Comfort Food Classic: Creamed Chicken and Biscuits – A Step-by-Step Recipe
Creamed chicken and biscuits: it’s the ultimate comfort food, reminiscent of cozy Sunday dinners and simpler times. This recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful chicken sauce nestled atop warm, fluffy biscuits, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this creamed chicken and biscuits recipe is sure to please.
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a guide to creating a truly exceptional dish. We’ll walk you through each step, from preparing the creamy chicken sauce to baking the perfect biscuits. We’ll also offer tips and variations to customize the recipe to your liking. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why This Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Recipe Works
There are countless creamed chicken and biscuits recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:
* **Flavorful Sauce:** The sauce is rich and creamy, thanks to a combination of butter, flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream. The addition of herbs and spices adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
* **Tender Chicken:** Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken, saves time and ensures the chicken is tender and juicy.
* **Fluffy Biscuits:** The biscuits are light and airy, providing the perfect base for the creamy chicken sauce. We’ll share tips for achieving perfectly risen biscuits every time.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can add vegetables, different herbs and spices, or even use different types of biscuits.
* **Relatively Quick and Easy:** While it looks fancy, this meal can be on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the creamed chicken and biscuits:
**For the Creamed Chicken:**
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
**For the Biscuits:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 3/4 cup milk
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Whisk
* Baking sheet
* Mixing bowl
* Biscuit cutter or knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create delicious creamed chicken and biscuits:
**Part 1: Making the Creamed Chicken**
1. **Melt the Butter:** In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. **Make a Roux:** Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the flour.
3. **Add the Chicken Broth:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. **Stir in the Heavy Cream:** Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. **Add the Chicken and Peas:** Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the peas are tender.
6. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
7. **Keep Warm:** Cover the skillet or saucepan and keep the creamed chicken warm while you prepare the biscuits.
**Part 2: Making the Biscuits**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces – this is crucial for flaky biscuits.
4. **Add the Milk:** Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. It should be slightly shaggy.
5. **Turn Out the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
6. **Pat and Fold (Optional):** For extra flaky biscuits, gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat the patting and folding process 2-3 times. This creates layers of butter that will melt during baking, resulting in flaky biscuits.
7. **Cut Out the Biscuits:** Pat the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out the biscuits. Try not to twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, you can cut the dough into squares or triangles.
8. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each biscuit.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
**Part 3: Assembling and Serving**
1. **Split the Biscuits:** Once the biscuits are cool enough to handle, split them in half.
2. **Spoon the Creamed Chicken:** Spoon the creamed chicken over the split biscuits.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the creamed chicken and biscuits immediately. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Creamed Chicken and Biscuits
* **Use Cold Butter:** For the flakiest biscuits, use very cold butter. You can even freeze the butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting it into the flour.
* **Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
* **Work Quickly:** Work quickly when making the biscuits to prevent the butter from melting.
* **Don’t Twist the Biscuit Cutter:** Twisting the biscuit cutter can seal the edges of the biscuits and prevent them from rising properly.
* **Use a Cast Iron Skillet:** If you have a cast iron skillet, you can bake the biscuits directly in the skillet for extra crispy edges.
* **Make it Ahead:** The creamed chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. You can also prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. It’s already cooked and seasoned, saving you time and effort.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the creamed chicken, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamed chicken for a little heat.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or chives.
Variations on Creamed Chicken and Biscuits
This recipe is a great starting point, but there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
* **Creamed Turkey and Biscuits:** Substitute cooked turkey for the chicken.
* **Creamed Ham and Biscuits:** Substitute cooked ham for the chicken.
* **Creamed Shrimp and Biscuits:** Substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken.
* **Creamed Vegetable Biscuits:** Omit the chicken and add a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
* **Cheddar Biscuits:** Add shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough for cheesy biscuits.
* **Garlic Herb Biscuits:** Add minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs to the biscuit dough for flavorful biscuits.
* **Sweet Biscuits:** Add a tablespoon of sugar to the biscuit dough for slightly sweet biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed chicken and biscuits is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Steamed Broccoli:** Steamed broccoli with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
* **Roasted Asparagus:** Roasted asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad with a variety of seasonal fruits.
Storage Instructions
* **Creamed Chicken:** Store leftover creamed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Biscuits:** Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I use store-bought biscuits?**
Yes, you can use store-bought biscuits to save time. However, homemade biscuits will always taste better.
* **Can I use frozen biscuits?**
Yes, you can use frozen biscuits. Bake them according to the package directions.
* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
Yes, you can make the creamed chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. You can also prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
* **Can I freeze the creamed chicken?**
Yes, you can freeze the creamed chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Can I freeze the biscuits?**
Yes, you can freeze the biscuits before baking. Place the unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Transfer the frozen biscuits to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
Creamed chicken and biscuits is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you can create a creamy, flavorful chicken sauce nestled atop warm, fluffy biscuits in just under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll be able to master this recipe with ease. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!