Creamed chicken over biscuits is a comforting and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy biscuits make it a perfect meal for any occasion.
This classic dish is believed to have originated in the Southern United States in the 19th century. It quickly became a favorite among families, as it was easy to make and could be tailored to individual tastes.
Introduction: Creamed Chicken Over Biscuits
Creamed chicken over biscuits is a classic comfort food dish that combines creamy chicken with fluffy biscuits. It’s a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
The dish has its roots in the American South, where it was originally made with leftover chicken and gravy. Over time, it evolved into a more refined dish, with the chicken being cooked in a creamy sauce and served over biscuits.
Popularity and Variations, Creamed chicken over biscuits
Creamed chicken over biscuits is a popular dish throughout the United States, and there are many different variations on the recipe. Some common variations include:
- Using different types of chicken, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Adding vegetables to the sauce, such as peas, carrots, or celery.
- Using different types of biscuits, such as buttermilk biscuits, drop biscuits, or canned biscuits.
Ingredients and Preparation
Creamed chicken over biscuits is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy chicken filling is rich and flavorful, and the flaky biscuits are the perfect accompaniment.
To make creamed chicken over biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of celery soup
- 1 package (10 count) refrigerated biscuits
Once you have gathered your ingredients, you can follow these steps to prepare creamed chicken over biscuits:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, cream of chicken soup, and cream of celery soup. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through.
- Separate the biscuits into individual biscuits and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the chicken filling over the biscuits.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Here are a few tips for making creamed chicken over biscuits more flavorful or healthier:
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for a little spice.
- Use low-fat milk and cream soups to reduce the fat content.
- Add a cup of cooked peas or corn to the filling for extra vegetables.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving and Presentation
Creamed chicken over biscuits is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its visual appeal and culinary experience.
One classic presentation involves placing a generous scoop of creamed chicken on top of a freshly baked biscuit. The biscuit serves as a sturdy base that soaks up the creamy sauce while providing a contrasting texture to the tender chicken.
For a more elegant presentation, consider arranging the biscuits on a serving platter and topping them with the creamed chicken in a decorative manner.
For a classic and comforting meal, try creamed chicken over biscuits. The creamy, flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the fluffy, buttery biscuits. If you’re looking for a side dish to complement your meal, consider trying balsamic brussel sprouts and bacon . The slightly bitter sprouts and crispy bacon add a delightful balance to the richness of the creamed chicken over biscuits.
Garnishes and Accompaniments
Garnishes and accompaniments play a crucial role in elevating the visual appeal and flavor profile of creamed chicken over biscuits. Here are some suggestions:
- Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbaceous flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty and nutty dimension, enhancing the richness of the dish.
- A drizzle of olive oil or melted butter adds a glossy sheen and a touch of extra richness.
- Accompanying the dish with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, adds a healthy and colorful element.
Visual Appeal
The visual appeal of creamed chicken over biscuits is equally important as its taste. To enhance its presentation:
- Arrange the biscuits on a serving platter in an aesthetically pleasing manner, such as a circle or a star shape.
- Top each biscuit with a generous scoop of creamed chicken, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil to create visual interest.
- Serve the dish immediately to maintain its warmth and freshness.
Nutritional Value and Health Considerations
Creamed chicken over biscuits is a popular dish that offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. However, it’s important to be aware of its nutritional content and potential health implications.
The dish is relatively high in calories, with a serving typically providing around 500-600 calories. It also contains a significant amount of saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.
Health Concerns
- High in calories:Creamed chicken over biscuits is a high-calorie dish, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed regularly.
- High in saturated fat:The dish contains a significant amount of saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- High in sodium:The dish is also high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Health Benefits
- Good source of protein:Creamed chicken over biscuits is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Provides energy:The dish provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy.
- Contains vitamins and minerals:Creamed chicken over biscuits contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
Tips for Making the Dish Healthier
- Use lean chicken:Opt for lean chicken breasts or thighs instead of dark meat, which is higher in fat.
- Reduce the amount of butter:Use less butter when making the cream sauce, or substitute it with a healthier alternative such as olive oil.
- Use whole-wheat biscuits:Choose whole-wheat biscuits instead of white biscuits, as they are higher in fiber and nutrients.
- Add vegetables:Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peas to the cream sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusive Thoughts
Whether you enjoy it as a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, creamed chicken over biscuits is sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, give this classic recipe a try.