Chicken and Biscuits – This hearty, soul-warming meal is beloved for its tender chicken, flavorful gravy, and those perfectly flaky biscuits that soak up every savory bite.
What Are Chicken and Biscuits?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s set the stage. Chicken and Biscuits is a dish that pairs shredded or chopped chicken, often slow-cooked in a savory gravy, with buttery, fluffy biscuits. It’s a staple in many Southern households and can be served as a comforting dinner, a hearty brunch, or even a crowd-pleaser at a potluck. The dish can be prepared in various ways, from classic recipes passed down for generations to modern takes with a unique twist.
Ingredients for Chicken and Biscuits
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
For the Chicken and Gravy
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best. Thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy.
- Vegetables: Diced onions, celery, and carrots for that classic mirepoix base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for extra flavor.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium for better control over salt levels.
- Heavy cream: For a rich and creamy gravy.
- Flour: To thicken the gravy.
- Butter: Because everything tastes better with butter.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and a bay leaf for depth.
For the Biscuits
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of a good biscuit.
- Baking powder: Ensures a good rise.
- Cold butter: The key to flaky layers.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and keeps the biscuits tender.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Biscuits
- Use Cold Butter: For the flakiest biscuits, keep your butter as cold as possible. You can even freeze it and grate it into the flour.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mixing the biscuit dough too much will make them tough. Handle the dough gently.
- Slow-Cook the Chicken: If you have the time, slow-cooking the chicken will yield the juiciest results. Alternatively, you can make this dish in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.
- Season Well: Since the gravy is a star of this dish, make sure to taste and season as you go. A bland gravy can ruin the meal.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar and a dash of garlic powder to the biscuit dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Fresh rosemary or sage can be added to the gravy for a more aromatic profile.
- Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add peas, mushrooms, or even chopped potatoes to the chicken mixture for a heartier dish.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
How to Serve Chicken and Biscuits
The beauty of Chicken and Biscuits lies in its versatility. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic Presentation: Serve the biscuits alongside a big bowl of chicken and gravy, allowing guests to tear apart the biscuits and spoon the gravy over them.
- Pot Pie Style: Bake the chicken and gravy in a casserole dish, topping it with biscuits and baking until golden and bubbly.
- Brunch Favorite: Pair with a simple green salad and a side of pickles to cut through the richness.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and gravy separately from the biscuits for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken and gravy on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth if it’s too thick. Biscuits can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and add it to the gravy.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour blends for the biscuits and a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch for the gravy.
3. What can I use instead of buttermilk?If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve that tangy effect.
4. Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?You can prepare the biscuit dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for meal prep!
Chicken and Biscuits
Chicken and Biscuits - This hearty, soul-warming meal is beloved for its tender chicken, flavorful gravy, and those perfectly flaky biscuits that soak up every savory bite.
Ingredients
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon rotisserie seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 oz can refrigerated biscuits (or two 6 oz cans)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional, but so tasty for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, rotisserie seasoning, and black pepper until smooth.
- Prep your biscuits: Pop open the can, separate the biscuits, and cut each one into four pieces. Toss the biscuit pieces into the bowl with your soup mixture and stir to coat.
- Add in the shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and cheddar cheese. Mix everything until combined.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes. You want the biscuits to be golden and puffed up, with the creamy sauce bubbling along the edges. If the top starts to brown too much before the biscuits are fully cooked, cover with foil to finish baking.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle sliced green onions on top if you like a fresh kick. Serve and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 431Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 68mgSodium 796mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 22g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Biscuits is a meal that brings people together. It’s rustic, heartwarming, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with this timeless comfort dish. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!
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