Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits

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This Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy evenings. Featuring a creamy chicken filling topped with flaky homemade drop biscuits, it combines classic flavors with simple preparation for a truly satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Chicken Filling:

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 cups Chicken, cooked and shredded
  • 1/2 cup Carrots, diced small
  • 1/2 cup Celery, diced small
  • 1 small Onion, diced small
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Peas, frozen
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Rosemary
  • 1.5 cups Chicken Stock
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 1/4 cup Flour

Drop Biscuits:

  • 2 cups Flour
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 stick Cold Butter
  • 1 cup Milk

Directions

Chicken Filling:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion for 6–7 minutes until tender and translucent.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  3. Melt butter into the mixture, then sprinkle in flour and mix until a paste forms.
  4. Slowly pour in chicken stock, stirring continuously to incorporate the butter-flour mixture. Add milk and bring to a low simmer.
  5. Stir in frozen peas and cooked chicken, then remove from heat. Let the filling rest.

Drop Biscuits:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Cut butter into small cubes and incorporate into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or hands.
  4. Make a well in the center and pour in milk. Mix until a dense dough forms.
  5. Scoop out 7 biscuit portions with a spoon. Place them on top of the chicken filling, arranging around the edges and one in the center.
  6. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and set.
  7. Remove, let cool slightly, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (Approx. 1/6 of the Recipe):

  • Calories: ~450
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 850mg

This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends. Enjoy!

The Origins and Inspiration Behind Chicken and Biscuits

Chicken and biscuits is a classic American dish with roots in Southern cooking. Often served as a casserole, this dish takes inspiration from two beloved staples: chicken pot pie and buttermilk biscuits. It’s a combination that embodies comfort and tradition, offering a complete meal in a single dish.

In this Dutch oven version, the dish is elevated with a rustic, one-pot approach. The Dutch oven’s excellent heat distribution ensures even cooking, while its ability to transition from stovetop to oven simplifies the process. This recipe captures the essence of the original dish while adding a modern touch, making it accessible for today’s home cooks.

Why Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits Stands Out

This recipe is a standout for several reasons:

  1. One-Pot Wonder: Using a Dutch oven minimizes cleanup, making this an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
  2. Rich, Layered Flavors: The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and herbs to meld together beautifully.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: The dish can be easily customized with additional vegetables or seasonings to suit personal preferences.
  4. Perfect Balance: The creamy chicken filling contrasts with the flaky, buttery biscuits, offering a delightful combination of textures.

How to Serve Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, a few thoughtful accompaniments can enhance the dining experience:

  • Fresh Greens: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken filling.
  • Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach make excellent side dishes.
  • Wine Pairing: For a touch of elegance, serve with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Serving this dish straight from the Dutch oven adds a rustic charm to the table and keeps the meal warm throughout dinner.

Tips for Perfecting Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits

Achieving the perfect Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits requires attention to a few key details:

  1. Choose the Right Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid ensures even cooking and moisture retention.
  2. Don’t Skip the Roux: The butter and flour mixture is essential for creating a rich, creamy filling. Stir it well to avoid lumps.
  3. Use Cold Butter for Biscuits: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky biscuits. If the butter melts prematurely, the texture may become dense.
  4. Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
  5. Bake Biscuits Until Golden: A golden-brown crust is the hallmark of perfectly baked biscuits. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Creative Variations to Try

Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Here are some ideas:

  1. Vegetable Medley: Add mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans for more variety.
  2. Cheesy Biscuits: Mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the biscuit dough for an extra layer of flavor.
  3. Herbed Filling: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage for added freshness.
  4. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the filling for a subtle heat.
  5. Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk and broth, and substitute some of the butter in the biscuits with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.

Occasions to Serve Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits

This dish’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions:

  1. Family Dinners: A comforting meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
  2. Weekend Gatherings: Its hearty nature makes it ideal for serving a crowd.
  3. Holiday Comfort: Incorporate it into your holiday meal plan as a satisfying alternative to more traditional dishes.
  4. Meal Prep: Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble with biscuits just before baking for an easy, make-ahead option.

The Benefits of Cooking with a Dutch Oven

The Dutch oven is an invaluable tool in any kitchen, particularly for recipes like this one. Its heavy construction and tight-fitting lid ensure even heat distribution and moisture retention, resulting in perfectly cooked meals every time.

For this recipe, the Dutch oven’s versatility allows you to sauté, simmer, and bake all in the same pot. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors by deglazing the pot after browning the vegetables and chicken.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the filling (without biscuits) for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and top with freshly made biscuits before baking.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent the biscuits from drying out.

Conclusion: A Dish That Brings Warmth and Joy

Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to your table. From the creamy, herb-infused chicken filling to the golden, flaky biscuits, every bite is a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients prepared with care.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, offering a combination of nostalgia, flavor, and practicality. Its one-pot convenience and versatile nature make it a must-have recipe in any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Dutch Oven Chicken and Biscuits is sure to leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds.

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