The Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Dumpling Casserole Recipe

Chicken dumpling casserole brings together tender shredded chicken, rich creamy sauce, and fluffy drop biscuit dumplings for the ultimate comforting meal. This easy one-dish baking method streamlines traditional chicken and dumplings into a crowd-pleasing family favorite. Read on for a complete guide to making this satisfying homestyle chicken dumpling casserole.

Why Make Chicken Dumpling Casserole?

Chicken dumpling casserole delivers all the comforting flavors of classic chicken and dumplings baked up in one hearty family-friendly dish. It makes good use of leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken and transforms it into a creamy, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Kids and adults alike will devour the soft, pillowy dumplings. The easy dump-and-bake method is budget-friendly and freezer-friendly, making this casserole a perfect option for meal prepping.

Mixing Tips for Fluffy Dumplings

Getting light, fluffy dumplings is key. Follow these mixing tips:

• Use an enriched biscuit mix like Bisquick.
• Carefully stir the milk and biscuit mix together until just blended. Overmixing will make the dumplings tough.
• For even lighter dumplings, replace 1/4 cup flour with corn starch.
• Drizzle some cold milk over the batter if it seems too thick before baking.
• For golden tops, sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the dumplings before baking.

Chicken Dumpling Casserole Ingredients:

• 3 skinless chicken breasts, boiled and pulled apart
• 2 cups of broth obtained from the boiled chicken
• 1 whole stick of butter
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (opt for herbed variety for extra taste)
• 3 teaspoons of Wyler’s chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups of Bisquick mix

Preparation Method:

1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the chicken breasts in a saucepan with water enough to submerge them. Bring to boil, then shut off the heat. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Take the chicken out, saving the broth, and let it cool. Proceed to shred the chicken.
4. First Layer: In a casserole dish (9×13 inches or larger), melt a stick of butter. Layer the shredded chicken on top and season with black pepper and dried sage. For a pot pie variation, add a vegetable layer here.
5. Second Layer: Combine milk with Bisquick in a bowl. Gently pour this mixture over the chicken layer.
6. Third Layer: Mix 2 cups of the saved chicken broth, chicken bouillon granules, and cream of chicken soup in a bowl. Gradually pour this over the Bisquick layer. Pro tip: Warm a bit of the broth in the soup can to dissolve and use all of the soup.
7. The baking duration can vary based on the oven and dish size. Bake until the top turns a golden brown color, usually around 50-60 minutes.

Enjoy your Chicken Dumpling Bake!

Picking the Perfect Proteins

While chicken is traditional, you can easily adapt this recipe:

• Use turkey or pork tenderloin for a lighter take.
• Swap in cooked sausage crumbles or shredded ham.
• Make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas instead of meat.
• For extra richness, use half cream and half milk.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your bubbling hot Chicken Dumpling Casserole with:

• A fresh side salad or coleslaw
• Buttery biscuits or corn bread
• Steamed green beans, peas, or carrots
• Homemade mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
• Extra hot sauce, ranch dressing, or gravy for drizzling

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Allow casserole to cool completely before covering for the fridge.
• Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Freeze baked casserole up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Assemble unbaked casserole and wrap well for freezing up to 2 months.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best? Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs both work well.

Can I use canned biscuits? Yes, arrange refrigerated biscuits over the chicken before baking.

Do I need to boil the chicken first? Yes, this ensures tender, shredded chicken in the casserole.

Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked up to 1 day. Add 15 minutes to the bake time.

Can I freeze the casserole? Yes! Assemble the entire casserole and wrap well. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

For more easy, hearty casserole recipes, visit aazmihealth. This chicken dumpling casserole is the ultimate comfort food your whole family will love.