Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Fluffy Biscuits: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, warm casserole to bring comfort to the table, and this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole stands out as a true family favorite. Imagine a rich, creamy gravy, packed with tender chicken and a medley of colorful vegetables, all bubbling under a golden-brown topping of homemade biscuits. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of pure comfort, reimagined for ultimate ease and flavor. Forget complicated pie crusts and store-bought shortcuts – we’re making this classic from scratch, but with smart strategies that keep it incredibly simple and quick to prepare.
Our unique take on the traditional chicken pot pie transforms it into an effortless casserole, where flaky, buttery biscuits replace the usual pie crust. These biscuits puff up beautifully as they bake, soaking in the delectable gravy to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture reminiscent of chicken and dumplings. Loaded with sweet corn, garden peas, hearty chicken, and crisp green beans, this creamy biscuit casserole is a wholesome and satisfying dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a meal that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in a flash!
Why This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a Must-Try
Creamy casseroles hold a special place in our hearts, and clearly, in the hearts of many of our readers! Recipes like our highly-rated Creamy Spinach Chicken and Creamy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms consistently receive rave reviews. This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole takes that love for creamy, comforting dishes to a new level, offering all the beloved flavors of chicken pot pie in an even more convenient format.
This dish is essentially a deconstructed chicken pot pie, baked together in a single casserole dish. By using fluffy biscuit dough for the topping, we eliminate the fuss of rolling out pie crusts while still achieving that satisfying bread-like element. The biscuits, as they bake, absorb some of the rich, savory gravy, becoming incredibly soft on the inside with a delightful golden crunch on top. This creates a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that makes every bite truly exceptional. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional chicken pot pie, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort without the lengthy preparation. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in our household – a true keeper!
Effortless Scratch Cooking: Smart Shortcuts for Your Kitchen
The beauty of this easy homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole lies in its simplicity. Many people assume “from scratch” means hard work and hours in the kitchen, but we’re here to prove that wrong. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing you to whip up a delicious, wholesome meal even on your busiest days. In fact, you can easily prepare a double batch in under 30 minutes! The secret lies in a few clever shortcuts that ensure fresh, homemade taste without compromise.
One of our favorite time-savers is having a stash of homemade freezer biscuits readily available. Preparing a large batch of biscuit dough ahead of time and freezing it allows you to pull out exactly what you need whenever a casserole craving strikes. Similarly, keeping bags of frozen vegetables, like freezer corn or mixed vegetables, on hand makes adding wholesome goodness to your meals incredibly convenient. You can also easily create your own chicken broth from bullion granules and water, ensuring a flavorful base without needing to buy canned broth every time. These simple steps ensure that you can enjoy the unparalleled taste of homemade comfort food, even when time is of the essence. And remember, while chicken adds a lovely protein, the robust flavor of the homemade gravy is so good that you can even omit the chicken entirely for a delicious vegetarian option!
The Genius of Biscuit Scraps (or Store-Bought Alternatives)
This chicken pot pie casserole recipe actually originated from a desire to minimize food waste – specifically, to utilize biscuit scraps! If you frequently bake homemade biscuits, you know that re-rolling the dough multiple times can result in tougher, less fluffy biscuits. Instead of discarding these delicate scraps, this casserole provides a brilliant solution, transforming them into delicious, bite-sized morsels of joy. The softer, less structured scraps are perfect for absorbing the creamy gravy, baking up into airy, dumpling-like pieces that are simply irresistible.
While we highly recommend using homemade biscuit dough (or even your saved biscuit scraps!) for that unbeatable flavor and texture, we understand that convenience sometimes calls. You can certainly opt for store-bought biscuit dough, like Pillsbury, or even crescent rolls. However, we truly believe that the homemade crust makes all the difference. The way a creamy, bubbly casserole with a homemade biscuit topping bakes and fluffs up to an airy, golden perfection simply cannot be beaten. Plus, using homemade biscuit scraps means you get even more of those delicious, irregular, bite-sized pieces right onto your plate, enhancing the homey feel of this dish. This casserole is not just a family favorite; it’s a proven hit with countless rave reviews and photos on Pinterest, testifying to its widespread appeal!
Customizing Your Ultimate Comfort Casserole
One of the best aspects of this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is its incredible versatility. While our base recipe is perfectly delicious as is, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand:
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just corn, peas, and green beans. Feel free to add diced carrots, sautéed mushrooms, cubed potatoes, or even a handful of fresh spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. If using canned vegetables, remember to drain them thoroughly to prevent a watery gravy.
- Protein Power: While chicken is classic, consider using leftover turkey from holidays for a post-feast meal. Shredded rotisserie chicken is another excellent shortcut that adds fantastic flavor. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and perhaps add extra hearty vegetables like potatoes or chickpeas for substance.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the savory profile with additional herbs like dried thyme, rosemary, or a touch of sage. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
- Cheesy Goodness: For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese over the gravy before adding the biscuits. It will melt into the creamy sauce, adding a delightful cheesy pull.
This casserole is designed to be flexible, allowing you to create a personalized comfort meal every time.
The Art of the Perfect Homemade Gravy
The heart and soul of any good pot pie, and especially this casserole, is the gravy. Our homemade gravy is what elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering a depth of flavor that canned soups simply cannot match. It all starts with a classic roux – butter and flour whisked together to form a smooth base. This foundational step is crucial for achieving a thick, silky gravy that coats every ingredient beautifully.
Once the roux is formed, chicken broth is gradually whisked in, allowing the sauce to thicken as it simmers. Salt and pepper are added to season, but don’t hesitate to adjust these to your taste. Finally, a generous amount of heavy cream is stirred in, transforming the gravy into a luxuriously rich and creamy concoction. This combination of simple ingredients creates a savory, umami-packed sauce that envelops the chicken and vegetables, making every spoonful an absolute delight. It’s this commitment to a homemade gravy that truly sets our Chicken Pot Pie Casserole apart and ensures an authentic, comforting flavor profile.
Watch How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole!
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole: Step-by-Step Recipe
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Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Biscuits
Ingredients
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole:
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6 tbsp butter
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1 onion
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1/3 cup flour
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3 cups chicken broth*
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 cup heavy cream
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12 oz frozen mixed vegetables (1 1/2 cups)
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10 oz pre-cooked grilled chicken breast strips (1 chicken breast seasoned and cooked)
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8 uncooked biscuits (or the scraps of cut-out biscuits)
Instructions
How to make Chicken Pot Pie Casserole:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Melt butter in a large frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens, about 5-7 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
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Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Add the heavy cream, frozen mixed vegetables, and pre-cooked chicken breast strips, heating through until the mixture is warm and bubbly. Pour this creamy mixture into a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish.
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Arrange the uncooked biscuits (or biscuit scraps) on top of the casserole mixture. Ensure they are spaced evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are beautifully golden brown and the gravy is bubbling around the edges.
Notes
- Chicken Broth: Easily make your own by stirring together 3 cups of hot water and 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon powder or cubes.
- Biscuits: This casserole bakes beautifully with frozen biscuits. No need to thaw them beforehand.
- To Freeze or Make-ahead: Prepare the gravy mixture (without the biscuits) and pour it into a baking dish (a disposable foil pan works great if freezing). Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil. For refrigeration, store for up to 2-3 days. For freezing, wrap the pan tightly in aluminum foil and then place it in a large freezer bag to protect against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the gravy mixture in the refrigerator first (if frozen). Top with uncooked biscuits and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition per serving
Common Questions About Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
What is a Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
A Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a delightful, hearty dish featuring a thick, creamy, and savory gravy filled with chicken and vegetables, baked in a single dish and topped with a buttery, fluffy crust, often made from biscuits or crescent dough. Unlike traditional individual pot pies, which are baked in smaller, single-serving ramekins or pie dishes, the casserole version is prepared and baked in one large baking dish. This makes it a fantastic option for family dinners or gatherings, offering all the beloved flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with simplified preparation and serving.
Can I use canned biscuits for this recipe?
While homemade is always recommended for the best flavor and texture, canned biscuits are a viable option if you’re short on time. Homemade biscuits, especially those made from scratch with quality ingredients, offer a superior buttery taste and a wonderfully flaky texture that pre-packaged varieties often lack. Most refrigerated canned biscuits contain additives for extended shelf life, which can result in a slightly different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a convenient homemade solution, we highly recommend making a batch of our freezer biscuits to have on hand. However, if store-bought canned dough is your only or preferred option, this recipe will still work beautifully, providing a delicious and comforting meal.
Can you freeze Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes exceptionally well, particularly the gravy base. Gravy is quite freezer-friendly, a trick we use with many leftover gravy recipes, including our popular sausage gravy for quick breakfasts. To freeze the casserole, prepare the gravy mixture (without the biscuits) and pour it into a freezer-safe baking dish, ideally a disposable foil pan. Allow the mixture to cool completely before covering it tightly with aluminum foil. For extra protection against freezer burn, wrap the pan inside a large grocery bag or an additional layer of foil. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, we recommend freezing the biscuits separately, as the texture of biscuits can be compromised if frozen and thawed directly with the wet gravy. When ready to bake, thaw the gravy first, then top with fresh or frozen uncooked biscuits.
What are the cooking instructions from frozen?
To bake your frozen Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, it’s best to thaw the gravy mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Once thawed, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Top the casserole with your uncooked biscuits (whether fresh or frozen), and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the gravy is hot and bubbling around the edges. This thawing step ensures even cooking and optimal biscuit texture.
Can I use frozen biscuits?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, using frozen biscuits is a fantastic shortcut, especially if you’ve made a large batch of homemade freezer biscuits or collected biscuit scraps as we often do. There’s no need to thaw the biscuits beforehand; they will bake up beautifully directly from frozen, becoming wonderfully fluffy and golden. Our usual method is to prepare the creamy gravy base, pour it into the baking dish, and then top it with frozen biscuits before baking. This method simplifies the process and still yields a delicious, comforting casserole every time.
Why use biscuits for a Chicken Pot Pie Casserole?
This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole was ingeniously created as a resourceful way to use up leftover scraps from making homemade biscuits. Biscuit scraps, while still delicious, often don’t yield the same perfectly fluffy texture as the initial biscuit cuts when re-rolled. However, they are absolutely perfect for this casserole! They bake up into tender, airy dumpling-like pieces that absorb the creamy gravy beautifully. Beyond the scrap-saving aspect, biscuits offer a simpler, quicker alternative to a traditional pie crust, providing a wonderfully soft and buttery topping that complements the rich filling. When a recipe becomes a constant repeat in your kitchen, you know it’s a winner, and this one certainly is!
Can I make Chicken Pot Pie with Crescent dough?
Yes, crescent dough is an excellent alternative for the crust in chicken pot pie recipes. It shares similar characteristics with pie crust and biscuits, being a buttery, flaky dough. Its convenience and delightful texture make it a popular choice for topping casseroles like this. Simply unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles over the hot gravy mixture before baking according to the recipe’s temperature and time, or until golden brown.
Can I make biscuits from Bisquick?
Yes, you absolutely can make biscuits from an all-purpose baking mix like Bisquick. Many such mixes are specifically designed for this purpose, often featuring biscuit recipes directly on their packaging. This is because Bisquick is essentially a pre-mixed combination of dry ingredients commonly found in biscuit dough, including flour, leavening agents, and sometimes already rubbed-in shortening. This makes it incredibly easy for the home cook, requiring only the addition of wet ingredients like milk or buttermilk. For those who love the convenience, you can even make your own Copycat Homemade Bisquick Mix to keep in your pantry!
How do you make Chicken Pot Pie ahead of time?
To prepare this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions to make the gravy and chicken-vegetable filling. Pour the prepared filling into your baking dish and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the dish from the refrigerator, top the casserole with uncooked biscuits, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are beautifully browned and the creamy gravy is hot and bubbly.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
- Embrace Freezer Biscuits: For ultimate convenience and homemade goodness, prepare a batch of freezer biscuits in advance. They’re a game-changer for quick, buttery crusts on demand.
- Double Batch and Freeze Gravy: Maximize your effort by whipping up a double batch of the gravy base. Freeze half in a disposable foil pan for a future stress-free dinner. Just thaw and top with biscuits when ready to bake!
- Crescent Dough Alternative: If you’re out of biscuits or prefer a different texture, crescent dough makes a wonderful, flaky topping. Simply lay it over the filling before baking.
- Freeze Biscuits Separately: While the gravy freezes well, consider freezing your biscuits separately to maintain their optimal texture. Thaw the gravy, then add fresh or frozen biscuits for baking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite mixed vegetables. Fresh or frozen, ensure canned veggies are thoroughly drained to keep your gravy perfectly thick.
This recipe was originally published on December 19th, 2017, and has been updated for clarity, improved SEO, and enhanced content.
We hope this detailed guide encourages you to try our Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Biscuits. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared with a little care and a few smart shortcuts, can yield an incredibly satisfying and memorable meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply when you crave a taste of home, this casserole is sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the process of creating this heartwarming dish, and savor every delicious bite!