Sure! Here’s a full, comprehensive recipe for your Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, with an introduction, detailed steps, and a little history on the dish.
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Introduction:
Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food, loved by many for its warm, hearty flavors and soft, pillowy dumplings. Traditionally made by simmering chicken in a rich broth and dropping fluffy dumplings on top, this dish has been a staple in Southern and comfort food kitchens for generations. However, this modern twist on the classic, the Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, takes the same flavors you know and love and combines them into a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying one-dish meal.
Unlike the traditional stovetop method, this casserole requires no fussy stirring, and the dumplings form themselves as it bakes. Plus, using rotisserie chicken simplifies the prep, making this the perfect weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pulled chicken (from a rotisserie chicken, skinless)
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup self-rising flour (important to use self-rising flour for the dumplings to puff up properly)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give the dish a perfect golden finish when baked. - Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Pour the Butter:
Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken, ensuring it soaks in and adds richness. - Season:
Season the chicken and butter layer with a little salt and pepper to taste. - Make the Flour and Milk Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture over the chicken and butter, making sure not to stir. This will create a soft batter-like layer that will form dumplings as it bakes. - Make the Broth and Soup Mixture:
In the same bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and the cream of chicken soup until smooth. Then slowly pour this evenly over the baking dish, again, without stirring. You want to keep the layers intact so the dumplings can form naturally as it bakes. - Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. The casserole should be golden and bubbly around the edges. If you’d like extra dumplings, let it sit for 5-10 minutes after baking, as they will continue to form and firm up as it rests.
Methods of Cooking:
- Baking: The casserole method involves layering the ingredients and letting the oven work its magic. The heat creates the dumplings from the batter mixture and infuses the chicken with the creamy broth.
- Self-rising Flour: The key to fluffy dumplings is using self-rising flour, which helps the batter rise without needing additional baking powder. This is why you can’t substitute with regular flour.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes the prep much faster while still delivering great flavor. You could also use leftover roasted or grilled chicken.
History of Chicken and Dumplings:
Chicken and Dumplings has its origins in the South and Midwest of the United States, where hearty, filling meals were essential for feeding large families on a budget. The dish likely evolved from European stews that included dumplings, with different variations emerging based on the availability of ingredients. Early recipes were made from scratch with flour, milk, and chicken, often simmered in a pot. Over time, canned ingredients like cream of chicken soup became a shortcut for busy cooks, streamlining the process without sacrificing flavor.
Formation of the Dumplings:
In this casserole, the dumplings form naturally from the milk-flour mixture you pour over the chicken. As the casserole bakes, the batter rises to create soft, tender dumplings that float in the creamy broth. The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need to drop individual dumplings into simmering liquid, which can be tricky—this casserole takes care of it all!
Conclusion:
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole is an incredible way to enjoy the flavors of the beloved dish in a quicker, easier format. The fluffy dumplings, rich broth, and tender chicken make for the perfect comfort food. Plus, this recipe is versatile—feel free to customize it with herbs, vegetables, or different types of canned soups based on what you have available. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole will become a go-to in your kitchen.
Lovers of This Dish:
This casserole is perfect for:
- Busy Families: A quick, one-pan meal that the whole family will love.
- Comfort Food Enthusiasts: Those who crave the cozy, hearty flavors of classic chicken and dumplings.
- Beginners in the Kitchen: It’s simple and requires no special skills to prepare, so even novice cooks can make it without trouble.
- Meal Preppers: Make a double batch and enjoy leftovers the next day (it’s just as good the second day!).
Enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness of this Chicken and Dumpling Casserole, and revel in how easy it is to whip up such a flavorful, satisfying meal! 😋