Comfort Food Chicken And Biscuits

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Biscuits
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3/4 cup milk

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Food Ideas

I absolutely love making Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits on cozy, rainy days. There's something so comforting about a rich chicken stew topped with fluffy biscuits that fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. As I prepare this dish, I can’t help but feel nostalgic, recalling family gatherings where we’d savor every bite together. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and golden biscuits is simply irresistible. This recipe not only satisfies my hunger but also brings back cherished memories with every mouthful.

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:13:36.177Z

When I first tried making chicken and biscuits, I was initially intimidated by the thought of creating a creamy, flavorful sauce and fluffy biscuits at the same time. What I found is that preparing the sauce in one pan while the biscuits bake in the oven is a game-changer. The key is to use fresh herbs and season your dish well.

In my latest attempt, I added a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture, giving it an unexpected kick that took this comfort food to another level. Trust me; it’s all about layering flavors and not skipping those cozy seasoning steps.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying with layers of flavor
Fluffy biscuits that are perfect for soaking up gravy
A nostalgic dish that evokes warm memories and comfort

The Importance of Ingredients

The backbone of this Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits recipe is undoubtedly the chicken thighs. Their rich flavor and tenderness contribute to the stew’s overall deliciousness. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs remain juicy even after extended cooking, making them ideal for slow simmering. If you want a healthier alternative, you could use skinless chicken breasts, but do take care to avoid overcooking them, as they can dry out quickly.

Don't overlook the vegetables in the stew. The combination of onions, carrots, and celery, often referred to as 'mirepoix', provides a depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish. For a slight twist, consider adding peas or green beans for a pop of color and additional nutrients. These vegetables should be sautéed until soft and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes, before adding the garlic and the chicken.

Techniques for Fluffy Biscuits

When preparing the biscuits, the cold butter is crucial to achieving that light and flaky texture. Work quickly when incorporating the butter into the dry ingredients—aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs. If you don't have a pastry cutter, two forks or your fingertips work well too. This prevents the butter from melting before baking, which would result in denser biscuits.

Kneading the biscuit dough should be done gently and only until it comes together. Overworking the dough can develop gluten, leading to tough biscuits. After cutting them into rounds, place them close together on top of the stew; this encourages them to rise beautifully and creates a lovely texture as they bake.

Serving and Storage Tips

Comfort Food Chicken and Biscuits is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the biscuits are pillowy and the stew is hot and bubbling. For serving, a light sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten up the dish and add a splash of color. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.

If you have leftovers, store the components separately to maintain the biscuits' integrity. The stew can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed. Biscuits can be revived in the oven for a few minutes, which will help restore some crispiness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew

1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup milk

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste!

Instructions

Cook the Chicken Stew

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the chicken thighs to the pan, browning them on both sides, then pour in the chicken broth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times before rolling out to about 1-inch thickness. Cut into rounds.

Assemble and Bake

After the stew has simmered, place the biscuit rounds on top of the stew in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the stew before simmering.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your stew seems too thick, feel free to add an extra splash of chicken broth as it simmers. This will help achieve a more stew-like consistency. Conversely, if it's too runny, let it simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes to reduce the liquid effectively.

For the biscuits, if they don't rise as expected, check that your baking powder is fresh. Old leavening agents may not create the required lift. Also, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature; an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate readings for perfect baking.

Variations to Try

For a spicy kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken stew while it simmers. This can elevate the flavors and provide a warm heat throughout the dish. Alternatively, adding a splash of white wine to the stew after browning the chicken can enhance its complexity and depth.

If you're looking for a lighter version, swap the traditional biscuits for a healthier biscuit alternative, such as a whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Just be mindful of the different liquid absorption properties of alternative flours, which may require slight adjustments to the milk amount used.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may be less tender than thighs.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

While it's best to bake them fresh, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it.

→ What kind of vegetables can I add?

Feel free to mix in peas, green beans, or corn for added variety.