Ingredients:
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 cup Carrots, peeled and diced
- ½ cup Celery, diced
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (for filling)
- 3 cups Chicken Stock (low sodium)
- 1 cup Whole Milk or Half-and-Half
- 4 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (for topping)
- 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 6 Tbsp Cold Unsalted Butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
- ¾ cup Whole Milk or Buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Prepare all ingredients: dice vegetables, shred chicken, and measure dry ingredients.
- Melt 4 Tbsp butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle ½ cup flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns pale blonde and smells slightly nutty.
- Whisk in the Liquids: Slowly whisk in the warm chicken stock until smooth, followed by the milk or half-and-half. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens substantially (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Finish Filling: Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, thyme, and parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper. Pour the filling mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Liquid to Topping: Pour in the milk or buttermilk. Stir only until the dough is just combined; it should be shaggy and sticky. Do not overmix.
- Assemble and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough (about ¼ cup each) onto the hot chicken filling, leaving small gaps between the biscuits. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the biscuits are golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.