Creamy Chicken and Biscuit Bake Recipe

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we understand that comfort food holds a special place in everyone’s culinary heart. This Creamy Chicken and Biscuit Bake is a testament to that sentiment, combining tender shredded chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and golden, flaky biscuits baked to perfection. Passed down through generations, this dish encapsulates warmth, nostalgia, and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, preparing for a potluck, or simply craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe offers an elegant solution that is both easy to prepare and universally loved. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can customize it with your favorite cheeses, add vegetables for extra nutrition, or even spice it up for a fiery twist. As a staple on Love With Recipes, this recipe is designed to bring joy and satisfaction to your table while maintaining a straightforward approach that ensures success every time.

Time

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

35 minutes

Total Time

Approximately 55 minutes from start to finish

Needed Equipment

• Oven – standard home oven capable of reaching 350°F (175°C)
• 11×9-inch baking dish – glass or ceramic, ovenproof
• Skillet or sauté pan – medium-sized
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in ingredient measurement
• Mixing bowls – at least two, for combining ingredients and mixing the filling
• Wooden spoon or rubber spatula – for stirring and mixing
• Knife and chopping board – for preparing onions and pimientos
• Can opener – to open canned ingredients
• Refrigerator – for storing biscuit dough and leftovers
• Cooking spray or butter – to grease the baking dish
• Grater or shredder – for cheese, if not pre-shredded
• Oven mitts – for handling hot dishes safely

Tags

• Comfort Food
• Chicken Recipes
• Family Dinner
• Baked Dish
• Easy Recipes
• Creamy Sauces
• Cheesy
• Potluck
• Quick Meal

Serving Size

Serves 6 generous portions, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Each serving offers a hearty balance of protein, carbs, and creamy goodness, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Difficulty Level

Easy

This recipe is suitable for cooks of all skill levels, including beginners. The steps involve straightforward preparation and assembly, with no complicated techniques required.

Allergen Information

Individuals with gluten or dairy allergies should consider using gluten-free biscuit options and dairy substitutes.

Dietary Preference

Contains dairy and gluten; not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets. Can be adapted for gluten-free diets with appropriate substitutions.

Course

Main Course

Cuisine

American Comfort Food

Ingredients

Ingredient Table

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking dish—an 11×9-inch dish is ideal for this recipe. Lightly spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray or brush it with butter to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. Ensure the entire surface area is coated evenly for optimal results. Place the dish within easy reach of your workspace to streamline assembly.

Step 2: Prepare the Sautéed Onions

In a medium-sized skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Butter is chosen here for its rich flavor and ability to impart a creamy texture to the onions as they cook. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Stir the onions gently to coat them with the butter. Continue sautéing, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and tender—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the onions; a gentle heat will allow them to soften evenly and develop a sweet, aromatic flavor that will enhance the entire dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, shredded or diced cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and chopped pimientos. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and cohesive, with no lumps or uneven distribution of ingredients. This step is critical for achieving the uniform texture and flavor distribution throughout the baked dish. Adjust seasoning here if desired—consider adding salt, pepper, or other herbs like thyme or parsley for additional flavor complexity.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture out into an even layer across the dish. This ensures consistent baking and easy portioning later. After spreading, smooth the surface to prepare for the cheese and biscuits. Sprinkle approximately 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the layer of chicken mixture. This cheese layer will melt into the filling, adding richness and flavor depth.

Step 5: Bake the Base Layer

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the mixture will heat through, and the cheese will begin to melt, creating a slightly bubbly and flavorful base. This initial bake sets the foundation for the biscuit topping, ensuring the filling is hot and thick enough to support the biscuit layer.

Step 6: Add the Biscuit Topping

Remove the baking dish carefully from the oven. Arrange the refrigerated biscuit dough over the hot chicken mixture in a single layer. The biscuits should be placed close together but not overlapping excessively; they will expand during baking. Once the biscuits are arranged, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the biscuits. This additional cheese will melt and create a golden, cheesy crust that complements the flaky biscuits beneath.

Step 7: Final Bake and Browning

Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes. During this period, the biscuits will bake to a golden brown, and the sauce underneath will become bubbly, indicating that it has thickened and heated through. Keep an eye on the dish during the last few minutes to avoid burning the biscuits; if they are browning too quickly, tent with foil. The final result should feature crisp, golden biscuits on top, a bubbling, cheesy chicken filling, and a savory aroma that beckons anyone nearby.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the filling set slightly, making for cleaner slices and easier serving. Use a large spatula or serving spoon to portion out servings, ensuring each piece includes a biscuit topping and a hearty scoop of the creamy chicken filling. Garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives if desired for added color and flavor. Serve hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes for a complete meal.

Preparation Tips

• Use cooked chicken: To save time, prepare and shred or dice chicken in advance. Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken works exceptionally well.
• Homemade sauce: For a richer, homemade touch, consider making your own cream of chicken soup substitute using milk, butter, flour, and chicken broth, especially if you prefer a gluten-free version.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend for varied flavor profiles.
• Biscuit options: Consider making homemade biscuits for an even fresher, more personalized flavor, or use gluten-free biscuits to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegetable additions: Add peas, carrots, or celery to the filling for extra nutrition and texture diversity.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Make ahead: Prepare the filling and assemble the dish a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Cheese layering: Adding cheese in layers enhances flavor and ensures gooeyness in every bite.
• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese and fresh onions yield the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust consistency: If the filling seems too thick before baking, add a splash more milk; if too runny, add a little extra cheese or reduce the liquid content.
• Foil tenting: If the biscuits brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook thoroughly.

Add-ons

• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)
• Bacon bits for smoky flavor
• Sautéed vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach)
• Hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick

Side Dishes

• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans)
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Pickles or relishes for added tang

Improvements

• Replace cream of chicken with homemade béchamel sauce for a richer, more natural flavor
• Add a layer of sautéed vegetables for added nutrition and texture
• Use different cheeses for varied flavor profiles, such as Gruyère or Pepper Jack
• Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary into the filling for aromatic depth

Save and Store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave for convenience. To freeze, assemble the dish without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.

FAQ

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuits and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. You may need to adjust baking time based on biscuit type.

Can I use leftover or canned chicken?

Absolutely. Canned chicken works well for a quick meal. If using leftovers, ensure they are thoroughly reheated and cooled before incorporating into the recipe.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Replace chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Use vegetarian cream of mushroom or other suitable soups.

What can I do if I want a spicier dish?

Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños into the filling before baking for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Biscuit Bake embodies the essence of comfort food—rich, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. Its layers of flavor, crispy biscuit topping, and creamy filling make it a standout dish for any occasion. The simplicity of preparation combined with the depth of flavor ensures it will become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe exemplifies how a few quality ingredients and straightforward techniques can create a memorable, crowd-pleasing meal. Remember, at Love With Recipes, we believe that food is about sharing joy, and this dish is a perfect example of that philosophy. Happy baking!

References

• McCormick, R. (2021). Classic American Comfort Food Recipes. Food Publishing.
• Smith, J. (2019). The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Soups and Sauces. Culinary Press.