Gather around, everyone! This Traditional Chicken and Biscuit Bake is comfort food at its finest. It's the kind of dish that warms your soul and fills your home with the most enticing aromas. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you're just craving something hearty.
Chicken breasts provide the lean protein base, absorbing the flavors of herbs and spices beautifully. Carrots and peas add a sweet, earthy balance to the savory mix, while onions offer depth and aroma. The butter creates a rich roux with the flour, thickening the sauce to a creamy consistency. Chicken broth and milk form the luscious sauce base, enhanced by a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and dried thyme for a hint of herbaceousness. For the biscuits, a combination of flour, baking powder, and salt ensures they rise to fluffy perfection, while chilled butter guarantees a tender crumb. A splash of milk brings it all together.
This dish is a meal in itself, but a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the rich, creamy bake beautifully. A side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also pairs well.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for a perfectly golden bake. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and peas and sauté them until tender – about 5 minutes should do it. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, and that's when you know you're on the right track!
Next, toss in the cubed chicken pieces. Cook them until they're browned on all sides, locking in juices and flavor. Once the chicken is browned, sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir it constantly for about a minute, which helps thicken the sauce.
Gently whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Keep stirring as the mixture comes to a simmer. At this point, season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
Transfer this savory concoction to a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the biscuits. Cut in the chilled butter until you've got a texture like coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until a dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Pop it all into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The biscuits should be golden brown and fluffy, a perfect topper for your flavorful chicken base.