If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful casserole combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce, all topped with golden-baked biscuits that soak up every bit of the rich goodness. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and seconds on their plates, embodying true comfort food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, creating silky texture, or bringing a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Perfect for protein-packed heartiness and a tender texture that melds beautifully with the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing the veggies to bring out their natural sweetness and aroma.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle robust flavor and a nice base for the creamy sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the savory profile.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: Infuses the bake with natural sweetness and a lovely tender bite.
- 1 cup frozen peas: These add a burst of green freshness and slight sweetness, balancing the richness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Key to making a rich roux that forms the silky base of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly for that creamy consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Lends savory depth and a comforting warmth to the creamy mixture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick that lifts the dish without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbaceous note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough: The golden crown of the bake, creating a fluffy, buttery topping.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the vegetable and chicken base
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots, cooking them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness begins to shine through. Then, stir in the frozen peas and shredded chicken, allowing the flavors to mingle and the ingredients to warm through. This step builds the foundational taste and warmth for your creamy bake.
Step 2: Make the creamy sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour quickly to form a smooth roux, and cook it for a minute so it loses its raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, followed by the whole milk. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens into a luscious gravy-like consistency—this will envelop your chicken and veggies with comforting creaminess. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, giving it a savory, aromatic touch.
Step 3: Combine and transfer to baking dish
Pour the freshly made creamy sauce over your chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring everything together until each bite will be rich and flavorful. Transfer this delightful mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to prepare for the biscuit topping. This is where all your hardworking layers come together in one beautiful, bubbling casserole.
Step 4: Top with biscuit dough
Evenly space the refrigerated biscuit dough pieces across the top of your chicken and veggie mixture. These biscuits will bake into golden pillows that perfectly complement the creamy filling underneath. For an extra touch of richness, you can brush them with melted butter before popping the dish into the oven—this elevates texture and adds an inviting shimmer.
Step 5: Bake to golden perfection
Place your assembled bake into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the biscuits to become golden brown and cooked through—that’s your signal the bake is ready to come out. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to let the layers settle beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top of your creamy chicken & biscuit bake recipe adds such a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbaceous brightness that balances the luxurious creaminess perfectly. It’s a simple touch that makes the dish feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This bake is so hearty that it stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. These fresh sides bring brightness and texture contrasts that highlight the creamy, savory bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes, each topped with biscuits. This makes it feel extra personal and special, perfect for serving guests or cozy family dinners. You can also experiment by mixing in your favorite veggies or sprinkling some shredded cheese before baking for added indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers of your Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze the bake before adding the biscuits on top for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the biscuit dough fresh, and bake as usual. This method keeps the biscuits fluffy and fresh while allowing you to plan ahead.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To maintain biscuit texture, reheating in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes is best, so the biscuits regain some of their original crispness and warmth without becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While cooked shredded chicken is best, you can use frozen chicken as long as it’s fully thawed and cooked before adding it to the bake. This ensures safety and optimal texture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and choose dairy-free biscuits to make it friendly for dairy sensitivities.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes, adding grated cheddar or mozzarella to the sauce just before pouring it over the chicken mix can make the bake extra creamy and flavorful. Just stir it in while the sauce is still warm.
What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
No worries—you can use homemade biscuit dough or even puff pastry as a topping. Just keep an eye on baking times as these alternatives might brown faster or slower.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to make the roux and choose gluten-free biscuits. Gluten-free baking powder biscuits will create a wonderful topping just like the original.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe is one of those magical dishes that turns a simple family dinner into a cozy occasion. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight cooking but special enough to impress loved ones. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite as much as I do!
Print
Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Biscuit Bake is a comforting American main course that combines tender shredded chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with golden, flaky biscuit dough. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or family dinner, this dish offers a hearty mix of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Topping
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole once assembled.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cooked shredded chicken, combining evenly with the sautéed vegetables.
- Make the Roux and Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate all flavors.
- Combine Sauce with Chicken Mixture: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Biscuit Topping: Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and place the biscuits evenly spaced on top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using before serving for a fresh flavor and pop of color.
Notes
- For added flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken.
- Brush the biscuits with melted butter before baking to achieve a richer, golden crust.
- You can substitute the canned biscuits with homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
