
Easy A La King Biscuit Casserole: A Comfort Food Delight
Looking for a quick, easy, and comforting meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Easy A La King Biscuit Casserole! This recipe takes the classic flavors of chicken a la king and combines them with flaky, buttery biscuits for a satisfying casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
This dish is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients. It’s also highly customizable – you can easily adjust the vegetables, protein, and seasonings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** The creamy, savory chicken a la king filling combined with the fluffy biscuits is pure comfort food.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This casserole uses affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by swapping out vegetables or adding different proteins.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
* **Cooked Chicken:** 3 cups, shredded or diced. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or even canned chicken.
* **Canned Cream of Chicken Soup:** 2 (10.75 ounce) cans. This forms the base of the creamy sauce.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. Helps to thin out the soup and create a smoother consistency.
* **Frozen Mixed Vegetables:** 1 (10-12 ounce) bag. Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans are a classic combination, but feel free to use your favorites.
* **Mushroom Slices:** 8 ounces, sliced (optional, but highly recommended).
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Adds richness and flavor to the filling.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Provides a savory base for the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Adds a pungent and aromatic touch.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken and vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the filling to your liking.
* **Refrigerated Biscuit Dough:** 1 (16 ounce) can. Choose your favorite brand of biscuit dough. Flaky or buttermilk biscuits work well.
* **Optional Toppings:** Chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or paprika for garnish.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For cooking the filling.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For assembling and baking the casserole.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious A La King Biscuit Casserole:
**Step 1: Prepare the Filling**
1. **Melt Butter:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the melted butter and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Add Mushrooms (Optional):** If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and are slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Stir in Cream of Chicken Soup and Milk:** Pour in the canned cream of chicken soup and milk. Stir well to combine and ensure there are no lumps.
5. **Add Vegetables and Thyme:** Add the frozen mixed vegetables and dried thyme to the sauce. Stir to combine.
6. **Simmer and Thicken:** Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. **Add Chicken:** Stir in the cooked, shredded or diced chicken. Heat through.
8. **Season:** Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the canned soup and biscuit dough already contain salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
**Step 2: Assemble the Casserole**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. **Pour Filling into Baking Dish:** Pour the chicken a la king filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. **Arrange Biscuits:** Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Arrange the biscuits evenly over the top of the filling. You can place them in a single layer or slightly overlap them.
**Step 3: Bake the Casserole**
1. **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. **Check for Doneness:** To ensure the biscuits are fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
**Step 4: Cool and Serve**
1. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal and flavor.
3. **Serve:** Serve the Easy A La King Biscuit Casserole warm. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad.
## Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Proteins:** Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, ham, or even seafood like shrimp or crab. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
* **Make it Creamier:** For a richer and creamier sauce, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the filling at the end of cooking.
* **Use Homemade Biscuits:** If you prefer, you can use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated biscuits. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Cheese Please:** Sprinkle shredded cheese over the biscuits during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy topping.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply pour the filling into the baking dish, top with biscuits, and bake as directed.
* **Add a Crust to the bottom**: Prepare a pie crust from scratch or buy a premade one and place it at the bottom of the pan, add the mixture, then bake as directed.
## Serving Suggestions
This Easy A La King Biscuit Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy side dish.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and fruity salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any comfort food meal.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover A La King Biscuit Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
## Conclusion
This Easy A La King Biscuit Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, savory filling and flaky biscuit topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!
Enjoy your delicious and easy A La King Biscuit Casserole!