Chicken and Biscuits: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal for All

When it comes to hearty and satisfying meals, few can rival the timeless appeal of Chicken and Biscuits. This classic dish combines tender chicken with fluffy, buttery biscuits to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to get dinner on the table quickly or a student looking for a filling meal on a budget, Chicken and Biscuits provides an easy, healthy option that suits various dietary needs.

If you love Chicken and Biscuits, you might also enjoy exploring other comforting and healthy meals like Shrimp and Grits, a Southern classic rich in flavors and history. For those looking for additional chicken-based meals that work well for meal prepping, try the Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers, which are perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner. And for a lighter take, consider the Baked Salmon with Broccoli—a low-calorie option packed with protein and fiber.

For diet-conscious individuals, Chicken and Biscuits can be tailored to fit a variety of preferences, including gluten-free, low-calorie, and even dairy-free options. Its simplicity also makes it ideal for beginner home cooks, while experienced chefs can experiment with different flavors and techniques to make it their own. Moreover, the warmth and comfort of this dish appeal to anyone craving a satisfying, wholesome meal, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts and baking lovers alike.

This dish has a long history in Southern comfort food, yet it has evolved over time to adapt to modern dietary trends and ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore why Chicken and Biscuits continues to be a go-to recipe, how you can easily prepare it at home, and various ways to customize it for your personal preferences.

Benefits and Advantages of Chicken and Biscuits

There are countless reasons to incorporate Chicken and Biscuits into your regular meal rotation, but let’s focus on some of the key benefits:

• Simple and Quick Preparation: Despite its delicious complexity, Chicken and Biscuits is surprisingly easy to make. With a few key ingredients, you can have this dish on the table in under an hour. For busy professionals and parents, this meal is a lifesaver on hectic weeknights.
• Customizable for Different Diets: One of the great advantages of this dish is its versatility. Gluten-free biscuits? Check. Dairy-free chicken gravy? Absolutely. Chicken and Biscuits can be easily modified to meet various dietary restrictions without losing its rich flavor or comforting texture.
• A Balanced Meal: The dish delivers a good balance of proteins from the chicken and carbohydrates from the biscuits, making it a well-rounded meal. Add in some steamed vegetables on the side, and you have a nutritious, complete dinner.
• Great for Meal Prepping: The recipe also lends itself well to meal prepping. Make a large batch, and you’ll have lunch or dinner sorted for several days. It stores well and can be reheated without compromising its taste.
• Family-Friendly: Because of its approachable ingredients and crowd-pleasing nature, Chicken and Biscuits is a hit with both kids and adults. The mild flavors make it an easy meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Chicken and Biscuits isn’t just a comfort food classic; it’s a practical, healthy option that can fit into many different types of lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or trying to eat healthier, this recipe has something for everyone.

Ingredients Overview

Essential Ingredients for Chicken and Biscuits

For a delicious batch of Chicken and Biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) – a lean source of protein that forms the heart of this dish. You can use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Biscuits: 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivity), 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk alternative).
• Chicken broth: 2 cups – to create a savory, rich base for the gravy.
• Vegetables: 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup peas, and 1/4 cup diced celery – these add color, nutrition, and texture to the dish.
• Garlic and onions: 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1/2 onion, chopped – provide aromatic depth.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of paprika for warmth.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken and Biscuits

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to modify for different dietary requirements:

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour in the biscuits with a gluten-free flour blend. Many such blends work seamlessly in this recipe, allowing the biscuits to remain tender and fluffy.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or soy milk in place of the buttermilk. For the chicken broth, ensure it’s a dairy-free option, and you’ll have a delicious, dairy-free version of the dish.
• Low-Calorie Variation: Use low-fat buttermilk and opt for leaner chicken breast instead of thighs. You can also reduce the amount of butter in the biscuits to lower the overall calorie count without sacrificing too much flavor.

These substitutions make Chicken and Biscuits accessible to a wider audience, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tasty dish.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken and Biscuits: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps to prepare a satisfying meal of Chicken and Biscuits.

First Step: Prepare the Biscuits

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter, cutting it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually stir in the buttermilk until the dough forms. Knead gently for about 30 seconds on a floured surface.
4. Roll the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out 6-8 biscuits. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Second Step: Cook the Chicken

1. While the biscuits are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the garlic and onions, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Third Step: Make the Gravy

1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Stir in the diced carrots, peas, and celery. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Thicken the gravy with a slurry of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, whisking it into the simmering broth.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Dish

1. Shred the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet, stirring it into the gravy and vegetables.
2. Serve the chicken mixture topped with the warm biscuits, or slice the biscuits and spoon the chicken and gravy over the top.

This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that your Chicken and Biscuits will turn out perfectly every time, no matter your cooking experience.

Mastering Chicken and Biscuits: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are countless ways to add your own twist to Chicken and Biscuits. Here are some advanced tips and variations:

• Cheesy Biscuits: For a more indulgent version, stir 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the biscuit dough before baking.
• Herbed Gravy: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the gravy for added flavor complexity.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a spicy version of this dish.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and add more vegetables like spinach or kale. The mushroom gravy is just as hearty and satisfying!

How to Store Chicken and Biscuits: Best Practices

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how you can store Chicken and Biscuits to enjoy later:

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Biscuits can be stored separately in a zip-lock bag at room temperature.
• Freezing: Both the biscuits and chicken can be frozen. Freeze the biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. The chicken and gravy should be cooled completely before freezing in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little broth if needed. Biscuits can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutritional Value of Chicken and Biscuits

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value for one serving of Chicken and Biscuits:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

This dish provides a balanced meal, rich in protein and carbohydrates, making it ideal for fueling a busy day or recovering after a long one.

Chicken and Biscuits: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal for All

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• Author: Lauren Bennett
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Chicken and Biscuits is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy, buttery biscuits. This Southern classic is a favorite for family meals, offering a balance of protein, carbs, and savory flavors. The dish can be easily adapted to fit dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-calorie options.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for slurry)
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or plant-based butter for dairy-free)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk alternative)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Biscuits:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Stir in the buttermilk until a dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface.
  • Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into biscuits. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

• Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant (2-3 minutes).

• Make the Gravy:

  • Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Stir in the diced carrots, peas, and celery. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  • Mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then add it to the simmering broth to thicken the gravy.

• Assemble:

  • Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, mixing with the gravy and vegetables.
  • Serve the chicken mixture over the warm biscuits or slice the biscuits and spoon the mixture on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking, Pan-frying
• Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Chicken and biscuits, Southern comfort food, gluten-free biscuits, dairy-free gravy, meal prep.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Biscuits

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The result will still be delicious and satisfying.

Q: Can I make Chicken and Biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The biscuits are best served fresh, but they can also be reheated in the oven if necessary.

Q: What sides go well with Chicken and Biscuits?
A: Some great side options include steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, or roasted root vegetables.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken and Biscuits?
A: Yes, both components freeze well. Just be sure to store them separately for best results.

Q: How do I make the gravy thicker?
A: To thicken the gravy, you can add a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) while the broth is simmering.