Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

1/2cup chopped onion;1/2cup chopped celery;2 garlic cloves,minced;1/4cup butter;1/2cup all-purpose flour;2t.sugar;1t.salt;1t.dried basil;1/2t.pepper;4 cups chicken broth;1pkg.(10oz.)frozen green peas;4 cups cubed cooked chicken.Dumplings:2 c.buttermilk biscuit mix;2t.dried basil;2/3c.milk.
In a lg.saucepan,saute onion,celery and garlic in butter until tender.Add flour,sugar,salt,basil,pepper and broth;bring to a boil,cook and stir for 1 minute;reduce heat.Add peas and cook for 5 minutes,stirring constantly.Stir in chicken.Pour into a greased 13-in. by 9-in. by 2-in. baking dish.For dumplings,combine biscuit mix and basil in a bowl.Stir in milk with a fork until moistened.Drop by tablespoonfuls onto casserole(12 dumplings).Bake,uncovered,at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.Cover and bake 10 minutes more or until dumplings are done. Yield 6-8 servings-huge ones!!!ENJOY!!!