Chicken and Biscuits is classic comfort food at its best. With tender chunks of chicken in a creamy, savory sauce topped with soft, fluffy biscuits, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, family meals, or anytime you want something warm and filling. Even better, it’s simple to make and tastes like a homemade favorite
Why We Love This Chicken and Biscuits Recipe
The charm of chicken and biscuits lies in its simplicity and familiarity. Finished off with crisp, golden biscuits atop a savory chicken mixture, this dish connects us with memories of home-cooked meals shared with family. Each bite delivers tender chicken enveloped in a creamy broth, paired with fluffy biscuits that absorb all the delicious flavors.
Unlike some dishes that require extensive preparation or exotic ingredients, chicken and biscuits is straightforward and accessible. This reliability makes it a go-to option for busy weeknights or special occasions. You can customize the dish based on your family’s preferences, making it a flexible and delightful dinner idea.
Ingredients for Chicken and Biscuits
To create your own mouthwatering chicken and biscuits dish, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups cooked, diced or shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 2/3-3/4 cup cold buttermilk
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Gather these ingredients to ensure your chicken and biscuits recipe is a success!
How to Make Chicken and Biscuits
Creating chicken and biscuits is a delightful endeavor that brings great rewards. Below is a step-by-step guide to putting together this tasty dish.
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is critical for achieving perfectly baked biscuits.
Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spray a 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set it aside. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy serving later.
Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes until they soften and take on a little color.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and continue cooking for another minute. This step is essential for thickening your chicken mixture later.
Add Liquids: Gradually stir in the chicken broth and half-and-half combination. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly. You want to create a luscious, creamy base that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Season Your Mixture: Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Once seasoned, stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas, ensuring everything is well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the savory chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Prepare the Biscuit Topping: In a separate bowl, combine Bisquick, cold buttermilk, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and dried parsley. Mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Drop the Biscuit Dough: Spoon the biscuit dough over the hot chicken mixture. Allow it to gently drop into clumps across the surface. This uneven distribution creates delightful texture when baked.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the biscuits turn golden brown and have a lovely crust.
Finish with Garlic Butter: Once baked, combine melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the warm biscuits just before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade chicken and biscuits are now ready! Serve it hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors with your loved ones.
How to Serve Chicken and Biscuits
When it comes to serving chicken and biscuits, presentation matters. Here are a few tips to enhance your dining experience:
- Family Style: Serve the dish directly from the casserole in the middle of the table. Allow everyone to help themselves. You’ll create a warm, communal experience.
- Plating Up: For a more refined dinner, use individual bowls. Ladle a generous helping of chicken mixture into each bowl, ensuring everyone receives the tender chicken and creamy sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the top to add a pop of color and freshness. This simple touch will elevate the dish visually and add brightness to each bite.
- Accompaniments: Pair chicken and biscuits with a light side salad or sautéed greens. The crispness of the salad contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the main dish.
- Comfort Beverages: Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite soft drink. These options complement the meal without overpowering the comforting flavors of chicken and biscuits.
Expert Tips: Chicken and Biscuits
Achieving perfection in your chicken and biscuits recipe is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to consider:
- Choice of Chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time. This not only speeds up the process but also imparts fantastic flavor.
- Consistency Matters: For the chicken mixture, adjust the amount of broth and half-and-half based on your desired thickness. If you prefer a thicker filling, reduce the liquid slightly.
- Biscuit Texture: Don’t overwork the biscuit dough. Stir just until combined to ensure your biscuits come out light and fluffy. A light hand is key here.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the chicken mixture for an extra burst of flavor. It adds a new dimension to the dish.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for a subtle kick.
- Baking Tips: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your biscuits around the 10-minute mark. You want them golden brown and not overcooked.
- Serve Immediately: Chicken and biscuits are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. The biscuits stay fluffy and the chicken mixture remains hot and creamy.
How to Store Chicken and Biscuits
If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be a rare occurrence!), storing your chicken and biscuits is straightforward. Follow these tips for best results:
- Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents moisture buildup and helps maintain texture.
- Airtight Storage: Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This helps to keep the flavors intact, so your next meal is just as delicious.
- Refrigeration Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken mixture and baking fresh biscuits when you’re ready to serve.
- Reheating: To reheat, use an oven to maintain the biscuit’s texture. Place the chicken mixture and biscuits in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warm.
- Avoid Overheating: If using a microwave to reheat, do so in short intervals to avoid drying out the biscuits. Check frequently to ensure even heating.
Variations of Chicken and Biscuits
While the traditional chicken and biscuits recipe is delightful, don’t hesitate to make it your own! Here are some variations to try:
- Vegetable Medley: Add some frozen corn, diced bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the chicken mixture for more color and nutrition.
- Spices and Seasonings: Incorporate your favorite spices into the filling. Smoked paprika or even curry powder can add an exciting twist to the classic recipe.
- Cheesy Biscuits: For an even cheesier biscuit topping, increase the amount of cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Herbed Biscuits: Add fresh herbs to your biscuit dough. Chopped chives or dill can infuse your biscuits with added flavor, making them even more irresistible.
- Buffalo Chicken Version: If you love a bit of spice, consider making a buffalo version. Mix some buffalo sauce into the chicken for a spicy kick.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute the chicken with turkey or even leftover holiday meats. The creamy sauce works well with various proteins while keeping the classic comfort intact.
- Vegan Adaptation: For a plant-based spin, use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, and create a dairy-free biscuit using plant-based milk and vegan butter.
FAQs about Chicken and Biscuits
What are the best sides to serve with chicken and biscuits?
The best sides to serve with chicken and biscuits include a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. These options balance the meal and add freshness.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully cooked and diced or shredded before adding it to the mixture. If using raw, it’s best to cook the chicken first to ensure even cooking.
How do I make my biscuits fluffier?
To make fluffier biscuits, be sure not to overmix the dough and use cold ingredients. Cold buttermilk and butter help create steam during baking, resulting in fluffy biscuits.
Can I prepare chicken and biscuits ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add the biscuit dough just before baking for the best texture.
What is the secret to a good chicken and biscuit sauce?
The key to a delicious chicken and biscuit sauce lies in the seasoning and the right thickening technique. Ensure you sauté the vegetables and use enough flour to create a creamy texture without being overly thick.
Chicken and Biscuits
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/3 cup butter for sautéing vegetables
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup flour for thickening the sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups cooked, diced or shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
For the Biscuit Topping
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 2/3-3/4 cup cold buttermilk depending on consistency preference
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted for brushing on biscuits
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder for flavoring the butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spray a 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add flour and continue cooking for another minute.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth and half-and-half until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then stir in cooked chicken and frozen peas.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Biscuit Preparation
- In a separate bowl, mix Bisquick, cold buttermilk, cheddar cheese, and parsley until a soft dough forms.
- Spoon the biscuit dough over the chicken mixture.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for about 12 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Mix melted butter and garlic powder, then brush over the warm biscuits before serving.
Serving
- Serve hot, either family-style from the casserole or plated up in individual bowls.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and color.