Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the filling:
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen vegetables. Mix well. Add the cream of chicken soup and milk. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning. Once warmed through and slightly thickened, remove from heat.
Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Make the biscuits:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it out to about 3/4 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out biscuit shapes.
Arrange the biscuits evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
4. Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and cooked through. The filling should be bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Chicken and Biscuit Casserole Description and Background
Chicken and biscuit casserole is a classic comfort food dish that brings together the savory richness of chicken pot pie and the satisfying flakiness of homemade biscuits. It is an excellent choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or any time you want a warm and hearty meal that satisfies without requiring hours of preparation. This casserole is made with a creamy chicken and vegetable filling and is topped with freshly baked biscuits that soak up all the flavorful goodness beneath them.
What makes this dish so beloved is its balance of texture and taste. The filling is smooth, rich, and savory. It combines tender chunks of cooked chicken with mixed vegetables in a thickened sauce made from cream of chicken soup and milk. Onion and garlic add a mild depth of flavor, while seasoning such as thyme or Italian herbs bring a subtle earthy aroma. Each spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for cold days or when you need a feel-good meal.
The biscuit topping, on the other hand, adds an important layer of contrast. Light, fluffy, and slightly crisp on the outside, the biscuits bake right on top of the hot filling in the oven. As they rise and brown, the bottoms absorb the chicken mixture below, becoming tender and infused with flavor, while the tops stay firm and golden. Whether you prefer to scoop a biscuit with every serving or break one open and let it soak, the result is irresistibly satisfying.
Preparing this dish does not require advanced cooking skills or specialty equipment. Most of the ingredients are common pantry or freezer staples, making it an ideal recipe to whip up when you do not have time to plan ahead. Leftover rotisserie chicken works especially well and cuts down on prep time. Frozen mixed vegetables save time on chopping, and canned soup provides a reliable base for the creamy sauce. Even the biscuits can be adapted based on your preferences. If making homemade biscuits is not feasible, refrigerated biscuit dough or biscuit mix can be used instead for a faster alternative.
This casserole can be modified to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter version, low-fat milk and reduced-fat soup can be substituted. You can also adjust the vegetable mix to your liking. Some versions include mushrooms, celery, or even spinach. You can add sharp cheddar cheese to the filling or to the biscuit dough for extra richness. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be sprinkled on top after baking for a pop of freshness.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Some people even enjoy the leftovers cold or at room temperature, as the flavors continue to meld together over time.
In American cuisine, casseroles like this one hold a special place in the heart of home cooking. They are filling, forgiving, and often bring people together around the dinner table. Unlike more formal meals that require plating and courses, casseroles are usually served family-style, encouraging casual conversation and shared comfort. This particular version with biscuits is a twist on the traditional chicken pot pie, removing the pie crust and replacing it with a soft bread topping that is easier to prepare and often more appealing to children and picky eaters.
Making a chicken and biscuit casserole also provides opportunities for creative expression. If you like spice, a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the filling. If you enjoy sweetness, you could use sweet corn and a touch of honey in the biscuits. For a rustic touch, try using whole wheat flour or adding oats to the biscuit dough. Each variation maintains the dish’s core identity while letting you make it your own.
This meal pairs well with light side dishes, such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. Some people enjoy serving it alongside a cold drink like iced tea or lemonade to contrast the warmth and richness of the dish.
In terms of tradition, many families have their own versions of chicken and biscuit casserole, often passed down through generations. Some call it chicken cobbler, others call it biscuit bake, but the essence remains the same: a humble, hearty, and comforting dish that tastes like home.
Whether you are feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or cooking for yourself on a quiet night, chicken and biscuit casserole is a dependable and delicious choice. Its balance of ease, flavor, and versatility ensures that it will remain a staple in kitchens everywhere.