Hot Chicken Biscuits with Mama’s White Gravy
Are you craving a delicious, down-home meal that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Look no further than hot chicken biscuits with Mama’s white gravy! This classic southern dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time of the day. In this article, we’ll explore the mouthwatering combination of fluffy biscuits, spicy fried chicken, and creamy white gravy that will make your heart sing.
The Perfect Biscuits
Let’s start with the foundation of this dish – the biscuits. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, buttery biscuit that crumbles just right. The key to achieving biscuit perfection lies in the balance between tender and flaky. It’s like biting into a cloud, with just the right amount of substance to hold up against the flavorful chicken and gravy.
Fluffy and Flaky
So, how do you get that perfect biscuit texture? It all starts with the ingredients. A combination of flour, butter, buttermilk, and a few secret seasonings come together to create a dough that is both fluffy and flaky. The secret is in the technique – gently folding the dough and not overworking it. This ensures that the layers of butter are distributed evenly, resulting in a biscuit that rises beautifully in the oven.
Butter Makes It Better
Speaking of butter, it’s the key to adding that rich, savory flavor to the biscuits. Imagine spreading a slab of creamy butter on a warm biscuit straight out of the oven. The butter melts into all the nooks and crannies, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to each bite. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Spicy Fried Chicken
Now that we have the perfect biscuits, it’s time to take them to the next level with some spicy fried chicken. Picture this – a crispy, golden-brown chicken breast, seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that will make your mouth water. The chicken is fried to perfection, creating a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat.
A Kick of Spice
What sets this chicken apart is the spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile. A blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices adds just the right amount of heat, complementing the buttery biscuits and creamy gravy. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, leaving you satisfied and craving more.
The Perfect Crust
Creating the perfect crust on the chicken is an art form. It’s all about achieving that golden-brown color and crispy texture. The secret lies in the breading – a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices that coats the chicken, creating a crunchy exterior when fried. The result is a chicken that has a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Mama’s White Gravy
No hot chicken biscuit is complete without Mama’s white gravy. This creamy, savory sauce takes the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the buttery biscuits and spicy fried chicken, adding a velvety smoothness and a burst of flavor.
Velvety Smoothness
Mama’s white gravy is made with a roux, which is a mixture of fat and flour cooked together to create a thickening agent. In this case, it’s a combination of butter, flour, and milk that creates a creamy, velvety texture. The gravy coats the biscuits and chicken, infusing every bite with its rich, savory flavor.
A Burst of Flavor
But what gives Mama’s white gravy its distinct flavor? It’s all about the seasoning. A dash of salt, pepper, and a few secret spices create a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. It’s like a warm hug from Mama herself, filling your mouth with a burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
So, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a tasty brunch, or a satisfying meal any time of the day, hot chicken biscuits with Mama’s white gravy is the answer. The combination of fluffy biscuits, spicy fried chicken, and creamy white gravy is a match made in food heaven. It’s a dish that will leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and craving another bite. So go ahead, indulge in this southern comfort classic and treat your taste buds to a flavor experience they won’t forget.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Simply bake the biscuits as directed in the recipe, allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat them in the oven or toaster for a few minutes until warm.
2. Can I use boneless chicken for the fried chicken?
Of course! While bone-in chicken adds an extra layer of flavor, you can certainly use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
3. Can I make the gravy with a different type of milk?
Absolutely! Mama’s white gravy can be made with any type of milk you prefer – whole milk, low-fat milk, or even plant-based milk. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
4. How can I make the chicken less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version of hot chicken, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also adjust the other spices to your taste, creating a customized seasoning blend that suits your preferences.
5. Can I freeze the leftover biscuits?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover biscuits. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven or toaster.
6. Can I use a different type of meat for the sandwich?
Definitely! While hot chicken biscuits traditionally use fried chicken, you can experiment with different meats. Try substituting it with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even a vegetarian option like a crispy tofu patty.
7. Can I add cheese to the biscuits?
Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add your favorite cheese to the biscuit dough before baking. Cheddar, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can take the biscuits to the next level of deliciousness.
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Hot Chicken Biscuits with Mama's White Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g. , Louisiana)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 pound chicken cutlets
- 3 to 4 cups solid vegetable shortening
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter , melted
- 1 tablespoon cayenne
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pickle slices
- 8 Angel Biscuits , cut in half (see recipe below)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup warm water (90 to 110 degrees F)
- 1/2 ounce active dry yeast (2 packages)
- 1 cup salted butter , cold, cut into small squares (2 sticks), plus 4 tablespoons melted
- 2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
- To prepare the chicken:
- In a shallow casserole dish, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
- In another shallow casserole dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken cutlets evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the chicken into the egg wash, coating both sides.
- Optionally, repeat the dredging process for a thicker breading.
- Heat the shortening in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
- To make the gravy:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook until it turns golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper.
- For the hot sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- To serve:
- Brush the chicken with the warm hot sauce.
- Place the chicken pieces onto the bottom halves of the biscuits.
- Top the chicken with white gravy and pickle slices.
- Cover with the biscuit tops and serve immediately.
- To prepare the