Cozy Easy Chicken And Dumpling Casserole

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is one of those dishes that instantly makes me feel at home. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with classic Southern comfort—the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out. I love making this on chilly evenings or lazy Sundays when I just want something cozy and satisfying. If you’re craving a dish that brings that home-cooked comfort, this one never disappoints.

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a also creamy, irresistible must-try!

Now, it’s a GO-TO dinner that’s ridiculously easy and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Here’s what makes this casserole a winner:

FOR THE CHICKEN BASE:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works GREAT!)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE DUMPLING TOPPING:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

OPTIONAL ADD-INS:

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (adds a veggie boost!)
• 1/2 cup of your favorite shredded cheddar cheese (for extra gooeyness!)

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HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN AND DUMPLING CASSEROLE

PREHEAT YOUR OVEN

Set your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.

MAKE THE CHICKEN BASE

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until SMOOTH. Add your shredded chicken (and optional veggies) and stir to combine.

POUR IT IN

Pour the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

WHIP UP THE DUMPLING BATTER

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, then stir until you get a smooth batter.

ADD THE DUMPLINGS

You drop spoonfuls of the batter over the chicken mixture. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—rustic is part of the charm!

BAKE IT UP

Pop your dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dumplings are golden on top and cooked through. Btw I just bought an oven-safe dish that makes all the difference for even baking and easy cleanup

SERVE YOUR CHICKEN AND DUMPLING CASSEROLE HOT

Let your casserole cool for about 5 minutes, then DIG IN!

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PRO TIPS FOR CHICKEN AND DUMPLING CASSEROLE

• MAKE IT AHEAD: Assemble the casserole in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• ROTISSERIE CHICKEN IS YOUR FRIEND: Saves time and adds flavor!
• ADD HERBS: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme before serving takes this dish up a notch.
• FREEZE IT: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just thaw and reheat in the oven.

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A LITTLE STORYTIME

The first time I made this casserole, I was in a pinch. My husband had invited friends over LAST MINUTE (classic), and I needed something quick but comforting. This casserole saved me from a meltdown, and it’s been a staple ever since. Now, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times—just in case.

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CAN YOU MAKE CHICKEN AND DUMPLING CASSEROLE IN A SLOW COOKER?

YES, you can! If you’re in the mood for a more hands-off approach, the slow cooker works beautifully for this recipe. Just mix up the chicken base, dump it into your crockpot, and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, drop in spoonfuls of the dumpling batter, cover the slow cooker, and let them cook through. It’s a no-fuss way to enjoy Chicken and Dumpling Casserole when you don’t feel like turning on the oven.

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A GREAT MEAL FOR PICKY EATERS

If you’ve got picky eaters in your house, this casserole is mild, creamy, and doesn’t have any “weird” ingredients (looking at you, Brussels sprouts). My kids love it because the dumplings feel like little pillows of joy, and my husband swears it’s better than his mom’s (but SHHH, let’s keep that between us). Plus, it’s easy to sneak in veggies like peas and carrots without anyone complaining.

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CUSTOMIZING YOUR CHICKEN AND DUMPLING CASSEROLE

One of the best things about Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is how versatile it is. Want to spice things up? You add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. Looking for extra flavor? Stir in some shredded Parmesan or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. You can even swap out the chicken for turkey after Thanksgiving to use up leftovers in the most delicious way possible.

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SERVE CHICKEN AND DUMPLING CASSEROLE WITH THESE SIDES

While Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can make it feel even more special. Here are some easy ideas:

Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

Steamed Green Beans: A classic Southern pairing that’s simple yet flavorful.

Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up every bit of that creamy chicken base.

Cornbread: If you’re feeling extra Southern, this is a must!

When I made this for Sunday dinner last week, I added a side of roasted asparagus. My kids weren’t thrilled about the green stuff, but my husband and I loved the combo!

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TURN CHICKEN AND DUMPLING CASSEROLE INTO A FREEZER MEAL

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is one of those dishes that’s just begging to be turned into a freezer meal. On busy nights when cooking feels impossible, having one of these beauties stashed away is like hitting the jackpot. Here’s how to do it:

1. Assemble the casserole up to the point where you add the dumplings.
2. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze.
3. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw in your fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

I like to double the recipe when I make it—one for now and one for later. It’s a total life-saver!

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WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS FOR ALL SEASONS

While casseroles are often thought of as cold-weather meals, Chicken and Dumpling Casserole works year-round. In the winter, it’s warm and cozy, like a big food hug. In the spring or summer, lighten it up by adding fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. The dumplings stay fluffy, the chicken stays tender, and the dish feels just as satisfying, no matter the season.

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MAKING CHICKEN AND DUMPLING CASSEROLE EVEN HEALTHIER

If you’re looking to make your Chicken and Dumpling Casserole a bit lighter, there are easy swaps you can make without losing that comforting vibe:

• Swap for Greek Yogurt: Replace some or all of the cream of chicken soup with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed base.
• Go Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup to cut down on salt.
• Add More Veggies: Double up on the peas and carrots, or add a cup of spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.

I’ve tried it with cauliflower rice instead of dumplings once, and while it was healthier, the original recipe remains the family favorite.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Chicken and Dumpling Casserole brings everyone together with its creamy, hearty flavors. It’s a go-to for home cooked comfort, great for feeding the family or making ahead for the week. Every bite feels like home, making it a recipe worth keeping on repeat.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

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