Baked Chicken and Dumplings

Baked Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with hearty flavors. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich sauce come together in a casserole-style dish that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings. This recipe simplifies the traditional stovetop version, making it easy to prepare and bake all in one dish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Ingredients Overview

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken forms the base of this dish. Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers for convenience.
• Dumplings: Made with a biscuit-like dough, the dumplings bake to golden perfection on top of the casserole.
• Creamy Sauce: A combination of chicken broth and milk creates a velvety base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
• Gradually add 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
• Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Dumplings

• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional).
• Cut in 4 tablespoons of cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in 3/4 cup milk until a soft dough forms.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
• Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the sauce, leaving a little space between each one for expansion.

5. Bake

• Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Shortcuts: Use canned biscuit dough for a quicker version of the dumplings.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in peas, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition.
• Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the dumplings; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve Baked Chicken and Dumplings with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. A slice of crusty bread is also great for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Cooked and shredded chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)
• 4 tablespoons cold butter
• 3/4 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread the shredded chicken in the baking dish.
3. Make the sauce by combining butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Season to taste and pour over the chicken.
4. Prepare the dumplings, drop spoonfuls over the sauce, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

This Baked Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!