Craving a hearty, home-style meal that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Chicken Biscuits and Gravy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Forget takeout – homemade comfort food is just a few simple steps away! This recipe offers a delightful blend of flaky biscuits and rich, savory gravy, all made from scratch. It’s the ultimate example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
For the Chicken Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Making the Biscuits:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the cold buttermilk, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Shape & Bake: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Chicken Gravy:
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Make Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and lightly browned. This is your roux – the base of your gravy.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Simmer & Thicken: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Add Chicken & Season: Stir in the shredded chicken, black pepper, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Pour the gravy over the warm biscuits and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Biscuits and Gravy:
- Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter and buttermilk is crucial for creating flaky biscuits.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the biscuit dough will result in tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Don't Peek: Avoid opening the oven door during the first 10 minutes of baking to prevent the biscuits from collapsing.
- Homemade Broth: For the richest flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
Variations:
- Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the gravy for a kick.
- Herb Gravy: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Cheese Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Chicken Biscuits and Gravy recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into a truly satisfying meal. It's a delightful example of delicious dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!