This Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights and gatherings. With its creamy filling loaded with tender chicken, butternut squash, and mushrooms, topped with fluffy cheddar biscuits, it’s a dish that warms both the heart and soul. Perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings, this recipe combines delightful flavors and textures to create a meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken, hearty veggies, and fragrant herbs creates a deliciously rich filling.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this pot pie comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the veggies or use leftover chicken, making it adaptable to your pantry.
- Comforting Dish: This pot pie is a true comfort food that brings warmth on cold days.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy biscuit topping over the savory filling.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large sauté pan
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or forks
Importance of Each Tool
- Large sauté pan: Essential for cooking the filling evenly without overcrowding ingredients.
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish allows for ample space to hold all the delicious filling and biscuit topping.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry ingredients and mixing the biscuit dough easily.
- Pastry cutter or forks: Useful for cutting in butter to create flaky biscuits.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 heaping cup butternut squash, diced
- 2 cups white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 5 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups chicken stock
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 pound cooked chicken, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheddar Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large sauté pan:
1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion; cook for a few minutes until softened.
3. Stir in butternut squash and mushrooms; reduce heat to medium and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
4. Add minced garlic; cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Make Roux
Stir in chopped sage and thyme:
1. Add butter; let it melt completely.
2. Stir in flour to form a roux; cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Create Filling Base
Gradually whisk in chicken stock and milk:
1. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Allow mixture to simmer until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Stir in chopped chicken and frozen peas; remove from heat.
Step 5: Prepare Biscuit Topping
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until resembling coarse crumbs.
3. Add buttermilk; stir until just combined.
4. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Assemble Pot Pie
Pour the pot pie filling into a lightly greased baking dish:
1. Drop biscuit dough by ¼-cupfuls over the top of the filling.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes:
– Look for golden brown biscuits that are cooked through.
Step 8: Serve
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie!
How to Serve Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie
This Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie is a warm, inviting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Individual Portions
- Serve in small ramekins for a charming individual presentation that adds elegance to your table.
Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an aromatic touch that brightens the dish and enhances its flavor.
Hot Sauce
- Offer a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little kick in their comfort food. Just a few drops can elevate the flavors!
Side Salad
- Pair with a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The freshness will balance the richness of the pot pie beautifully.
Crusty Bread
- Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious filling left in the dish. It’s perfect for those who love every last bite.
Seasonal Veggies
- Complement your pot pie with roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and color on the plate.
How to Perfect Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie
To ensure your Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and seasonal vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your pot pie significantly.
- Don’t Overmix Biscuits: When preparing the biscuit topping, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your filling before baking. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your flavor preference.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pot pie to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps set the filling and makes serving easier.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for added flavor complexity.
- Increase Veggie Variety: Don’t hesitate to add other veggies like carrots or green beans to diversify textures and flavors in your pot pie.
Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie
Pairing sides with your Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some perfect accompaniments:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that complements the richness of the pot pie. - Steamed Green Beans
Bright green beans lightly steamed keep things fresh and crunchy, balancing out the creamy filling of the pot pie. - Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing, providing contrast to hearty flavors. - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized Brussels sprouts offer a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the chicken pot pie. - Cornbread Muffins
Sweet cornbread muffins add warmth and a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements of this dish. - Apple Sauce
A side of unsweetened apple sauce provides a light, fruity contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of rich pot pie. - Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and tanginess, making it a great contrast to the creamy filling of your pot pie. - Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Golden-brown roasted potatoes seasoned simply can round out your meal with satisfying crunch and heartiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch for:
- Skipping the roux: Failing to create a roux with butter and flour can lead to a soupy filling. Make sure you cook it until bubbly before adding liquids.
- Overmixing the biscuit dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough biscuits. Combine ingredients until just mixed for fluffy results.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning your filling can lead to bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Ignoring the resting time: Cutting into the pie right after baking can cause the filling to run. Let it rest a few minutes for better serving.
- Using the wrong dish size: Using a dish that’s too small may cause overflow. Stick to a 9×13-inch baking dish for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie
- Allow the pot pie to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 20-25 minutes, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slowly for about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie special?
This dish is unique due to its creamy filling made with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, topped with cheesy biscuits that add a delightful texture.
Can I customize the vegetables in my Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite veggies like carrots or green beans based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
How do I ensure my biscuits stay fluffy?
To keep your biscuits fluffy, avoid overmixing the dough and use cold butter. This creates steam during baking, which helps them rise beautifully.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste while making this comforting pot pie.
Final Thoughts
The Cheddar Biscuit Topped Harvest Chicken Pot Pie is a delightful blend of comfort food that warms both body and soul. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on what you have at home or what’s in season. Give this cozy recipe a try; it’s perfect for family dinners or chilly nights!
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