How to Make the Ultimate Chicken Biscuits and Gravy at Home

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a hearty, home-cooked breakfast, and Chicken Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate way to start your day off right. This classic Southern dish combines tender, juicy chicken with rich, creamy gravy, all served over warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to making homemade gravy, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for both flavor and comfort.

Making Chicken Biscuits and Gravy at home means you can control every aspect, from the seasoning of the gravy to the softness of the biscuits. Forget the pre-packaged mixes—this dish is simple to prepare from scratch and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this ultimate breakfast favorite right in your kitchen.

Why Chicken Biscuits and Gravy is the Ultimate Comfort Food

What Makes This Recipe Comforting

Chicken Biscuits and Gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a plate. The rich, creamy gravy poured over fluffy, buttery biscuits creates a combination of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and indulgent. The softness of the biscuits soaks up the savory gravy, while the tender chicken adds a heartiness that makes this dish feel like a complete, comforting meal. The balance of flavors—salty, savory, and subtly spiced—gives every bite the perfect depth of taste that you’ll find yourself craving time and time again.

Southern Cuisine Tradition

This dish has deep roots in Southern cuisine, where comfort food is an art form. Chicken Biscuits and Gravy (often made with sausage instead of chicken) has been a beloved breakfast staple for generations. It’s often enjoyed during lazy weekend mornings or shared with loved ones during family gatherings. The South’s love for hearty, flavorful meals is reflected in this dish, and no matter where you’re from, a plate of Chicken Biscuits and Gravy brings a taste of Southern hospitality right to your kitchen.

Perfect for Any Meal

While this dish is a breakfast classic, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day. The rich gravy and savory chicken make it an excellent choice for brunch, a quick and filling lunch, or even a comforting dinner. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up on a chilly morning or satisfies you after a long day. Whether you’re serving it for an easy family breakfast or as a comforting dinner, Chicken Biscuits and Gravy will always hit the spot.

A True Comfort Food Experience

The true magic of comfort food lies in its ability to evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and joy. Chicken Biscuits and Gravy is no exception. The act of pouring homemade gravy over golden biscuits takes you back to simpler times, reminding you of cozy mornings with loved ones. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with savory aromas, making everyone eager to sit down and enjoy a delicious, satisfying breakfast together. This dish is all about indulgence—taking your time to savor each bite and enjoying the little moments of comfort food bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Ultimate Chicken Biscuits and Gravy

Making Chicken Biscuits and Gravy from scratch is a simple yet rewarding process that requires just a few key ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make this dish such a beloved classic. Below, we’ll explore each essential ingredient you’ll need to make this ultimate comfort food.

Chicken (Chicken Breast or Sausage)

Traditionally, biscuits and gravy is made with sausage, but using chicken adds a leaner, more subtly flavored twist that works wonderfully in this dish. Chicken breast is the most common choice for this recipe, as it’s easy to cook and can absorb the flavors of the gravy without overpowering them. Alternatively, you could use chicken thighs for a richer taste and a slightly juicier texture. Some recipes even combine both chicken and sausage for a flavorful blend. Don’t forget to season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking to ensure it packs plenty of flavor.

Flour and Milk (For the Gravy)

The gravy in Chicken Biscuits and Gravy is what really ties everything together. The foundation of any good gravy is a simple roux, made from flour and fat (often butter). Flour thickens the gravy to create the perfect consistency—neither too runny nor too thick. After the roux, milk is added to give the gravy its creamy, velvety texture. Whole milk is ideal, as it provides richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half for an even creamier result, or use a non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version. The combination of flour and milk creates a smooth, savory sauce that coats the chicken and biscuits beautifully.

Buttermilk Biscuits (For the Base)

One of the hallmarks of this dish is the buttermilk biscuit. Biscuits are an essential part of the experience, and using buttermilk gives them a soft, tender crumb with a slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy gravy. The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the dough, resulting in a light and fluffy biscuit. You can make your biscuits from scratch or opt for store-bought ones for a quicker version, but homemade biscuits will always deliver the best texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Herbs, Cajun Spice, etc.)

The right seasoning is essential to elevate this dish and make it truly irresistible. Salt and black pepper are a must for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and the gravy. But to add more depth, consider incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, and even a pinch of Cajun seasoning or paprika for a bit of heat and smoky flavor. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley also work well in both the gravy and biscuits. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings to match your personal taste—this is where you can make the recipe truly your own.

Butter (For Both Biscuits and Gravy)

Butter is a key ingredient in both the biscuits and gravy, adding richness and a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. In the biscuit dough, butter helps create a flaky texture by leaving small pockets of fat in the dough. For the gravy, butter is used to make the roux and provides a creamy, smooth base that enhances the flavor of the sauce. The combination of butter, flour, and milk creates a gravy that’s both rich and comforting.

Additional Optional Ingredients

While the core ingredients above will create an amazing Chicken Biscuits and Gravy dish, there are a few optional ingredients you can add for extra flair:

• Cheddar cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese to your biscuits for a cheesy twist.
• Sausage: For those who want a more traditional approach, you can swap the chicken for sausage or even use a combination of both.
• Hot sauce: For a bit of heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top of the finished dish.

How to Make Homemade Biscuits for Chicken Biscuits and Gravy

The biscuits are the heart of this dish, and homemade biscuits elevate Chicken Biscuits and Gravy to a whole new level of deliciousness. Fluffy, buttery, and slightly tangy from the buttermilk, homemade biscuits create the perfect base to soak up the creamy chicken gravy. Making biscuits from scratch is easier than you might think, and with a few tips, you can achieve light, flaky biscuits every time. Here’s how to make the best homemade biscuits for your Chicken Biscuits and Gravy:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

For the fluffiest, most flavorful biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (preferably unbleached)
• Buttermilk (for the soft, tender texture)
• Butter (cold and cubed for flakiness)
• Baking powder (for leavening)
• Salt (to bring out the flavor)
• Optional: A pinch of sugar (for a slight sweetness) or herbs like thyme or rosemary (for extra flavor)

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt (you can add a pinch of sugar if you like)

Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This is key to getting uniform rise and flavor in your biscuits.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Cold butter is crucial to getting those flaky layers in your biscuits. Cut the butter into small cubes (about 1/2-inch), then add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to leave some pea-sized chunks of butter in the mixture—these chunks will melt during baking and create those irresistible pockets of flakiness.

If you don’t have a pastry cutter, a cheese grater works too! Simply grate the cold butter into the flour, and then mix it in until it reaches the same crumbly consistency.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk

Once your dry ingredients and butter are combined, it’s time to bring the dough together. Pour in the cold buttermilk (about 3/4 cup) and gently stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough just starts to form. Be careful not to overwork the dough—you want it to be slightly shaggy and a little sticky, but not wet or too smooth. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, so stop as soon as the dough holds together.

If the dough feels too dry, add a little more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time. On the flip side, if it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour.

Step 5: Turn the Dough onto a Floured Surface

Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Using your hands, gently pat the dough into a rough rectangle about 1-inch thick. Avoid rolling the dough with a rolling pin, as this can compress it and reduce the flakiness. Instead, fold the dough over onto itself a couple of times (just like folding a letter) to create layers. This folding technique helps form the flaky texture that’s so desirable in homemade biscuits.

Step 6: Cut the Biscuits

Once the dough is folded and shaped, it’s time to cut out your biscuits. Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) to press straight down into the dough—do not twist, as twisting can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. After cutting each biscuit, place it on a baking sheet, close together for soft sides or spaced apart for a crispier edge.

Step 7: Bake Your Biscuits

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once your biscuits are cut and placed on the baking sheet, brush the tops with a bit of melted butter or a light coat of buttermilk for a golden finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are tall, golden brown, and slightly puffed. The high temperature helps the biscuits rise quickly, creating those fluffy layers inside.

For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle a small amount of sea salt or garlic powder on top of the biscuits before baking. This gives them a savory finish that pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken gravy.

Using a reliable oven ensures your biscuits bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. A great option is the Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven, which offers precise temperature control and convection baking for even heat distribution. Its compact size makes it perfect for quick baking without heating up your entire kitchen.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once your biscuits are baked, let them cool slightly before serving. Split the biscuits open with a fork or your hands, then top them generously with your homemade chicken gravy. The buttery, flaky texture of the biscuits combined with the rich, savory gravy creates a perfect breakfast dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits Every Time

• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and cold buttermilk are essential for creating the perfect flaky biscuit texture.
• Don’t overmix: Gently mix the dough and stop as soon as it comes together to avoid tough biscuits.
• Work quickly: The colder the ingredients and the quicker you handle the dough, the fluffier your biscuits will be.
• Resting dough: Allowing the dough to rest for about 10 minutes after mixing can help it rise better in the oven.

How to Make the Perfect Chicken Gravy for Biscuits

The chicken gravy is what transforms ordinary biscuits into the ultimate comfort food. The creamy, savory sauce brings everything together, smothering the fluffy biscuits and tender chicken with rich flavor. Making the perfect chicken gravy is easier than you might think and only requires a few key ingredients and techniques. Here’s how to make a delicious and velvety gravy to pair perfectly with your biscuits:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Before you begin making the gravy, you’ll need to cook your chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. If you prefer a more traditional flavor, you can even use chicken thighs, which are juicier and have a richer taste.

• Season the chicken: Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you enjoy (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for some heat).
• Cook the chicken: Heat some oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest. After it’s rested, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This shredded chicken will go into your gravy later, adding both flavor and texture.

Step 2: Make the Roux

The key to a smooth and creamy gravy lies in the roux, which is a mixture of fat and flour used as a thickening agent. In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken, leave any drippings or browned bits that are left in the pan. These bits of caramelized chicken flavor will infuse the gravy and add depth.

• Add butter: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. The butter should melt into the drippings, adding richness to the base of your gravy.
• Stir in the flour: Once the butter has melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pan. Whisk the flour into the butter to create a smooth paste. This is your roux, and it will help thicken the gravy as it cooks. Allow the roux to cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll want to cook the flour until it turns a golden color—this will help remove the raw flour taste and develop a nutty flavor.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Now, it’s time to add the liquid that will turn your roux into creamy gravy. You can use chicken broth (preferably low-sodium) as the main liquid for your gravy, but whole milk or heavy cream can also be added for extra creaminess. A combination of broth and milk creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Add chicken broth: Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The broth will loosen the roux and begin to form the gravy’s base.
• Add milk or cream: Next, add 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream to the mixture. This will make the gravy rich and creamy. Whisk the mixture continuously as it comes to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice the gravy begin to thicken as the flour absorbs the liquid.
• Adjust consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add more milk or chicken broth, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken further.

Step 4: Season the Gravy

Now that the gravy is beginning to come together, it’s time to season it to perfection. Start by adding:

• Salt and pepper: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the seasoning according to your preference—don’t be afraid to add a pinch of salt if the gravy needs it.
• Garlic and onion powder: A pinch of garlic powder and onion powder will add a savory depth to the flavor of your gravy. These flavors enhance the chicken’s natural taste and complement the buttermilk biscuits.
• Optional seasonings: For an extra flavor boost, you can add paprika for smokiness or a dash of Cayenne pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be added to infuse a touch of earthiness. For a slightly tangy flavor, a splash of hot sauce or white wine vinegar can help balance out the richness.

Step 5: Incorporate the Chicken

Once your gravy has reached the perfect consistency and flavor, it’s time to add the cooked, shredded chicken into the gravy. Gently stir in the chicken, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors of the gravy. The chicken will add a hearty texture and enhance the gravy’s savory flavor. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for a few minutes, ensuring it’s fully coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Simmer and Adjust

Allow the gravy to simmer for another 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld together. If the gravy gets too thick during this process, simply add a little more chicken broth or milk to loosen it up. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your preferences.

Step 7: Serve the Gravy with Biscuits

Once your chicken gravy is silky smooth, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s time to serve it. Split your freshly baked homemade biscuits and generously spoon the chicken gravy over the top. The gravy should cascade over the biscuits, soaking into the soft layers and filling every bite with flavor. Serve immediately while everything is warm, and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness of Chicken Biscuits and Gravy.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Gravy:

• Use pan drippings: Don’t skip the chicken drippings in the pan. They’re full of flavor and will make your gravy even tastier.
• Stir constantly: To avoid lumps in your gravy, stir the roux and liquid constantly while adding the ingredients.
• Use cold milk: Adding cold milk or cream will prevent the gravy from curdling when it hits the hot pan.
• Customize your spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to make the gravy unique to your taste. Some people love adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.