Easy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Ingredients:

• Pulled Chicken:
  • 1 rotisserie chicken (skin removed, meat pulled and shredded)
• Butter:
  • 1 stick of butter, melted
• Milk:
  • 1 cup milk
• Self-Rising Flour:
  • 1 cup self-rising flour (this is essential for the dumplings to rise properly)
• Chicken Broth:
  • 2 cups chicken broth
• Condensed Soup:
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
• Additional Ingredients (optional):
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the casserole to cook evenly, ensuring the dumplings rise and the chicken is heated through.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Begin by removing the skin from the rotisserie chicken and pulling the meat from the bones. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and spread it evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step saves a significant amount of time compared to cooking and shredding chicken from scratch.
3. Melt the Butter:
   • In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the stick of butter. Once melted, pour the butter over the shredded chicken in the baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. The butter adds richness to the casserole and helps keep the chicken moist.
4. Mix the Dumpling Batter:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of milk with 1 cup of self-rising flour. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The self-rising flour is crucial here, as it contains the leavening agents needed to make the dumplings light and fluffy.
   • Once the batter is ready, pour it over the chicken and butter in the baking dish. Spread it out as evenly as possible, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the batter will spread as it bakes.
5. Add the Chicken Broth and Soup:
   • In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth with 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup. This mixture will create the creamy base of the casserole and give it that classic chicken and dumpling flavor.
   • Pour the broth and soup mixture over the flour and milk batter in the baking dish. Do not stir! The layering is essential for achieving the correct texture. As it bakes, the batter will rise through the broth and soup mixture, forming the dumplings on top.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dumplings are fully cooked. The edges should be bubbly, and the top should be lightly crisped.
7. Check for Doneness:
   • To ensure the dumplings are cooked through, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the casserole. It should come out clean, with no raw batter clinging to it.
8. Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The cooling time allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop out servings.
   • Serve the casserole hot, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, for added color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Time-Saving: Using rotisserie chicken and self-rising flour makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings offers all the comfort of classic chicken and dumplings with minimal effort.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this casserole by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans, or by using different types of condensed soups for varied flavors.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Its warm, comforting flavors and hearty texture make it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Tips for Success:

• Self-Rising Flour: Be sure to use self-rising flour as it contains the necessary leavening agents (baking powder and salt) to make the dumplings rise. If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
• Layering: Resist the urge to stir the casserole after adding the broth and soup mixture. The layering process is key to creating the fluffy dumplings on top.
• Adding Vegetables: If you want to add vegetables to the casserole, simply scatter them over the chicken before adding the butter and batter layers. Frozen mixed vegetables work well and save time on preparation.

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food dish. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal option for a family dinner or a cozy meal on a cold evening. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken and dumplings in a whole new way!