If you grew up on warm bowls of chicken and dumplings — tender chicken, rich broth, and big, fluffy dumplings steaming on top — then you know just how comforting this Southern staple truly is. I’ve always made mine the traditional way: simmering a whole chicken, shredding the meat, and letting those pillowy dumplings cook right on top of the broth.
But last night, I tried something new — a no-fuss, one-pan Chicken and Dumplings Casserole — and let me tell you: OMG, SO GOOD!
It came together in minutes, baked to golden perfection, and delivered all the cozy flavor I love — with way less effort. The dumplings puffed up beautifully, the sauce was creamy and rich, and not a single drop was left on the plate.
Here’s the simple, life-changing recipe that’s now going into permanent rotation.
Chicken and Dumplings Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Oven Temp: 375°F (190°C)
Pan: 9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups pulled chicken (skin removed) — from 1 rotisserie chicken (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 stick (½ cup / 113g) unsalted butter , melted
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (must be self-rising — this is key for fluffy dumplings)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (regular or roasted garlic variety for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
✅ Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup frozen peas or corn
- 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder
- A dash of hot sauce or thyme for depth
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (optional, but helps with cleanup).
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
- Spread the pulled chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper .
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and milk until smooth.
- Slowly pour this mixture evenly over the chicken .
🚫 Do not stir! This is crucial — the layers will combine as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Broth Mixture
- In the same bowl (no need to wash it), whisk together the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup until well blended.
- Slowly pour this creamy mixture over the top.
🚫 Again — do not stir!
You should now see distinct layers: chicken, butter, flour-milk batter, and soup-broth on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes .
- You’ll know it’s done when:
- The top is golden brown
- The edges are bubbling
- The dumplings are fully formed and fluffy
Step 6: Rest & Serve
- Remove from oven and let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- The longer it rests (up to 10–15 minutes), the more the dumplings will set and rise — like magic!
🍴 Serve straight from the pan with a spoon — it’s comfort food at its finest.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
✅ Uses rotisserie chicken — saves time and adds deep flavor
✅ No dough rolling or dumpling dropping — just mix, pour, and bake
✅ Self-rising flour is the secret — it contains baking powder and salt, so your dumplings rise perfectly without extra leaveners
✅ Cream of chicken soup adds richness and consistency — it’s the shortcut hero
✅ Better the next day? YES! Flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave
Tips for Success
🔸 Must use self-rising flour — if you only have all-purpose, make your own:
→ 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt = homemade self-rising flour
🔸 Don’t skip the rest time — it allows the sauce to thicken and dumplings to firm up.
🔸 For a crispier top , broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
🔸 Want it lighter? Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat soup — just know the texture will be slightly less creamy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for balance.
- Top with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve with biscuits or cornbread on the side for extra comfort.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Dumplings Casserole is everything I love about the classic — warm, creamy, hearty — but with half the effort and twice the ease . It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just need a big bowl of soul-soothing goodness.
