The Heartwarming Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits are an irresistible comfort classic that warms hearts and satisfies hungry souls.

Hearty ingredients merge into a creamy, luxurious blend of tender protein and rich flavors.

Robust seasonings elevate this traditional dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Home cooks appreciate its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

Nutritious vegetables and succulent meat create a balanced, filling experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Versatile and adaptable, this recipe welcomes personal touches and ingredient substitutions with open arms.

Grab your favorite pot and prepare for a culinary journey that promises pure deliciousness.

Why Chicken Stew and Biscuits Feel Like Home

• Create Comforting Layers: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious one-dish meal that wraps you in pure culinary comfort, blending tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug.
• Elevate Everyday Ingredients: By using techniques like browning butter with sage, whisking a smooth cheese sauce, and adding depth with sherry and nutmeg, this dish turns basic pantry staples into an elegant, restaurant-worthy experience.
• Fast Fancy Weeknight Dinner: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this stew delivers gourmet flavors without demanding complicated cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want something delicious yet uncomplicated.
• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers flexible options like adjusting chicken quantities, substituting sherry with broth, and playing with cheese types, allowing personal creativity while maintaining a foolproof foundation that guarantees a satisfying meal.

Pantry Picks for That Rustic Biscuit Bake

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, preferably cooked and shredded for easy mixing.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and rich flavor to the sauce, enhancing overall taste.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the sauce, providing richness and thickness.
• Gruyère Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, nutty flavor and helps in creating a luxurious, melted texture.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps in creating a smooth roux for the sauce.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Fresh Sage: Adds an aromatic herb flavor to the dish.
• Dry Sherry: Introduces a subtle depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Nutmeg: Provides a warm, subtle background note to the sauce.

• Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritional value and green vegetable component to the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping for textural contrast.

The Comfort Combo That Warms You Through

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Boil water in a saucepan and cook broccoli florets until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped fresh sage and cook until fragrant. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook until golden brown.

Step 4: Develop the Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 5: Enhance with Seasonings

• Dry sherry
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Incorporate Gruyère cheese, stirring until completely melted and the sauce becomes silky.

Step 7: Combine Protein and Vegetables

Mix in cooked chicken and prepared broccoli, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Assemble the Casserole Masterpiece

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting and delicious chicken and broccoli casserole with family and friends.

Biscuit Tips for That Golden-Top Finish

• Select High-Quality Chicken: Choose organic, free-range chicken breasts for richer flavor and tender meat.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Add root vegetables like carrots and parsnips first to build a robust flavor foundation.
• Master the Roux Technique: Slowly whisk flour and butter together to create a smooth, lump-free base for the stew's creamy texture.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Cover the pot partially while simmering to prevent excessive liquid evaporation and maintain stew's consistency.
• Enhance Herb Infusion: Chop fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary just before adding to maximize their aromatic oils and taste.

Keeping Your Chicken Stew Delicious for Days

• Freezer Method: Pack cooled chicken stew in heavy-duty freezer containers with minimal air exposure. Label each container with the date and contents to track freshness. Separate biscuits from stew before freezing to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Refrigeration Method: Transfer stew to shallow airtight containers to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth. Keep biscuits in a separate sealed container to preserve their crunch. Consume within three days for optimal flavor and safety.
• Reheating Method: Revive stew slowly in a covered pot on low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute warmth evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Warm biscuits separately in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispy exterior.

Reinventing Stew and Biscuits with Bold Moves

• Herbed Chicken Veggie Fusion: Replace broccoli with a colorful mix of carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vibrant and nutritious update to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Bake: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to the sauce, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Casserole: Swap Gruyère for feta cheese, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano and fresh basil to create a Mediterranean-style dish with bright, fresh flavors.
• Mushroom Lovers' Chicken Delight: Sauté cremini and shiitake mushrooms, then fold them into the sauce for an earthy, rich variation that adds depth and umami to the original recipe.

Goodbye Never Tasted So Rich and Flaky

Barefoot Contessa’s chicken stew transcends ordinary comfort cuisine with its luxurious blend of creamy Gruyère, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli.

Sage whispers elegance through each succulent spoonful, elevating classic home cooking to gourmet heights.

Hearty ingredients meld seamlessly, creating a symphony of rich, complex flavors that warm both palate and soul.

Sherry’s subtle sophistication adds unexpected depth to this classic casserole.

Home chefs can master this sophisticated dish with simple techniques and quality ingredients.

Silver-dollar biscuits alongside this stew complete pure culinary magic – sharing guarantees smiles, likes spark connection, comments spread deliciousness!

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Chicken Stew and Biscuits delivers comfort from her Hamptons kitchen, blending hearty chicken, root vegetables, and flaky homemade biscuits into one delicious American classic. Warm, rich flavors merge perfectly to create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 900 g cooked, diced chicken or 2–3 cups cooked chicken
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into 1- to 2-inch florets, tender stems peeled and cut into ½-inch slices (about 5 cups)
• 280 g frozen broccoli spears or florets
• 340 g cooked rice

Cheese and Dairy:

• 120 g shredded cheddar cheese
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 250 ml milk
• 250 ml double cream
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry (or chicken broth)
• 250 ml low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 25 g breadcrumbs
• 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 3-quart (2.8 liters) casserole dish with butter and heating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Create a crisp-tender texture for the broccoli by boiling of broccoli florets in water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Develop a fragrant base by melting of butter in a saucepan, then introduce of chopped fresh sage and cook until aromatic.
4. Build the sauce foundation by whisking in of all-purpose flour and cooking until it achieves a golden brown color.
5. Transform the mixture into a creamy consistency by gradually incorporating of milk and of heavy cream, continuously whisking until thickened.
6. Enhance the flavor profile by stirring in of dry sherry, of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
7. Introduce richness by melting 1 ½ cups (150 grams) of shredded Gruyère cheese into the sauce until smooth and uniform.
8. Combine the main ingredients by mixing the cooked broccoli with 3 ½ cups (525 grams) of cooked chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
9. Complete the dish by transferring the mixture to the prepared casserole, then sprinkle ½ cup (50 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup (30 grams) of breadcrumbs on top.
10. Finalize the casserole by baking in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes thoroughly heated.

Notes

• Lemon’s bright zest cuts through the dish’s richness, adding a surprising freshness.
• Breadcrumb topping transforms the casserole’s texture, creating a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Cheese selection can make or break the flavor profile, so choose wisely and experiment boldly.
• Chicken needs precise cooking to maintain moisture while ensuring food safety.
• Fresh broccoli delivers superior taste and texture compared to its frozen counterpart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 314
• Sugar: 56.06g
• Sodium: 56.06g
• Carbohydrates: 56.06g
• Fiber: 56.06g
• Protein: 56.06g