Chicken Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of tender, fluffy biscuits and rich, creamy chicken gravy. Chicken biscuits and gravy is a Southern classic that brings warmth and comfort to the table, making it a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. It’s a dish that many of us associate with family gatherings or Sunday mornings, filled with laughter and the aroma of freshly baked biscuits.

This recipe is perfect for all levels of cooks—whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick meal, a student experimenting in the kitchen, or a food enthusiast eager to explore new flavors. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making homemade chicken gravy and biscuits from scratch. Plus, we’ll share variations and tips to help you personalize the dish to your tastes.

Why Chicken Biscuits and Gravy Is a Classic Comfort Food

The origins of chicken biscuits and gravy can be traced back to early American settlers who relied on simple ingredients to create filling meals. What started as a humble dish soon became a Southern staple, enjoyed across generations for its hearty, comforting qualities.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the combination of creamy, savory gravy and soft, flaky biscuits. The texture of the biscuits soaks up the rich gravy, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include variations like creamed chicken and biscuits or chicken and biscuit casserole, offering something for everyone.

This dish has also adapted to the needs of busy families. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or customize the gravy with your favorite vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or celery. Whether served for breakfast or dinner, this meal is a go-to comfort food that brings people together around the table.

Versatility of the Dish

One of the great things about chicken biscuits and gravy is how versatile it can be. While it’s a Southern staple, it can easily be adapted to fit different meal occasions:

• Breakfast: Pair it with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a hearty start to your day.
• Brunch: Add some sautéed greens or a light salad on the side to balance out the richness of the gravy.
• Dinner: Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad for a comforting evening meal.

You can also adapt this recipe to different dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in the gravy and gluten-free biscuits. Want a lighter version? Opt for low-fat milk in the gravy and serve the biscuits with a side of steamed vegetables to keep things balanced.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. By organizing your ingredients ahead of time, you can save a lot of stress in the kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or 1 teaspoon lemon juice mixed with milk)
• Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor

For the Chicken Gravy:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup half-and-half or milk
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or tarragon (optional)
• Optional: Peas, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture

Substitutions:

• Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or even leftover chicken from a previous meal.
• Biscuits: If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made biscuit dough or frozen biscuits for a quicker version.
• Herbs: If you prefer a more herby flavor, you can add a bit of fresh thyme, tarragon, or even dill.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste. The beauty of chicken biscuits and gravy is how customizable it is!

How to Make Chicken Biscuits and Gravy

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s get started on making this delicious dish. Follow these steps for perfectly baked biscuits and smooth, creamy gravy.

Step 1: Preparing the Biscuits

Homemade biscuits might sound intimidating, but they’re actually quite simple to make. The key is to keep the butter cold and not overwork the dough.

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). A hot oven ensures that the biscuits will rise and develop a golden, crispy exterior.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important that the butter stays cold, as this creates those flaky layers in the biscuits.
4. Add the buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the biscuits tough.
5. Shape the biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits.
6. Bake: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

If you’re in a hurry or don’t have time to make biscuits from scratch, consider trying Quick and fluffy dinner rolls without yeast as an alternative. These rolls can be made in less time and still offer that soft, delicious base for the gravy.

Step 2: Making the Chicken Gravy

The gravy is the heart of this dish—creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken. Here’s how to make it from scratch:

1. Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour: Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the flour is golden brown.
3. Add the liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the half-and-half or milk.
4. Simmer the gravy: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking to the pan.
5. Season and add the chicken: Stir in the salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Then fold in the shredded chicken. If you want to add vegetables like peas or carrots, now is the time!
6. Adjust the consistency: If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer until it thickens to your liking.

For more detailed tips on making the perfect gravy, take a look at this guide on How to make gravy from scratch.

Step 3: Combining the Biscuits and Gravy

Once your biscuits and gravy are ready, it’s time to bring it all together for the ultimate comfort food experience:

1. Plate the biscuits: Split open your warm, flaky biscuits and arrange them on a plate.
2. Ladle the gravy: Spoon the rich, creamy chicken gravy over the biscuits, letting it seep into every crack and crevice.
3. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while everything is warm.

For a fun twist, you could also serve the gravy over sourdough bread instead of biscuits. It’s a creative way to enjoy this classic dish—check out Delicious sourdough bread sandwich ideas for more inspiration.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ons

One of the best things about chicken biscuits and gravy is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you can try to switch things up:

• Creamed Chicken and Biscuits: Swap out the traditional gravy for a creamier version by using heavy cream or adding a dollop of sour cream. This gives the dish an even richer, silkier texture.
• Chicken Biscuit Casserole: For a crowd-pleasing casserole, layer the shredded chicken and gravy in a baking dish, then top with unbaked biscuits. Bake until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. This is a great option for potlucks or family dinners.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flour for both the biscuits and the gravy. You can also substitute cornstarch for flour as a thickener in the gravy.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

If you’re in a time crunch, you can use rotisserie chicken for the gravy. It’s an excellent way to save time while still getting great flavor. You can find more tips and ideas for using rotisserie chicken in Easy recipes with rotisserie chicken.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, here are a few side dishes that pair beautifully with chicken biscuits and gravy:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try serving roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans on the side for a well-rounded meal.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the gravy.
• Sautéed Greens: Spinach, kale, or collard greens add a healthy, flavorful touch to this dish.

For breakfast or brunch, you can also serve the gravy with scrambled eggs or bacon for an extra hearty meal. If you’re looking for a twist on the classic, check out our guide on Delicious sourdough bread sandwich ideas.

Tips for Success

• Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is the secret to flaky biscuits. You can even chill your flour in the fridge for a few minutes before mixing.
• Don’t overmix the dough: When making biscuits, handle the dough as little as possible to keep the biscuits light and tender.
• Whisk the gravy constantly: To avoid lumps in the gravy, whisk the flour and butter mixture thoroughly before adding the liquids. Once you start adding the broth, continue whisking until smooth.
• Use a cast iron skillet: If you have one, cook the gravy in a cast iron skillet. It distributes heat evenly and adds a rich flavor to the gravy.

Storage and Meal Prep

Here’s how to store any leftovers and make the most of your meal prep time:

• Storage: Biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The gravy should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the gravy on the stove over medium heat, adding a little milk or chicken broth to loosen it up if necessary. Biscuits can be reheated in a low oven (300°F) until warm.
• Freezing: Biscuits can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, cream-based gravy doesn’t freeze well, as the dairy tends to separate when reheated. It’s best to freeze the biscuits and make fresh gravy when you’re ready to serve.

For easy meal prep, consider making the gravy ahead of time and refrigerating it. You can also make the biscuit dough in advance and freeze it. This way, you can pop a few biscuits into the oven whenever you’re ready for a comforting meal.

FAQs About Chicken Biscuits and Gravy

1. Can I make the gravy without flour? Yes, you can use cornstarch as a gluten-free thickener. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then add it to the gravy as it simmers.
2. Can I use canned biscuits? Definitely! Canned biscuits are a quick and easy alternative to homemade biscuits.
3. What are some healthier options? To lighten up the dish, use skim milk or almond milk in the gravy and serve it with whole-grain biscuits. You can also try a Healthy grilled chicken wrap for a lower-calorie alternative.
4. Can I add vegetables to the gravy? Yes, peas, carrots, and mushrooms are all great additions to the chicken gravy. They add flavor, texture, and nutrition.
5. How do I keep biscuits from getting soggy under the gravy? Serve the gravy on the side or spoon it over the biscuits just before eating to keep the biscuits from getting soggy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving of chicken biscuits and gravy:

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 22-25g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 22g

If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat milk or almond milk in the gravy, and make smaller biscuits to reduce calories.

Other Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love these other comfort food classics:

• Quick and fluffy dinner rolls without yeast – A perfect pairing for any gravy-based dish.
• Delicious sourdough bread sandwich ideas – For when you want to switch up your breakfast or brunch routine.

Conclusion

Chicken biscuits and gravy is a timeless comfort food that brings a little bit of Southern charm into your home. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table. With its flaky biscuits and rich, creamy gravy, it’s a meal that warms both the heart and the stomach.

So, grab your apron and give this recipe a try. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore one of the variations, I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments, and let me know how you made this recipe your own!

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between chicken gravy and regular gravy? Chicken gravy is typically made with chicken broth, while regular gravy may use beef or vegetable broth.
2. Can I freeze chicken biscuits and gravy? The biscuits can be frozen, but it’s best to make the gravy fresh, as cream-based sauces don’t freeze well.
3. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in both the biscuits and gravy for a gluten-free version.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
5. What’s the best way to reheat biscuits? Reheat biscuits in the oven at 300°F until warm. This will help them retain their flaky texture.