Comfort Food Chicken And Biscuits
Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Staples
I absolutely love making Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits when I'm in need of a warm, hearty meal. There’s something incredibly soothing about the combination of tender chicken in a rich gravy topped with fluffy homemade biscuits. This dish not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home. I can guarantee that once you taste this dish, it will quickly become a go-to comfort meal in your recipe collection.
When I first tried making Chicken and Biscuits, I was amazed at how easy it was to create such a satisfying meal from scratch. I began with braising the chicken to lock in all those delicious flavors, and the result was tender meat that just falls off the bone. I discovered that using a mix of herbs adds a depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish, and my family couldn’t get enough!
Making the biscuits was equally rewarding; I used cold butter to ensure the biscuits rise beautifully. Trust me, there's nothing like breaking apart a biscuit that’s just baked and soaking it into that creamy gravy. Each bite was like a cozy hug on a plate, and it turned out to be the perfect ending to a long day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for family gatherings
- Homemade biscuits that are fluffy and golden
- A creamy, comforting chicken gravy that's hard to resist
Understanding the Key Ingredients
The foundation of Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits lies in its choice of chicken. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs not only adds great flavor but also ensures the meat remains juicy throughout the cooking process. The fat rendered from the skin contributes to a rich gravy, enhancing the dish's overall comfort-food appeal. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with skinless chicken breasts, though the resulting gravy may be less indulgent.
The vegetables—onion, garlic, carrots, and celery—serve as the aromatic base for the gravy. Sautéing these ingredients brings out their natural sweetness and builds depth in flavor. If you're in a pinch or looking for a shortcut, pre-chopped mirepoix (a mix of onion, carrot, and celery) can be a handy substitute. Just ensure to sauté them until they soften to truly develop the flavor before adding the chicken.
Perfecting Your Biscuits
Homemade biscuits are the highlight of this dish, and getting the texture right is crucial. When cutting in the cold butter into the dry ingredients, aim for a crumbly texture rather than a smooth dough. This technique creates the flaky layers you seek. If you don't have cold butter on hand, you can use refrigerated cream cheese, which will also yield airy biscuits while adding a slight tangy flavor.
When mixing in the milk, it's important to do so gently. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, which is not what we want. Stir until just combined and allow the dough to rest for a few minutes—this helps the baking powder activate, leading to beautifully risen biscuits. Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper means easy clean-up and promotes an even bake, resulting in golden edges.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious Chicken and Biscuits meal:
Chicken and Gravy
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
With these ingredients, you're well on your way to making a delightful dish!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Chicken and Biscuits:
Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Simmer
Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 30 minutes.
Make the Gravy
Remove the chicken from the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
Prepare Biscuits
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Stir in milk until just combined.
Bake Biscuits
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit mixture onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve
Serve the chicken gravy with the freshly baked biscuits on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Biscuits!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the gravy.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you wish to enjoy Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits later in the week, consider preparing the chicken and gravy a day in advance. The flavors deepen as they sit, making for an even more comforting dish when reheated. Store the chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to maintain the desired consistency.
For the biscuits, it's best to bake them fresh for optimal texture. However, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a couple of hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough directly onto the baking sheet. If you need to freeze the biscuits, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
For a complete meal, consider serving your Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits with a simple side salad or steamed green beans. The freshness of the vegetables complements the rich gravy, providing a well-rounded dinner experience. I often recommend a citrus vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
If you want to add a twist, try incorporating herbs like rosemary or parsley into the chicken gravy. These fresh herbs elevate the dish, contributing an aromatic dimension to the overall flavor. Additionally, you could replace some of the chicken broth with white wine for a subtle yet sophisticated flavor enhancement, making this comforting recipe feel more gourmet while still being simple to prepare.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can work, but they may be less juicy than thighs.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a vegan alternative like coconut cream.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Comfort Food Chicken And Biscuits
I absolutely love making Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits when I'm in need of a warm, hearty meal. There’s something incredibly soothing about the combination of tender chicken in a rich gravy topped with fluffy homemade biscuits. This dish not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home. I can guarantee that once you taste this dish, it will quickly become a go-to comfort meal in your recipe collection.
Created by: Phoebe Drake
Recipe Type: Comfort Kitchen Staples
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Chicken and Gravy
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 30 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Stir in milk until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit mixture onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve the chicken gravy with the freshly baked biscuits on the side.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the gravy.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g