Grandmas Chicken Herb Dumpling Casserole
Grandma's Chicken & Herb Dumpling Casserole: A Hug in a Dish
Fancy a bit of proper comfort food? Let's talk about chicken and dumplings casserole . Honestly, is there anything better on a chilly evening? This recipe is a game changer.
What's the Buzz About?
This chicken and dumplings casserole isn’t just some fancy dish. It is classic comfort food. It hails from the American South, known for its hearty, soul soothing recipes.
It is the kind of meal that reminds you of your grandma's kitchen. Our recipe is super easy and quick.
Expect a prep time of 20 minutes, cook time around 40 minutes, and it feeds about 6 hungry bellies.
Why This Recipe Rocks
This recipe uses pre-made biscuit dough. Seriously, this shortcut cuts down on prep time. Plus, it's packed with protein and vitamins from the chicken and veggies.
It's perfect for a weeknight family dinner or even a potluck with friends. What makes this easy chicken and dumplings recipe special? It's the perfect balance of creamy, savoury, and herby flavours.
The Magic Ingredients: Let's Get Sorted
Right, time to gather our bits and bobs.
Filling
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced.
- 2 celery stalks, diced.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- 4 cups chicken broth.
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
Dumplings
- 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives.
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
Ready to whip up some serious comfort food casserole ? Let's talk ingredients. Honestly, the quality here makes ALL the difference. This is your easy chicken and dumplings recipe !
Main Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) Nothing fancy needed.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup/150g )
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced (about 1 cup/150g )
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced (about 1 cup/150g )
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Dried Rosemary: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml)
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml)
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml)
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (450g), cubed. Quality matters! Get free range if you can, it’s worth the extra dosh.
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons (60ml)
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) Go for low-sodium. You can always add more salt later.
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (240ml), thawed.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120ml) Proper double cream is what you want here, adds a lovely richness.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: 1 (16 ounce/450g) can . The flaky kind works brilliantly for that herb dumpling casserole vibe.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30ml), chopped.
- Fresh Chives: 1 tablespoon (15ml), chopped.
- Melted Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml).
Seasoning Notes
Thyme and rosemary are your base. This chicken casserole with biscuits needs that cozy, earthy flavor. Salt and pepper are obvious, but don't be shy.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a cheeky kick!
Fancy a swap? Use Italian seasoning if you don’t have thyme and rosemary. It’s not exactly Grandma's chicken casserole , but it's close enough.
Equipment Needed
You don't need much for this chicken and dumplings casserole extravaganza.
- Oven safe Skillet or Dutch Oven: Minimum 12 inch diameter. This is essential.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping those veggies, you know?
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Get those measurements spot on!
- Mixing Bowl: For the dumpling mixture.
Don't have a fancy skillet? A regular oven safe casserole dish works fine. The key is making sure it can go from hob to oven.
My first time making this Southern chicken and dumplings casserole I used a roasting pan. It worked a treat.
Seriously, this weeknight chicken casserole recipe is a doddle. It will impress even your mother-in-law. Trust me!
Grandma's Chicken and Herb Dumpling Casserole
Fancy a bit of proper comfort food? This easy chicken and dumplings recipe hits the spot every time. Honestly, it's like a warm hug in a bowl! This is Grandma's chicken casserole but quicker! It's a weeknight chicken casserole recipe that even I can manage, and I'm no Gordon Ramsay!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place
Essential mise en place , which is just fancy talk for getting everything ready, is key here. First, chop your onion, carrots, and celery.
Having all your veg prepped saves you tons of time, trust me. Next, cube the chicken into 1 inch bits, makes sure there are no bones, and ensure it is skinless.
Safety reminder: Wash your hands after handling raw chicken! This avoids cross contamination and the dreaded "Delhi Belly".
step-by-step: The Chicken and Dumplings Casserole Bop
Right then, let's get cooking this Southern chicken and dumplings casserole !
- Sauté your chopped onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they're soft.
- Stir in your thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Smells good already, doesn't it?
- Add the chicken cubes and lightly brown them. Don't cook them all the way through they'll finish in the oven.
- Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and veg. Cook for about a minute, stirring so it doesn't clump.
- Gradually pour in your chicken broth, whisking to get rid of any lumps. Simmer until it thickens slightly, keep stirring.
- Stir in your thawed peas and the double cream.
- Mix the biscuit dough with parsley and chives.
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit mixture on top of the chicken mixture. Brush the dumplings with melted butter. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until the dumplings are golden brown, roughly 20- 25 minutes .
Pro Tips for A Proper Casserole
Want to take your chicken and dumplings casserole to the next level? Try adding a splash of white wine when you add the broth.
It really deepens the flavour. A common mistake is to overcook the chicken. Just lightly brown it at first, it will continue to cook later on and become lovely and tender! For make-ahead, you can prep the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Then, just add the dumplings and bake when you're ready for that comfort food casserole goodness. Remember, quick chicken and dumplings bake is all about ease and flavour! This creamy chicken and dumpling casserole is one recipe I keep coming back to.
It makes me feel like I'm at my Grandmothers eating her famous dish! Give it a go you wont regret it! It’s a proper herb dumpling casserole , fit for a king (or at least, a very hungry you!).
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
Right, so you’re ready to make this chicken and dumplings casserole , are you? Ace! Before you get started, let's chew over a few handy pointers.
These are from my kitchen mishaps (and occasional triumphs!). This recipe is all about making a quick chicken and dumplings bake that tastes like Grandma's chicken casserole , but without all the fuss.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Listen, presentation matters, even if it’s just for you! Honestly, dolloping a spoonful of this comfort food casserole into a bowl is fine. But! If you wanna get fancy, try these.
- Plating: Serve individual portions in shallow bowls. A sprig of parsley makes it look posh.
- Sides: A simple green salad cuts through the richness. Steamed green beans work a treat too. And don't forget some crusty bread. It's perfect for mopping up all that glorious gravy.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Here's how to keep your creamy chicken and dumpling casserole tasting tip-top.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended for the entire casserole. The biscuit dumplings can go a bit wonky. However, the chicken filling alone freezes like a champ.
- Reheating: Microwave or oven until piping hot. Give it a good stir to make sure it's heated through.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy putting your own spin on this easy chicken and dumplings recipe ? Go for it!
- Veggie Vibes: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or other veg for a vegetarian herb dumpling casserole . Just remember to use vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of zing.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness
Alright, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. This dish is packed with protein from the chicken. The veggies give you some vitamins.
Just be mindful of the calories, especially with the creamy sauce and biscuits. But hey, everything in moderation, eh?
This Southern chicken and dumplings casserole is more than just a meal, it's a hug in a bowl. Now go forth and create your own weeknight chicken casserole recipe .
Don't worry if it's not perfect. The most important ingredient is love (and maybe a cheeky splash of white wine!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken and dumplings casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply add the peas and cream, top with the dumplings, and bake as directed.
Just remember to add the dumplings right before baking to prevent them from getting soggy nobody likes a soggy bottom!
My chicken and dumplings casserole sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A thin sauce can be a bit of a bother, eh? Try simmering the filling uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the peas and cream. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to naturally thicken.
Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
What can I substitute for the biscuit dough in this chicken and dumplings casserole recipe?
If you're not keen on using canned biscuit dough, you can definitely use your favourite homemade dumpling recipe. Alternatively, you can whip up a simple drop dumpling batter using flour, baking powder, milk, and a pinch of salt.
Just make sure the dumplings are cooked through before removing the casserole from the oven. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, try savoury scones!
How long does chicken and dumplings casserole last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover chicken and dumplings casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Bear in mind that the dumplings may become a little softer after thawing, but it'll still taste great!
Make sure to cool it completely before freezing for the best results.
Is this chicken and dumplings casserole healthy? What about nutritional information?
As with most comfort food, this chicken and dumplings casserole is a bit of a treat, but you can make it healthier! The recipe outlines an estimate of roughly 550 calories, 35g protein, 30g fat, 40g carbohydrates, 3g fibre, 5g sugar and 800mg sodium.
You can reduce the fat content by using low-fat cream or milk and by trimming any excess fat from the chicken. Loading up on the veggies will also increase its nutritional value get those five-a-day in!
Can I add different vegetables to my chicken and dumplings casserole?
Absolutely, feel free to chuck in whatever veg you fancy! Swedes and parsnips would be fantastic in Autumn. Green beans, corn, or even some chopped mushrooms would work beautifully too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you're adding tougher vegetables that take longer to cook.
Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary masterpiece!
Grandmas Chicken Herb Dumpling Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
