Introduction:
Chicken Pot Pie made with biscuits is a comforting, hearty dish that combines a creamy chicken and vegetable filling with a golden, flaky biscuit topping. This easy-to-make version of the classic pot pie is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly day.
The History of Chicken Pot Pie Made with Biscuits:
Chicken Pot Pie has its roots in English cuisine, dating back to the 16th century when savory pies became a staple. Traditionally made with a pastry crust, the biscuit-topped variation emerged in American kitchens as a simpler, more accessible alternative. Using biscuits instead of pie crust makes this version quicker to prepare while retaining the comforting flavors of the classic dish.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet or pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste and starts to turn golden.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add the shredded chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Biscuit Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the buttermilk and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the chicken filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the top of the chicken filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the pot pie cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits:
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter in the biscuit dough creates a flaky texture.
- Season Well: Proper seasoning enhances the flavor of the filling; don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the biscuit dough can lead to tough biscuits; mix until just combined.
Variations and Customizations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Biscuits: Add shredded cheese to the biscuit dough for a cheesy twist.
- Herbed Biscuits: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the biscuit dough for added flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Rich in Protein: Contains high-quality protein from chicken, making it a filling meal.
- Calorie-Dense: Due to the cream, butter, and biscuits, this dish is relatively high in calories and fat.
- Vegetable-Packed: Includes a variety of vegetables, providing fiber and essential nutrients.
FAQ:
- Can I make Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it. Add the biscuit topping just before baking.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits?
- Yes, freeze after assembling but before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- What can I substitute for buttermilk in the biscuit recipe?
- Use a mixture of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar/lemon juice) as a buttermilk substitute.
- Can I use canned biscuits?
- Yes, for a quicker version, use canned biscuits instead of homemade dough.
Chicken Pot Pie Made with Biscuits
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits combines a creamy chicken and vegetable filling with a fluffy biscuit topping, offering a comforting and easy twist on the classic dish. It's perfect for a cozy, quick weeknight meal that delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups frozen vegetables
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 canned biscuits
- 2 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In large bowl, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, frozen vegetables, garlic, and shredded cheeses.
- Mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
- Now grab the can of biscuits.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters, then place in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with the melted butter, and toss.
- Bake the biscuits for about 5-7 minutes on a lightly grease baking sheet.
- Top the chicken mixture with the biscuits.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Let cool until it’s safe to eat.
- Serve & enjoy!