Chicken and Dumplings Casserole

A Homestyle Classic Reinvented: Chicken and Dumplings Casserole – Comfort Food Redefined!

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that marries the warmth of a comforting chicken and dumplings dish with the convenience of a casserole format. Our Chicken and Dumplings Casserole recipe is a testament to the timeless appeal of homestyle cooking, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful. Join us as we explore the art of transforming a classic into a casserole masterpiece, perfect for bringing families together around the dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dumpling Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and frozen peas. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
5. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated in the creamy sauce. Remove from heat.

Creating the Dumpling Topping:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add melted butter and milk to the dry ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms.

Assembling the Chicken and Dumplings Casserole:

1. Transfer the chicken filling mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the chicken filling, covering it as much as possible.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
4. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Notes:

• Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded beforehand for a quicker assembly process.
• Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the filling for additional flavor depth.
• Adjust the thickness of the filling by adding more or less flour to achieve your desired consistency.

Variations:

Herb-Infused Elegance: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or dill to the dumpling dough for a burst of freshness.

Cheese Lover’s Twist: Fold shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the dumpling dough for a cheesy surprise with every bite.

Mushroom and Thyme Delight: Saute sliced mushrooms in butter and add them to the chicken filling along with an extra sprinkle of dried thyme for an earthy flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Chicken and Dumplings Casserole:

• Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour in both the filling and dumpling dough.
• Use a keto-friendly milk substitute such as almond milk or coconut milk.
• Opt for cauliflower florets instead of peas and carrots for a lower-carb vegetable option.

Low-Carb Dumpling Mastery:

• Modify the dumpling recipe using a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to reduce the carb content.
• Choose low-carb vegetables like zucchini or broccoli in the filling.
• Use heavy cream or a low-carb milk substitute in place of whole milk.

Chicken and Dumplings Casserole is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of the soul-soothing essence of comfort food. Whether you follow the classic recipe, explore tempting variations, or opt for keto and low-carb adaptations, this casserole is a canvas for culinary creativity.

So, preheat that oven, let the aroma of creamy chicken filling and golden dumplings fill your kitchen, and immerse yourself in the joy of creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and innovative. Share this heartwarming creation with loved ones, and let the Chicken and Dumplings Casserole become a cherished addition to your repertoire of comforting recipes. This casserole is more than a dish; it’s a journey into the heart of home-cooked goodness and the joy it brings to every table.