When it comes to biscuits and gravy, nothing beats the homemade scratch version. I get it, you might have heard that this dish is reserved for southern kitchens, but trust me, you can totally make just as good biscuits right in your own kitchen, no special southern touch is required. I pour over a creamy, savory chicken gravy, full of tender shredded chicken and fresh veggies. Just real ingredients that come together in a rich way.
Cooking from scratch in a small kitchen isn’t as hard as it sounds. I buy ingredients in bulk, and the same cream I use for gravy works wonders in many other dishes, too. You’ll see it’s worth it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Gravy
Yummy Chicken Gravy
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shredded cooked chicken: No need to cook extra chicken; just use what you have on hand!
- Butter: Because everything’s better with butter, right? This adds richness to the gravy.
- Flour: This is used to thicken up the gravy to that perfect, smooth consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds that savory depth of flavor. Use a low-sodium version if you want to control the salt.
- Milk or cream: To make the gravy nice and creamy. Use milk cream for a lighter texture or extra indulgence.
- Onion, garlic, thyme, black pepper: These are your key seasonings to add flavor to the dish. Fresh garlic and thyme really take this gravy to the favorite one.
For the Biscuits
Chicken Biscuits
Here’s what you’ll need to make them
- All-purpose flour – This is your base. It gives the structure and texture of the biscuit.
- Baking powder – The key to making these biscuits rise beautifully, light, and fluffy.
- Salt – A pinch of salt to balance the flavors and enhance the richness.
- Cold butter – Cold butter is for flaky layers. Don’t skip this step!
- Buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice sub) – Buttermilk makes the biscuits tender and adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a bit of lemon juice.
How to Make Chicken Biscuits and Gravy
Step 1 – Prep the Biscuits
Follow these steps:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This gives your biscuits the right foundation.
- Cut in butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the cold butter into the dry ingredients. You want the butter to break into small, pea-sized pieces. This creates the layers for that flaky texture.
- Add buttermilk: Pour in your buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice). Gently mix it in until the dough comes together. You don’t want to overwork it—just enough to combine.
- Cut and bake: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gently pat it into a rectangle, and fold it a couple of times to create layers. Then, cut out your biscuits using a round cutter (or a glass). Pop them onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
Step 2 – Make the Chicken Gravy
Here is what’s included in this:
- Sauté onion + garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little butter or oil and cook the diced onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. This base adds deep flavor to the gravy.
- Add butter and flour (roux): Stir in the remaining butter, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for a minute or two until it forms a smooth paste this is your roux, and it thickens the gravy.
- Slowly add broth + milk: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk or cream. Keep whisking to avoid lumps and bring it all together into a silky sauce.
- Stir in chicken + seasonings: Fold in the shredded chicken along with thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let it all warm through.
- Simmer until thickened: Let the gravy bubble gently for a few minutes, stirring now and then until it reaches a thick, spoon-coating consistency.
Step 3 – Assemble and Serve
Chicken Biscuits and Gravy Serving
Split those warm, golden biscuits right down the center. They should steam when you open them like a cozy kitchen hug.
Spoon the hot chicken gravy generously over each half. Let it soak in a little, that’s the good part.
Top with chopped parsley or thyme if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot, and don’t be shy within seconds.
Gravy Tips & Troubleshooting
Too thick? Thin it with a little broth or milk. Too thin? Let it simmer longer or stir in a flour slurry.
- If the flavor feels flat, try a splash of Dijon mustard or hot sauce. Just a touch makes it pop.
- Gravy clumping? Whisk it hard while it’s heating. No shortcuts there.=
Can You Use Canned Biscuits or Gravy Mix?
Yes. When time’s tight, semi-homemade is fair game and still tasty.
- Canned biscuits? Totally fine. Just brush them with butter before baking for that homemade vibe.
- Boxed gravy? Add sautéed onions or garlic, maybe toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken. Big upgrade with little effort.
Serving Ideas
This dish is rich, so balance matters. Add color, crunch, or a fresh twist on the side.
- Serve with roasted veggies green beans or Brussels.
- Top with a fried egg and call it brunch.
- Pour sweet tea, slice some fruit, and you’ve got a full Southern spread.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Want to prep ahead? Easy. Just keep components separate.
- Gravy keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat low and slow with a splash of broth.
- Bake biscuits ahead and freeze. Warm them up straight from the freezer just add 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Don’t assemble too early. The key to crisp biscuits? Add the gravy right before serving.
Variations to Try
Make it your own with these easy swaps and add-ons.
- Like heat? Stir cayenne or hot sauce into the gravy.
- Southern-style? Mix ground sausage and shredded chicken for double flavor.
- Swap regular biscuits for cheddar ones. Adds a sharp, cheesy kick.
- Toss peas or carrots into the gravy. It’s like a shortcut pot pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting and cozy:
- This dish is the definition of comfort food. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or gathering the family for a hearty meal, it’s sure to warm your soul. The rich, savory flavors wrap around you like a cozy blanket.
Weeknight easy, weekend worthy:
It’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but has that special touch for weekend dinners or when guests are over. Plus, with a little prep ahead of time, you’ll always be ready to serve something satisfying.
Budget-friendly ingredients:
- No need to splurge on fancy ingredients. This recipe uses simple, affordable items you likely already have in your pantry. Great flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Great for leftovers or meal prep:
Make a double batch and enjoy the convenience of leftovers. The gravy and biscuits hold up well in the fridge and make the perfect easy meal for the next day—or even as a freezer-friendly meal for later. Save time and money with this simple, comforting recipe.
Versatile for all taste buds:
Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or with extra veggies, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. It’s all about making it your comfort food.
Final Thoughts – Classic Comfort, Your Way
This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about bringing people together over a plate of something warm and familiar. It’s a perfect base to make your own whether you stick to the classic or add a personal touch. Maybe it’s a little spice, a veggie twist, or a side you love. Whatever you choose, it’s a recipe that fits into your life, making each bite as comforting as the last.
Take a moment to experiment and share your own version. Is there an ingredient you like to sneak in, or a shortcut that makes it easier? Drop your twist in the comments, I’d love to see how you make this your own and how it becomes part of your family’s traditions.
Let’s build a community of comfort food lovers! Share photos of your creations, ask questions, and get inspired by others. You never know what new twist you’ll discover by learning from the community.
Want more cozy, filling meals? Check out my Pot Roast Recipe it’s another comfort food classic that’s perfect for dinners.
FAQs
Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a perfect shortcut and still delivers tons of flavor.
What’s the best flour for biscuits?
All-purpose works great. Just make sure not to overmix.
Can I freeze the gravy?
Yes cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter + milk, and thicken with broth and flour.