Cozy Chicken & Biscuit Casserole: The Ultimate Southern Comfort Food

Transform simple ingredients into a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy homemade biscuits.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Chicken Biscuit Casserole

This classic comfort dish brings together the best of chicken pot pie and buttery biscuits in one satisfying meal.

Chicken Biscuit CasserolePhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole strikes the perfect balance between homemade comfort and convenience, featuring a rich, creamy filling topped with golden-brown biscuits. It's the ideal way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

For the Biscuit Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter
• 3/4 cup cold milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base
2. • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
   • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat
   • Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook until softened (5-7 minutes)
   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
3. Make the Sauce
4. • Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to combine
   • Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste
   • Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk
   • Simmer until thickened (3-4 minutes)
   • Add seasonings and frozen peas
   • Stir in cooked chicken
5. Prepare Biscuit Topping
6. • Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
   • Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
   • Stir in cold milk until just combined
   • Don't overmix – the dough should be slightly shaggy
7. Assemble and Bake
8. • Transfer the filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish
   • Drop biscuit dough by spoonfuls over the filling
   • Brush biscuits with melted butter
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuits are golden and the filling is bubbly

Pro Tips for Success

1. Perfect Biscuits
2. • Use cold ingredients for flakier biscuits
   • Don't overmix the dough
   • Leave space between biscuits for proper rising
3. Flavorful Filling
4. • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor
   • Cook vegetables until tender but not mushy
   • Taste and adjust seasonings before adding chicken
5. Make-Ahead Options
6. • Prepare filling up to 24 hours ahead
   • Make biscuit dough fresh before baking
   • Allow extra baking time if the filling is cold

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade? A: Yes! While homemade biscuits are preferred, refrigerated biscuits work well for a quick shortcut. Cut large biscuits in half for better coverage.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from being too runny? A: Make sure to cook the flour and butter mixture (roux) for at least 1-2 minutes, and simmer until the sauce is thickened before adding chicken. The filling should be creamy but not soupy.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Freeze the filling only, without biscuits. When ready to use, thaw overnight and top with fresh biscuit dough before baking.

Q: What can I substitute for poultry seasoning? A: Use a combination of sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, or simply increase the thyme and add a pinch of sage.

Q: How long do leftovers last? A: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The biscuits will soften but still taste delicious.

Q: Can I add other vegetables? A: Absolutely! Corn, green beans, or mushrooms make excellent additions. Just ensure they're cooked to similar tenderness.

Variations

1. Herb-Enhanced
2. • Add fresh herbs to both filling and biscuits
   • Try rosemary, thyme, or sage
   • Sprinkle herbs on biscuits before baking
3. Cheese Lover's Version
4. • Add 1 cup shredded cheddar to the filling
   • Incorporate cheese into biscuit dough
   • Sprinkle cheese on top before baking
5. Light Version
6. • Use milk instead of cream
   • Increase vegetables and decrease chicken
   • Make drop biscuits with less butter

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave
• For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until hot
• Add a splash of milk if the filling seems dry

Time-Saving Tips

1. Quick Prep Options
2. • Use rotisserie chicken
   • Buy pre-cut vegetables
   • Use quality store-bought biscuits
3. Make-Ahead Components
4. • Cook chicken in advance
   • Prepare vegetables ahead
   • Mix dry biscuit ingredients and store

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad
• Add cranberry sauce for a holiday feel
• Pair with roasted vegetables
• Garnish with fresh herbs

Remember, this casserole is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to adjust seasonings and ingredients to suit your family's preferences. The key to success lies in making sure your sauce is well-seasoned and thickened properly before adding the biscuit topping. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this chicken biscuit casserole is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection.