Easy Dumpling Bake Recipe – Delicious Casserole

Craving ultimate comfort food without the fuss? This Easy Dumpling Bake is your new weeknight hero! Imagine tender, fluffy dumplings nestled in a rich, savory casserole—all baked to golden perfection in one dish. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make, bringing warmth and flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or 2 cups shredded cooked chicken)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/celery)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk (plus more for dumplings)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• For the Dumplings:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed (or 1/4 cup vegetable shortening)
• 1/2 cup milk (for dumplings)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. If using raw chicken, add chicken cubes and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. (If using cooked chicken, skip this step).
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Return cooked chicken (or add shredded cooked chicken) to the skillet. Stir in cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and 1/2 cup milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in frozen peas, if using.
5. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. To make the dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in the cold butter (or shortening) with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, stirring with a fork until just combined and a soft, shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly over the hot casserole mixture. You should have about 8-10 dumplings.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through, and the casserole is bubbly. (To check doneness, a toothpick inserted into a dumpling should come out clean).
10. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Easy Dumpling Bake!