"Very good! Family devoured it in minutes! Kind of like an oven baked chicken and dumplings. Next time I will use only 1 tablespoon of ranch mix. Will definitely make again. "

 

🍲 Oven-Baked Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about chicken and dumplings—a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. But when you take that classic recipe and add a ranch seasoning mix, you get an irresistible twist that takes this dish to a whole new level.

The Oven-Baked Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers all the comforting flavors of a traditional chicken and dumplings dish, with the added convenience of cooking everything in the oven. The result is a rich, creamy casserole-like dish with tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings—all baked together in one pan.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or special occasions when you want something comforting without hours of preparation. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Chicken and Filling:

4 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 cup frozen peas

1 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium)

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon butter

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 cup buttermilk (or milk, if you don’t have buttermilk)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for cheesy dumplings)

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

a. Cook the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Season the chicken breasts with a bit of salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown on both sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

b. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.

Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder for additional flavor, and cook for another minute.

c. Add the Broth and Cream:

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the ranch seasoning mix, dried thyme, and frozen peas. Stir to combine, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Taste the filling and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

2. Prepare the Dumplings

a. Make the Dumpling Dough:

In a separate mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle in a bit of garlic powder (this is optional but can enhance the dumplings).

In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense dumplings.

b. Add the Cheese (Optional):

For a cheesy twist, fold 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the dumpling dough. The cheese will melt into the dumplings as they cook, creating a flavorful and gooey texture.

3. Assemble the Dish

a. Return the Chicken to the Skillet:

Once the vegetable and cream mixture has thickened slightly, nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy mixture over the chicken.

Using a spoon or your hands, shred the chicken directly in the skillet into large, bite-sized pieces. You can also remove the chicken breasts, shred them on a cutting board, and return the shredded chicken to the skillet.

b. Form the Dumplings:

Spoon the dumpling dough over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. You can form large dollops of the dough or create smaller mounds, depending on how big you want the dumplings to be. Leave a little space between the dumplings to allow them to expand while baking.

c. Cover and Bake:

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or use aluminum foil to cover it. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and lightly golden on top. You can test the doneness of the dumplings by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

4. Finish and Serve

a. Garnish:

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This gives the filling a chance to set.

Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. The herbs add a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.

b. Serve:

Serve the casserole in large spoonfuls, ensuring each serving includes both the creamy chicken mixture and the fluffy dumplings. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crispy bread to complete the meal.

Tips for Perfecting Oven-Baked Chicken and Dumplings

1. Adjusting the Ranch Seasoning:

Since you mentioned wanting to reduce the ranch mix next time, keep in mind that 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning is typically enough for a rich flavor, but feel free to reduce it to ½ tablespoon if you prefer a milder taste. You can always adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.

2. Make It Your Own:

This recipe is quite versatile. You can switch up the vegetables, using peas, green beans, or corn depending on what you have on hand or what you prefer.

For a slightly different flavor profile, you can add shredded cheese to the sauce mixture itself or use different types of cheese in the dumplings.

3. How to Ensure Tender Dumplings:

Don’t overmix the dumpling dough, as this can result in tough, dense dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and don’t worry about lumps—they’ll cook out during baking.

Be sure to cook the casserole covered during the first part of baking. This traps steam, ensuring the dumplings cook through while staying soft and fluffy.

4. Leftovers and Storage:

If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day.

To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Chicken and Dumplings

1. Convenience and Ease:

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all made in one pan. You can assemble it in the morning and pop it in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooking method allows all the flavors to develop, creating a rich and satisfying dish with minimal effort.

2. Comforting and Hearty:

There’s no denying that chicken and dumplings is a comforting meal. The rich, creamy filling, combined with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for a cold day.

3. Customizable:

Whether you want to add extra veggies, change up the seasonings, or incorporate a different type of cheese, this recipe is highly customizable. You can easily make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients.

4. Perfect for Family Dinners:

This recipe feeds a crowd and is sure to be a hit with the entire family. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings makes it a balanced meal that’s filling and flavorful.

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate in comfort food. With a creamy, flavorful filling, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings, it’s the perfect dish to make for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you want something hearty and satisfying.