If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate, you absolutely need to try this Creamy Chicken and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender ground chicken seasoned to perfection, sweet and vibrant vegetables, and a rich, velvety sauce, all topped with fluffy, cheesy biscuits that bake to golden perfection. Each bite is a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors that will quickly make this recipe a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole Recipe lies in its thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component is simple but crucial, contributing to a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make the dish irresistible.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken and vegetables for added flavor.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The hearty protein base that keeps the casserole light yet satisfying.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage: Adds a fragrant, earthy note that enhances the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mellow heat and depth.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Infuses a sweet and savory aroma while softening beautifully when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a robust and aromatic punch.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 stalks celery, sliced: Provides subtle crunch and an herby freshness.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Brings bursts of sweetness and a pop of bright yellow.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base for the sauce, enriching every bite.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided: Used in the biscuit topping and sauce for extra richness.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Keeps the biscuit topping tender and tangy.
- â…” cup all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient for fluffy biscuit topping.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the biscuits rise and stay light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the biscuit’s flavors.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the biscuits.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle warmth in the biscuit topping.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the biscuit topping adding a sharp, cheesy flavor.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables
Start by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic. Getting your vegetables ready upfront makes the cooking process smooth and keeps your flavors fresh and vibrant.
Step 2: Brown Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and season it with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sage. Resist the urge to stir frequently—allow the chicken to brown properly on one side before flipping. This browning creates rich flavor layers. Once cooked through, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon, leaving any flavorful fat behind. If the pan is dry, add another tablespoon of butter.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft. Then add carrots, celery, corn, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the veggies cook for about five minutes until the carrots start to soften. This combination builds a wonderful base of sweetness and texture beneath the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make Sauce
Break the browned chicken into smaller pieces and return it to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking for around two minutes to form a roux. This thickens the sauce beautifully and coats the chicken and veggies. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom—this adds incredible depth. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Assemble Casserole
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This filling will soon be topped with a biscuit blanket that bakes to cheesy, golden perfection.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Make Biscuit Topping
Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Toss the shredded cheddar cheese into the dry mix, coating it evenly to distribute cheesy goodness throughout the biscuits. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir it into the buttermilk, then fold this wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be a little lumpy, promising tender, fluffy biscuits.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter evenly over the chicken mixture. Don’t worry if some of the savory filling shows through; those crispy edges are a bonus! Bake the entire casserole for about 25 minutes or until the biscuits are puffed, golden, and deliciously cheesy on top.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Right before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the casserole. The vibrant green will brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note that contrasts nicely with the creamy base and cheesy topping.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider light, crisp sides like a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also complement the creamy richness beautifully without adding heaviness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Chicken and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins. This makes for charming, personalized servings perfect for dinners where presentation matters. You can even add a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra flavor kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy meals throughout the week. The biscuits soak up the sauce overnight, so the flavor only deepens.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking for an effortless future meal. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen—just extend the baking time until bubbly and the biscuit topping turns golden.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or place the whole casserole in a 350°F oven with foil on top to prevent the biscuits from drying out. Heat until warmed through and bubbly, refreshing the creamy comforts of the original bake.
FAQs
Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken will also work wonderfully, giving a different texture but all the same delicious flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if the chicken is leftover or already cooked.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in the biscuit topping?
If you don’t have buttermilk, no worries! Simply combine regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it works just like buttermilk in tenderizing the biscuits.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Creamy Chicken and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole Recipe is ideal for meal prep since it reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Feel free! Peas, mushrooms, or even spinach would be tasty additions. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so all vegetables are tender before assembling the casserole.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the filling. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the biscuit batter for a surprising twist.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole Recipe is such a heartwarming crowd-pleaser that it quickly becomes a staple once you try it. Its mix of savory chicken, sweet veggies, and cheesy biscuit topping is an unbeatable combo that’s sure to bring smiles to your dinner table. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite!
