There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. For generations, creamed chicken over biscuits has held a special place in the realm of classic comfort food. Evoking memories of grandma’s kitchen and simpler times, this dish is both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. This recipe for Pioneer Woman Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits takes that nostalgic charm and elevates it with fresh flavors and simple techniques, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Creamed Chicken over biscuits on a plate with part of the skillet showing in the background and a glass of water, fork and towel
Creamed chicken over biscuits isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the creamy, savory chicken gravy spooned generously over fluffy, golden biscuits. It’s a dish that transcends trends, offering a timeless appeal that resonates with everyone. Perhaps you remember a similar dish from your childhood, maybe creamed chipped beef over toast or potatoes? This pioneer woman creamed chicken over biscuits recipe captures that same comforting essence but with a flavorful twist.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and adaptability. Forget complicated steps or lengthy cooking times. This dish comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. And while some creamed chicken recipes rely on canned soups, this version boasts a rich, homemade gravy that’s surprisingly easy to create. Using fresh ingredients and a touch of tarragon, this pioneer woman creamed chicken over biscuits recipe becomes a comforting classic with a gourmet touch.
Why This Pioneer Woman Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits Recipe Works
This pioneer woman creamed chicken over biscuits recipe is more than just quick and easy; it’s designed to be a reliable, family-pleasing meal. Here’s why it will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick and Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when time is short, but you crave a home-cooked meal.
- Family Favorite: Creamy, savory, and served over biscuits – what’s not to love? Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish.
- Adaptable and Versatile: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save even more time. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, or serve it over toast, mashed potatoes, or rice for a different twist.
- Homemade Goodness: The creamy gravy is made from scratch, without relying on canned soups, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dish.
- Flavorful Tarragon Infusion: Tarragon adds a subtle anise-like flavor that elevates the creamed chicken, making it taste extra special without being overpowering.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits: Step-by-Step
This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring even novice cooks can create a delicious pioneer woman creamed chicken over biscuits meal.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
- 8 pre-made biscuits (or your favorite homemade biscuit recipe)
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half (whole milk or heavy cream can be substituted)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep:
- If you aren’t using pre-cooked chicken, cook and shred or dice your chicken.
- Dice the onion.
Create the Creamed Chicken:
- Melt butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to brown them too much.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
Cream sauce in a black skillet
- Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form.
- Slowly pour in the half-and-half (or milk/cream), continuing to stir until well combined.
- Increase the heat slightly and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the dried tarragon, frozen peas, and cooked chicken.
- Continue to cook for a few more minutes, until everything is heated through and the peas are tender.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Present and Serve:
Overhead of creamed chicken over biscuits on a plate with part of the skillet, a fork, a glass and a towel around it
- Serve the pioneer woman creamed chicken hot over warm biscuits.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra tarragon, if desired.
Tips and Techniques for Perfect Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits
- Save Time: Utilize rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to drastically cut down on prep time. Pre-made biscuits are also a great shortcut for busy days.
- Creaminess Control: For an extra rich and decadent creamed chicken, use heavy cream. Whole milk will create a lighter gravy, while half-and-half offers a balance.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to your creamed chicken. Sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, or celery would be delicious additions. Add them along with the onions for best results.
- Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have tarragon, you can substitute with dried dill or even a pinch of dried thyme.
- Serving Suggestions: While biscuits are classic, consider serving creamed chicken over toast, mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta for a satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Chicken
Can I use canned biscuits for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned biscuits are a convenient option. You can also use frozen biscuits or your favorite homemade biscuit recipe.
Can I make creamed chicken ahead of time?
The creamed chicken is best served fresh, but you can make it a few hours in advance and gently reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be aware that the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of milk or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency when reheating.
Can I freeze creamed chicken over biscuits?
Freezing cream-based sauces is generally not recommended as the cream can sometimes become grainy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy creamed chicken fresh.
More Comforting Chicken Recipes To Try
If you love the comforting flavors of this pioneer woman creamed chicken over biscuits recipe, you might also enjoy these other creamy and delicious chicken dishes:
- Creamy Garlic Chicken: A quick and flavorful recipe with pan-seared chicken in a rich garlic cream sauce.
- Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken: A zesty and vibrant chicken dish with a creamy cilantro-lime sauce, perfect for weeknights.
- Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken with Cauliflower: A low-carb and flavorful one-pan meal with seared chicken in a creamy lemon-thyme sauce served with cauliflower.
Enjoy the Timeless Comfort of Pioneer Woman Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits
This pioneer woman creamed chicken over biscuits recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic comfort food. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to faces around your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, warm up your skillet, and get ready to experience the simple joy of homemade creamed chicken over biscuits. Your family will thank you!
