Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits

Tender chunks of chicken nestled in a velvety, herb-infused gravy, topped with buttery, flaky biscuits that soak up all that savory goodness – that’s what makes Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits the ultimate comfort food. This classic dish combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold evening or looking to impress your family with a hearty dinner, this Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits recipe delivers on all fronts. You’ll learn how to create this soul-satisfying dish from scratch, with perfectly seasoned chicken, rich gravy, and biscuits that rise to golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits is the definition of comfort food that never disappoints. The combination of textures is what makes this dish truly special – tender, juicy chicken pieces swimming in a rich, velvety gravy creates the perfect base, while the contrast of the crisp-edged, fluffy biscuits on top adds a delightful textural element that’s simply irresistible.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between homemade goodness and convenience. While it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, the straightforward preparation makes it accessible even on busy weeknights. The one-pot filling means less cleanup, and you can even use store-bought biscuit dough in a pinch without sacrificing that homestyle flavor.

What’s more, this chicken and biscuit casserole is incredibly versatile. It’s rustic enough for a casual family dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. The comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes will have everyone gathering around the table before you even call them for dinner. This southern-inspired chicken dish with flaky biscuits on top is guaranteed to become a regular request in your household.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 large onion (about 1 cup), finely diced
• 3 medium carrots (about 1 cup), diced
• 2 celery stalks (about ½ cup), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth, low sodium
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ cup (65g) frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup (180ml) cold buttermilk

Pro Tips

Achieving perfect Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits is all about mastering a few key techniques that elevate this dish from good to exceptional.

First, don’t rush the base. Properly sautéing the vegetables until they’re soft and beginning to caramelize creates a foundation of flavor that’s essential to an outstanding chicken and biscuit casserole. This process should take about 5-7 minutes – the onions should be translucent and the carrots slightly tender. This initial investment of time pays huge dividends in the final flavor profile.

Second, master the roux technique for silky gravy. After adding butter and flour to create your roux, cook it for at least 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This eliminates the raw flour taste and creates a nutty flavor base. When adding liquid, pour it in slowly while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. A smooth gravy is the hallmark of excellent Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits.

Finally, for the flakiest biscuits, keep everything cold. Use butter straight from the refrigerator, and chill the cut biscuits for 15 minutes before baking if time allows. Handle the dough minimally – overmixing develops gluten and makes tough biscuits. For maximum rise, place the biscuits close together on top of the filling so they support each other as they grow upward in the oven.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed). Brown the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen with that wonderful, homey scent that makes Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits so inviting.

Step 3: Make the Gravy
Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to your vegetable mixture. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce perfectly. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 4: Finish the Filling
Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and sage. Return the chicken to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Add the frozen peas (no need to thaw) and gently stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. The filling should be creamy and well-seasoned. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you prepare the biscuits.

Step 5: Prepare the Biscuits
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat to about ¾-inch thickness. Using a 2½-inch biscuit cutter or glass, cut out rounds, being careful not to twist as you cut (which can seal the edges and prevent rising).

Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Arrange the biscuits over the top of your chicken filling, placing them close together. For a golden finish, brush the tops lightly with additional buttermilk or melted butter. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Allow your Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot and will continue to thicken slightly.

Variations

Herbed Biscuit Topping: Elevate your Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits by adding 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to your biscuit dough. You can also add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a savory, cheesy twist that complements the chicken filling beautifully. These flavored biscuits add another dimension to the classic comfort dish and make it even more special.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Biscuits: For mushroom lovers, add 8 ounces of sliced cremini or button mushrooms to the vegetable mixture and sauté until they release their moisture and begin to brown. This variation adds an earthy depth to the traditional chicken filling. You can enhance the mushroom flavor further by substituting half a cup of the chicken broth with mushroom broth or adding a tablespoon of dried porcini powder to the gravy.

Dairy-Free Option: This classic can be made dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess. Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter for the roux. For the biscuits, substitute the butter with cold coconut oil and the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. The result is still a comforting, creamy chicken dish with tender biscuits that everyone can enjoy.

Storage and Serving

Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, refrigerate the chicken filling and biscuits separately, as storing them together can make the biscuits soggy. Reheat the filling in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbling, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. Warm the biscuits in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

For freezing, the chicken filling freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I recommend making fresh biscuits when you’re ready to serve rather than freezing them with the filling.

Serve this comforting dish in shallow bowls to capture all the delicious gravy. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of cranberry sauce adds a delightful tangy contrast that works wonderfully with the savory flavors of the Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits. For special occasions, a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements this dish perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it to the gravy mixture. Since it’s already cooked, you’ll skip the initial chicken browning step and add it when the recipe calls for returning the chicken to the pan.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the filling until hot, then top with freshly made biscuit dough and bake as directed. This may require a few extra minutes of baking time since the filling is starting cold.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the biscuits?
No problem! Make a quick substitute by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. The acidity helps create tender, fluffy biscuits.

Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought biscuit dough works well as a time-saver. Arrange them over the hot filling and bake according to the package directions. Check them a few minutes early as they may cook faster on top of the hot filling.

My gravy is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
If your gravy is too thick, gradually whisk in additional chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk it into the simmering gravy until thickened.

Conclusion

This Homestyle Chicken and Biscuits is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and velvety gravy crowned with golden, buttery biscuits. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation and sends them away with that deeply satisfied feeling that only true comfort food can provide. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening, bringing it to a potluck, or preparing it for someone who needs a little culinary care, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Make it once, and you’ll understand why this classic has stood the test of time in American kitchens.

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