Imagine a dish that combines the heartwarming essence of home-cooked comfort with the irresistible flavors of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings. This Baked Chicken and Dumplings Casserole is not just a meal – it's a culinary hug that promises to transport you to grandma's kitchen with every single bite. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a soul-satisfying weekend feast, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup Bisquick mix
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the chicken mixture. If you prefer, you can thaw the vegetables beforehand, but it's not necessary. Just make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the dumpling batter by combining the Bisquick mix with 1 cup of milk. Stir until just combined; the batter should be slightly lumpy but not overmixed.
- Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
- Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the chicken mixture. You can create an even layer or leave some gaps for a rustic look; the dumplings will rise as they bake.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through. You can test the dumplings by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the baked chicken and dumplings casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for maximum flavor and convenience.
- Don't overmix the dumpling batter – lumpy is good! Overmixing can make the dumplings tough.
- For extra richness, substitute some of the milk with chicken broth in the sauce.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some dried red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- This dish freezes beautifully – make an extra batch to have a comforting meal ready for busy nights.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a bright, fresh finish when sprinkled on top just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 181kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 27mg
