Comfort Food Chicken And Biscuits
Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Recipes
I absolutely love whipping up a warm, hearty dish like Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits. It’s a timeless classic that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings. Making this dish fills my kitchen with the enticing aroma of seasoned chicken and buttery biscuits. The best part is that it's surprisingly easy to prepare, yet it tastes gourmet. Each bite offers a delicious combination of tender chicken in creamy gravy, topped with fluffy biscuits that are perfect for soaking up all that flavor. It's the ultimate comfort food!
When I first made this dish, I was amazed at how well the chicken and biscuits complemented each other. The creamy gravy is not only rich but is also flavored with fresh herbs, making it a comforting delight. I learned that gently simmering the chicken helps retain its moisture, creating tender, juicy pieces that truly shine.
Another tip I discovered was to let the biscuits bake atop the chicken for the last 10 minutes. This not only ensures they’re perfectly fluffy but also infuses them with all the savory goodness from the gravy. It’s a foolproof method that never disappoints!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion
- Fluffy homemade biscuits that elevate the meal
- Creamy gravy bursting with rich flavors
Understanding the Ingredients
The key to a well-rounded Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits lies in the quality of its ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish, as they cook evenly and remain tender. You can substitute thighs if you prefer dark meat, but keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content, enriching the gravy further.
Heavy cream is crucial for achieving a rich, velvety gravy that balances with the savory notes of the chicken. For a lighter option, you can substitute half and half, but the texture may be less creamy. When it comes to spices, fresh thyme can elevate the flavor profile, but dried thyme works well too—just remember to adjust the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Perfecting the Biscuits
Making fluffy biscuits is an art that can greatly enhance your dish. It's vital to use cold butter when cutting it into the flour mixture; this step creates pockets of fat that result in a flaky texture. If you don't have a pastry cutter, a fork or your fingers will do the trick. Aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs before adding milk for the best results.
When dropping biscuit dough onto the chicken, try to keep the size uniform for even baking. Use an ice cream scoop or two spoons to create spoonfuls. They should not touch each other in the skillet; this will ensure they bake up nicely with golden edges, about 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), producing a delightful contrast to the creamy gravy beneath.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started on this comforting dish:
For the Chicken and Gravy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits:
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme, placing them in the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
Prepare the Gravy
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, covering the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Make the Biscuits
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top of the chicken in the skillet.
Bake
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden and fluffy.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add freshly chopped parsley to the gravy before serving. Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the chicken and gravy a day ahead, storing them in the refrigerator after they cool. When you're ready to serve, heat them on the stove until warmed through, then add biscuit dough and bake. This approach allows for deeper flavors as the chicken marinates in the gravy overnight.
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and biscuits separately to prevent sogginess. The chicken and gravy can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, while biscuits are best consumed fresh. Reheat biscuits in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their fluffiness.
Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas
To give your dish an unexpected twist, consider adding vegetables such as frozen peas or carrots to the skillet before transferring to the oven. This not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s nutritional value without overwhelming your traditional flavors.
For a cozy serving suggestion, pair your Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits with a side of green beans or a simple salad. A splash of lemon juice over greens can brighten the meal, balancing the creamy richness of the dish. It's a delightful way to freshen up each bite!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it before cooking for even doneness.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
It's best to make biscuits fresh, but you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter option.
Comfort Food Chicken And Biscuits
I absolutely love whipping up a warm, hearty dish like Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits. It’s a timeless classic that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings. Making this dish fills my kitchen with the enticing aroma of seasoned chicken and buttery biscuits. The best part is that it's surprisingly easy to prepare, yet it tastes gourmet. Each bite offers a delicious combination of tender chicken in creamy gravy, topped with fluffy biscuits that are perfect for soaking up all that flavor. It's the ultimate comfort food!
Created by: Ella Townsend
Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Gravy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme, placing them in the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, covering the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top of the chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden and fluffy.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, add freshly chopped parsley to the gravy before serving. Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 28g