Chicken and biscuits is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or want to impress your family with a hearty homemade dish, making chicken and biscuits from scratch is simpler than you might think. This article will guide you through the process step-by-step, with tips and variations to suit your taste.
What Is Chicken and Biscuits?
Chicken and biscuits typically refers to a savory casserole or dish where tender chicken is combined with a creamy sauce and topped or served with soft, flaky biscuits. It’s a classic Southern-inspired meal that’s both filling and delicious. The biscuits can be homemade or store-bought, and the chicken can be shredded, diced, or cooked fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a basic chicken and biscuits dish, gather the following ingredients:
– Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) – about 2 cups
– Cream of chicken soup or homemade creamy sauce
– Milk or half-and-half
– Garlic powder and seasoning (like rotisserie seasoning, black pepper, salt)
– Frozen or fresh mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)
– Shredded cheddar cheese (optional but adds great flavor)
– Refrigerated biscuit dough or ingredients to make homemade biscuits (flour, baking powder, buttermilk, butter)
– Butter for brushing (optional)
These ingredients create a rich, creamy filling with tender chicken and a golden biscuit topping or side.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Biscuits
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by mixing the creamy base. You can whisk together cream of chicken soup with milk, garlic powder, and your preferred seasonings until smooth. Add cooked chicken, vegetables, and cheese, then stir everything to combine evenly.
If you prefer a homemade sauce, melt butter in a skillet, sauté onions and vegetables, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring until thickened. Add chicken and peas, seasoning to taste.
2. Prepare the Biscuits
You can use canned refrigerated biscuits for convenience. Simply separate and cut them into pieces to mix into the filling or place on top of the casserole.
For homemade biscuits, mix self-rising flour with buttermilk and melted butter or bacon grease. Pat the dough out and cut into rounds. Place the biscuits on top of the chicken mixture or bake separately in a skillet.
3. Assemble the Dish
– If making a casserole, pour the chicken mixture into a greased baking dish.
– Scatter biscuit pieces or place whole biscuits on top.
– For skillet biscuits, bake them separately and serve the chicken mixture over or alongside them.
4. Bake
Bake the assembled dish at around 375°F to 425°F for 35-45 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbly. If the biscuits brown too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning while allowing thorough cooking.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, brush biscuits with melted butter mixed with garlic powder for extra flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Biscuits
– Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.
– Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient but fresh steamed veggies work well, too.
– If you want a thicker filling, reduce the milk or add a bit more flour when making the sauce.
– For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top before baking.
– Homemade biscuits add a special touch but refrigerated biscuits are a great shortcut.
– Keep an eye on the biscuits during baking to avoid over-browning.
Variations to Try
– Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits: Serve the creamy chicken mixture ladled over warm biscuits instead of baking together for a quicker meal.
– Chicken and Biscuit Skillet: Bake biscuits in a cast iron skillet while cooking the chicken filling separately, then serve layered or side-by-side.
– Add More Veggies: Include diced red peppers, mushrooms, or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
Chicken and biscuits is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your pantry and preferences, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Chicken and biscuits bring a warm, homey feeling to the table with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using shortcuts, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and heart. Enjoy your cooking adventure!