Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, fluffy, and baked to golden perfection with almost no effort. If you’ve ever craved the warmth of homemade chicken and dumplings but didn’t want to roll out dough or spend hours in the kitchen, this simplified version is about to become your new go-to.

• Minimal prep, maximum flavor – Layer and bake with no stirring or complicated steps.

• Uses rotisserie chicken – Save time and still get juicy, shredded meat packed with savory goodness.

• Golden dumpling topping – Self-rising flour and milk create soft, biscuit-like dumplings that bake right on top.

• One-pan magic – No need to juggle pots or pans—everything comes together in a single baking dish.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully – This dish tastes just as delicious the next day.

Whether you’re hosting family, looking for a hearty Sunday dinner, or batch-cooking something cozy to last all week, this casserole delivers. It’s old-school comfort with a weeknight-friendly twist!

Key Ingredients Spotlight

Pulled Rotisserie Chicken

Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken keeps prep quick and flavor rich. You get tender, shredded chicken with plenty of seasoning and natural juices without turning on the stove. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers.

Self-Rising Flour

This essential shortcut helps the dumplings rise and bake perfectly with no need for leavening agents. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own using all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt (see Variations below).

Cream of Chicken Soup

The ultimate southern shortcut ingredient! Cream of chicken soup blends with broth to form a rich, creamy base. It simmers underneath the dumplings and thickens as the casserole bakes, forming a luscious gravy.

Ingredients List

Main Casserole:

• Pulled meat from 1 rotisserie chicken (skin removed)

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dumpling Layer:

• 1 cup self-rising flour

• 1 cup milk

Gravy Topping:

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Layer the Chicken

• Spread the pulled rotisserie chicken evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

• Pour the melted butter over the chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Mix the Dumpling Batter

• In a bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and milk until smooth.

• Carefully pour this batter over the chicken, covering the surface but do not stir.

4. Make the Gravy Layer

• In the same bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and condensed cream of chicken soup until combined.

• Gently pour this mixture over the flour layer—again, do not stir. The layers will naturally combine and bake perfectly.

5. Bake

• Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes. You’ll see the dumplings rise through the soup mixture and brown on top, while the chicken and broth bubble beneath.

6. Let Rest

• Remove from the oven and let it sit for at least 5 minutes before scooping. This allows the layers to set and gives you clean, flavorful servings.

7. Serve & Enjoy

• Serve warm from the dish, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Stir! The magic of this casserole is in the layers. Trust the process—no mixing required.

• Use room-temperature milk – This helps the dumpling batter incorporate smoothly.

• Make it ahead – Assemble in the morning, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

• Customize your seasoning – Try garlic powder, onion powder, or a touch of poultry seasoning for added flavor.

• Broil for a crisp top – If you want an extra golden crust, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Variations and Creative Twists

This classic recipe is the perfect blank canvas. Here are some flavorful and practical ways to change it up:

1. Homemade Self-Rising Flour Swap

No self-rising flour? Make your own by combining:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

2. Add Veggies for a Complete Meal

Boost nutrition and color by mixing in:

• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots

• ½ cup chopped celery or sautéed mushrooms

• 1 cup baby spinach, wilted

3. Make It Creamier

Use 1 cup cream or half-and-half instead of milk for an ultra-luxurious dumpling layer.

4. Make It Cheesy

Add ½ cup shredded cheddar to the flour and milk mix for cheesy dumplings that melt into the casserole.

5. Swap Proteins

No rotisserie chicken? You can substitute:

• Shredded turkey (perfect for leftovers!)

• Cooked and shredded pork roast

• Canned chicken (drained and shredded)

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Meal

This hearty casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad – Lighten things up with a fresh side of baby greens tossed in vinaigrette.

• Roasted green beans or broccoli – Adds texture and color to the plate.

• Southern-style sides – Try a scoop of mashed sweet potatoes or skillet cornbread.

• Apple slaw or carrot salad – Tangy and sweet salads balance out the richness of the dish.

• Homestyle dessert – Finish the meal with a warm fruit cobbler or a few peanut butter cookies.

It’s also the perfect potluck item or holiday meal—no one will believe how simple it is to make!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration

• Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container.

• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• You can freeze individual servings or the entire casserole. Wrap well in plastic and foil.

• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming in the oven.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.

• Microwave: Reheat individual servings in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.

• Toaster oven: Great for small portions with a crispy top.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is a dream for meal prep:

• Assemble ahead: You can layer everything and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5 extra minutes to your bake time.

• Pre-shred your chicken: Buy rotisserie chicken on Sunday and have it ready to go.

• Mix your dumpling layer in advance: Just give it a quick whisk before pouring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw chicken?

This casserole relies on already cooked chicken for proper timing. Using raw chicken may lead to uneven results. If starting from raw, cook and shred your chicken first.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger casserole dish (or two 9×13 pans). Baking time remains roughly the same—watch for golden dumplings and bubbling edges.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter and cream of chicken soup (like a cashew-based version).

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

Make your own: Whisk 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup chicken broth, and ¼ cup milk in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt to replace the self-rising flour. Ensure your soup is certified gluten-free too.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is the perfect blend of cozy, nostalgic, and effortless. It’s a comforting classic made for busy nights, family dinners, or when you just need a warm hug in a bowl. With pantry staples and simple layers, you can skip the stovetop mess and still enjoy a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Try it once and you’ll be hooked. Tag your creation on social media, or share it with your favorite comfort food lover—they’ll thank you later!

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