Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, blending creamy textures and hearty ingredients in a single, easy-to-make dish. With its classic Southern roots, this casserole evokes a sense of home-cooked warmth, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. The creamy chicken base, savory cheddar cheese, and golden, fluffy biscuits make it a dish loved by both kids and adults alike. Its rich flavors and satisfying portions make it ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing as a meal that keeps well for leftovers.

This casserole’s versatility shines through; it can be adapted to fit different occasions, from busy weeknights when time is tight to more relaxed weekends where you can add extra touches like herbs or different vegetables. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or starting fresh, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients Breakdown

The success of Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Casserole comes down to its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at each one:

Chicken: Whether you use shredded, diced, or leftover chicken, this dish offers flexibility. Rotisserie chicken can be a time-saver, while home-cooked chicken breast or thighs can be seasoned for extra flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: A pantry staple that creates the creamy base for the casserole. For a healthier option, you can use low-sodium or make a homemade version using broth, cream, and flour.
Mayonnaise: This may seem unconventional, but it enhances the dish’s creaminess and adds a slight tang that balances the richness. You could also substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Roasted Red Pepper: These add a sweet, smoky flavor to the casserole, providing color and depth. You could also use fresh peppers or even mushrooms for more variety.
Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a more intense flavor.
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Convenient and easy, store-bought biscuits save time and offer a flaky, tender topping. If you prefer homemade biscuits, they can be substituted for an even more personal touch.

Preparation Steps Explained

Creating the perfect Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Casserole begins with proper preparation. Following these steps ensures a smooth cooking process and a delicious final dish.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, grease the bottom and sides of a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and results in easier serving and cleanup.
Sautéing the Onion: In a medium skillet, heat 1 ½ tsp butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic or sautéing in olive oil. You could even add a pinch of thyme or smoked paprika to enhance the aroma.
Combining Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, and roasted red peppers. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed. If the mixture seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more milk. To customize the dish, this is where you can incorporate other vegetables like peas, corn, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Exploring Variations: Consider adding herbs such as parsley or thyme, which complement the creamy base. For a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce can give the dish a little extra heat. Peas or diced carrots can also be mixed in for added color and nutrition, offering a more balanced casserole.

Assembling the Casserole

The assembly is straightforward and ensures even cooking and great texture.

Pouring the Chicken Mixture: Once the ingredients are combined, pour the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Baking the Mixture: Bake the chicken mixture in the preheated oven for 15 minutes before adding the biscuits. This partial bake ensures that the base is hot and begins to set, creating a more structured casserole that won’t turn soupy. The chicken filling should be bubbling slightly, and the surface may have a slight crust, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
Visual and Texture Expectations: When removing the casserole from the oven after this first bake, the chicken mixture should have thickened slightly and begun to develop a bubbly surface. The aroma of the chicken and spices should fill your kitchen, signaling the dish is halfway to perfection.

Adding Cheese and Biscuits

The cheese and biscuit topping adds richness and texture to the casserole.

Layering the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot chicken mixture. The cheese helps create a creamy, gooey layer between the chicken and biscuits, adding extra flavor.
Arranging the Biscuits: Place the refrigerated biscuit dough evenly on top of the cheese. To ensure they cook properly, leave some space between each biscuit. Avoid overcrowding, as this allows the biscuits to rise fully and become golden brown.
Sprinkling the Remaining Cheese: Finish with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese sprinkled on top of the biscuits. For added flavor, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the top for a burst of color and freshness. You can also add a light dusting of paprika for a touch of warmth and color.

Final Baking and Serving

The final stage of baking brings the casserole together beautifully.

Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The biscuits should puff up, creating a flaky and tender topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken base.
Visual Cues: Check for visual cues like golden-brown biscuits and bubbling cheese around the edges of the dish. If the biscuits are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Serving Tips: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve without the casserole falling apart. Serve it hot alongside simple sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each serving of Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Casserole can be expected to contain approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. It provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, including around 25-30g of protein from the chicken, 20-25g of carbohydrates from the biscuits, and 18-22g of fat due to the mayonnaise, cheese, and cream of chicken soup.

To lighten the recipe, consider using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of the traditional mayonnaise, which reduces fat without sacrificing creaminess. Using reduced-fat cheese or a lower-calorie cream of chicken soup can further cut calories. For those seeking dairy alternatives, opt for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk.

Adding extra vegetables such as peas, spinach, or mushrooms increases the fiber content and adds bulk without significantly raising the calorie count. Swapping regular biscuit dough for whole-grain versions or using fewer biscuits can make the dish more nutrient-dense and heart-healthy.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

This casserole is highly adaptable, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs and flavor preferences.

For dietary restrictions: If you’re gluten intolerant, there are excellent gluten-free biscuit dough options available, or you can make gluten-free biscuits from scratch. Dairy-free cheese and milk substitutes like almond or soy milk can be used without sacrificing creaminess. You can also make a homemade dairy-free cream of chicken soup using vegetable broth and coconut milk.
Flavor twists: To add a smoky flavor, try incorporating smoked paprika into the chicken mixture. Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary add earthy notes that enhance the dish’s richness. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Alternative proteins: While chicken is the classic choice, turkey or ham can be substituted for a delicious variation. Both proteins work well with the creamy base and cheddar cheese. For a beef alternative, use cooked ground beef or shredded beef brisket for a heartier option.
Vegetarian version: For a meat-free option, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as diced potatoes, carrots, or plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu. The casserole will still be hearty, creamy, and satisfying without the meat.

Tips for Leftovers and Reheating

Properly storing leftovers will help maintain the casserole’s flavor and texture. Once the casserole has cooled completely, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the biscuits. Adding a little extra cheese or a dash of milk before reheating helps to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use homemade biscuits instead of store-bought?
Yes! Homemade biscuits offer a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste preferences. You can use your favorite recipe to create fluffy, buttery biscuits that complement the creamy chicken filling. The dough can be shaped and placed on the casserole just like store-bought biscuits.
Can I freeze the casserole before or after baking?
Absolutely. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole as instructed but stop before adding the biscuits. Freeze the chicken mixture and then add fresh biscuit dough just before baking. If freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
While mild cheddar is a popular choice, you can experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella offers a milder, creamier texture, while Monterey Jack or Gouda adds a subtle smokiness. Sharp cheddar gives a stronger, tangier flavor if you prefer something bolder.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Assemble the chicken mixture, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the biscuits and cheese and follow the rest of the baking instructions.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that brings a warm, home-cooked feel to any meal. With its creamy chicken base and buttery biscuits, this casserole is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or preparing ahead for a weekend family dinner, its simplicity and hearty appeal make it a go-to dish.

Experiment with the ingredients, try out different variations, and make it your own. The recipe is forgiving and flexible, allowing you to explore new flavors while keeping the comforting essence of this classic casserole intact. Give it a try, and see how it becomes a family favorite!

Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Casserole

Author: Christine

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and golden biscuits in one delicious meal. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. With a simple mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this dish is as easy to make as it is satisfying. The casserole combines creamy chicken with a rich layer of melted cheese, topped with flaky biscuits that are baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ tsp butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 pounds cooked chicken, cut or shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup milk
½ cup roasted red pepper, chopped
1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the Dish: Grease the bottom and sides of a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Sauté the Onion: In a skillet, heat 1 ½ tsp butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, and chopped roasted red pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Add Cheese and Biscuits: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, then arrange the biscuits on top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the biscuits.
Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot.

Notes

For Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken. Just shred or dice it and mix it in!
Customizable: Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or carrots for additional flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Alternatives: While mild cheddar is recommended, other cheeses such as mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack can be used to switch up the flavor.
Biscuit Dough: If you prefer homemade biscuits, simply prepare your favorite biscuit recipe and place them on top of the casserole before the final bake.