recipe Variations to Try:

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is easy to customize to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Vegetable-Loaded Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Add extra veggies like peas, carrots, or green beans to the chicken layer for added color and nutrition.

2. Spicy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dumpling batter for a little heat. You can also use spicy poultry seasoning for extra flavor.

3. Herbed Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Stir fresh herbs, like thyme, rosemary, or sage, into the dumpling batter or sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

4. Cheesy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the chicken layer, or sprinkle cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy twist.

5. Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a deeper, earthier flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and Bisquick dumplings.

Conclusion:

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that captures all the flavors of traditional chicken and dumplings in an easy, layered format. With its creamy, savory sauce and fluffy dumpling topping, this casserole is sure to satisfy cravings for comfort food and leave everyone at the table happy and full.

So grab your baking dish, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this warm, home-cooked meal—it’s bound to become a family favorite!