Are you craving a comforting, classic meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe for Chicken Biscuits and Gravy is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend brunch. Forget takeout – homemade comfort food is just a few simple steps away! This recipe provides delicious, healthy meals without sacrificing flavor or ease. It's one of the best recipes for a quick dinner, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup milk
For the Chicken Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Making the Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. Don't overmix! A slightly lumpy dough is okay.
- 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 the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Chicken Gravy:
- While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. This step is crucial for a good gravy.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving:
- Serve the warm biscuits alongside the delicious chicken gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Biscuits and Gravy:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits. Make sure your milk is chilled as well.
- Don't overmix the biscuit dough: Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the biscuits space to rise properly.
- Cook the gravy slowly: This allows the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken evenly.
- Make it ahead: The biscuits and gravy can be made separately ahead of time and reheated.
Variations:
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese onto the biscuits before baking.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with thyme, rosemary, or sage in the gravy.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with sauteed mushrooms or vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy recipe is a wonderful example of healthy meals made with simple ingredients. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Biscuits and Gravy! It's a quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is one of the best recipes for easy cooking.