Chicken and Biscuits — The Comfort Food Staple

Introduction

Chicken and biscuits is a classic American dish that features comforting flavors and hearty components. Chicken and biscuits, including tender chicken smothered in a savory gravy and flaky buttery biscuits, is a classic dish for many families, particularly in the Southern United States. It originated in the 20th century as a filling dish, uniting families around the table. This post may contain affiliate links, you can read my full disclosure here Information about the history of chicken and biscuits, ingredients, how to make this delicious meal step by step, and what are the possible variations?

A Brief History of Chicken and Biscuits

Chicken and biscuits have Southern cooking origins, where filling meals are the norm. It was likely created from a mix of traditional chicken stew and the Southern biscuit, a quick bread that uses flour, baking powder and fat. Biscuits became even more popular during the Great Depression as a meal stretcher and inexpensive way to feed families.

Chicken and biscuits are the definition of comfort food, showing up on diner menus, Southern restaurants, and family tables. The dish is considered a comfort food and often served in the holidays or for celebrations. Due to its simplicity and taste, it has survived as a favorite throughout generations.

Chicken and Biscuits Ingredients

What you need to make chicken and biscuits:

Chicken

And of course, chicken is the star of the dish. Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, if you want more flavor, or boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a light meal.

Biscuits

Flaky biscuits are a must for this recipe. You may make homemade biscuits from scratch or use store-bought refrigerated dough.

Gravy

Grey in fact gathering together the entire dish is a thick well-seasoned gravy. Made from drippings from the chicken mixed with flour, chicken broth and seasonings.

Vegetables

Most also have a mix of vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery to boost flavor and nutrients.

Seasonings

Season it gently with salt, pepper, or garlic powder and add herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavour profile.

How To Make Chicken and Biscuits — Step By Step!

So, here is how the chicken and biscuits is made from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4-6 chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions:

• Salt the Chicken: Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and searing until golden brown on both sides, approximately 5-7 minutes each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or your favorite variety)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the vegetables; if necessary, give the same skillet another coating of oil or butter. Add diced onion, carrots and celery then cook for about 5 minutes until softened.)
2. Add Flour: Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the flour over sautéed vegetables (be sure to stir vigorously during the next 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook).
3. Whisk in Chicken Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen up any browned bits. Simmer until gravy reduces and thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Add the browned chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the gravy. Cover and reduce the heat to low and cook until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C — this should take about 20-30 minutes)

Step 3: Make the Biscuits

During this time, make the biscuits out of &mdash.

Ingredients for 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:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Use a pastry cutter, or use your fingers to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the Milk: Pour in the milk, and mix until the batter is barely combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Form the Biscuits: Place dough on surface sprinkled with flour and press down gently until the dough is about 1-inch thick. Thereafter, using a biscuit cutter, cut out rounds.
6. Bake Biscuits: Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 4: Serve

Serving the Dish: After the biscuits are ready, and the chicken is cooked, put the chicken on a serving platter and pour the gravy on top.

Serve with Biscuits: Place the warm biscuits alongside the sausage gravy and each person can add gravy as they wish.

Garnish: Use parsley, cilantro, or any other available herbs for garnish.

Different Versions of Chicken and Biscuits

The old-fashioned chicken and biscuits dish is pretty hard to beat, but there are many ways to fire up this comfort food standard:

• Chicken and Waffles
• Waffles and chicken combine the salty taste of the chicken and biscuits with the sweet taste of the waffles in one delicious brunch option.
• Cheddar Biscuits
• For additional flavor, stir in shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit batter.
• Vegetable Chicken with Biscuits
• For a more robust hit, add a few more vegetables — peas or green beans, for example — to the gravy.
• Spicy Chicken and Biscuits
• New flavor for the chicken; marinate it in hot sauce or sprinkle chicken with cayenne pepper before searing.
• Herb-Infused Gravy
• Season the gravy with various herbs and spices — sage, parsley, or a hint of paprika or two.

Conclusion

Chicken and biscuits is not just about a single meal: it is a heart-warming dish that warms the table. This classic recipe is perfect for Sunday dinner, family gatherings or the cozy night in. Its hot, gooey, chicken, gravy, and biscuits make chicken and biscuits, an American home classic. So, grab your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy this delicious favourite!

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