In the realm of comforting and hearty family dinners, the Chicken and Biscuits Casserole stands out as a classic that never fails to please. This delectable dish combines the savory goodness of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and golden-brown biscuits. Perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck gathering, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. In this article, we’ll delve into the ingredients, preparation steps, and explore some customizable variations to make this dish your own.
Ingredients: To embark on the journey of creating this mouthwatering Chicken and Biscuits Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 small onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
- 2 lbs chopped cooked chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pimiento or sautéed red bell peppers or jarred roasted red pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (or more if you’re a pea enthusiast)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- Refrigerated biscuits
Preparation: Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delightful casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and achieves that golden perfection.
- Grease Baking Dish: Grease the bottom and sides of an 11×7 inch baking dish or a 10-inch quiche dish. This step ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick and facilitates easy serving.
- Prepare Onion: Chop the small onion finely. In a small nonstick skillet, heat the butter and sauté the chopped onion until tender. This brings a rich and aromatic flavor to the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked onion, cream of chicken soup, chopped chicken, milk, pimiento (or sautéed red bell peppers or jarred roasted red pepper), and mayonnaise. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Bake Initial Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking sets the foundation for the layers of flavors to come.
- Cheese Layer: After the initial baking, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese evenly over the baked mixture. This adds a cheesy richness to the casserole.
- Biscuit Arrangement: Arrange the refrigerated biscuits decoratively in a single layer on top of the cheese-covered mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese over the biscuits for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the biscuits turn golden brown, and the sauce becomes bubbly. This usually takes about 20 minutes, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Chicken and Biscuits Casserole is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the warmth of home-cooked meals and the satisfaction of a well-balanced dish. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and the delightful surprise of golden-brown biscuits, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that caters to both comfort food enthusiasts and those seeking a memorable family dinner. Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking, perhaps by incorporating green peas or green beans, as suggested by some who have experienced and loved this delightful dish. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and treat your loved ones to a memorable dining experience with this savory delight.