There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade biscuits and creamy chicken gravy filling a kitchen. This classic dish is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, made from scratch!
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)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley
Instructions:
Making the Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add buttermilk: Gradually stir in the cold buttermilk until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Knead and shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just a couple of times. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut and bake: Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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 a roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden. This is your roux, the base of your gravy.
- Gradually whisk in broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Stir in the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the warm, fluffy biscuits alongside the rich and flavorful chicken gravy. This is a perfect meal on its own, but you can also add a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a more complete and healthy dinner.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flaky biscuits, use very cold ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- For a richer gravy, use homemade chicken broth.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the gravy, such as sage, rosemary, or garlic powder.
- Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or frozen for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on biscuit size and gravy amount) Protein: 15-20g Fat: 18-22g Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy your homemade chicken gravy and biscuits!