Comforting Chicken and Biscuit Casserole 🍗🥐

This hearty, soul-warming dish is a classic favorite for cozy family dinners. With a creamy chicken filling and fluffy biscuit topping, it’s a delicious way to use leftover chicken or simply to enjoy a comforting meal. Perfect for chilly nights or gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe. Serve it warm with a side salad for a complete meal! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the chicken filling

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped baby carrots
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10 ounces) peas, drained
• 4 cups diced, cooked chicken

For the biscuit topping

• 2 cups buttermilk baking mix
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2/3 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until tender.

   🥄 Stirring is key! Make sure the vegetables soften evenly for maximum flavor.

3. Mix in the flour, sugar, salt, dried basil, and black pepper. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil while constantly stirring. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, then reduce the heat and mix in the peas, simmering for 5 minutes. Finally, blend in the cooked chicken.

4. Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.

5. In a medium bowl, combine the baking mix and 2 teaspoons dried basil. Stir in the milk until a dough forms.

   🥖 If the dough is too sticky, add a little more baking mix until it reaches a manageable consistency.

6. Divide the dough into 6 to 8 balls. On floured wax paper, flatten each ball into a circular shape and place them on top of the chicken mixture.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

   🔥 A little tip: If your biscuits look golden brown to you, feel free to check if it's done a few minutes early to prevent overbaking!

8. Serve warm by spooning the chicken mixture over the fluffy biscuits.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for a delicious veggie casserole. 🍄🌱
• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling before baking for a spicy twist! 🌶️
• Herb-infused biscuits: Mix in fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the biscuit dough for an aromatic enhancement. 🌿
• One-pot wonder: Combine the chicken filling and biscuit topping in a single pot before baking, which makes for easier cleanup!

Enjoy this warm, hearty casserole that's bound to make everyone feel right at home! 🍽️❤️