Chicken and Biscuit Bake

 

Chicken and Biscuit Bake is the epitome of comfort food. This hearty and satisfying dish combines tender, succulent chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy biscuits, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create this comforting classic.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Biscuit Topping:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice)

Instructions

Making the Chicken Filling:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and frozen corn. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
  5. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook off slightly.
  6. Gradually add the 2 cups of chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Then, pour in the 1 cup of whole milk.
  7. Season the mixture with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet or casserole dish from heat.

Making the Biscuit Topping:

  1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Pour in the buttermilk (or milk with vinegar/lemon juice) and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is perfect.

Assembling and Baking:

  1. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet or casserole dish. You can make as many or as few biscuits as you like.
  2. Place the skillet or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving:

  1. Spoon generous portions of Chicken and Biscuit Bake onto plates, ensuring each serving has both chicken filling and a biscuit.
  2. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this classic dish with your family and friends.

Variations and Tips

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth or water for a vegetarian version. Add more veggies or incorporate tofu or tempeh for protein.
  • Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the biscuit topping, such as rosemary, chives, or parsley, for added flavor.
  • Cheese Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top of the biscuit dough before baking for a cheesy delight.
  • Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, make the biscuit dough and bake as directed.
  • Leftovers: Chicken and Biscuit Bake reheats well in the oven or microwave. Cover it with foil to prevent the biscuits from over-browning when reheating.

 

Chicken and Biscuit Bake is a classic comfort food dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. With its creamy chicken filling and fluffy biscuit topping, it’s a complete meal in one skillet. Whether enjoyed for a family dinner or shared at a potluck, this comforting classic is sure to become a beloved favorite. So, gather your loved ones and savor the goodness of Chicken and Biscuit Bake.