Cozy Up with Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Stew and Biscuits Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming pot of Barefoot Contessa chicken stew that promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Cold evenings demand hearty meals that hug your soul from the inside out.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among robust vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Fluffy biscuits crown this classic dish, offering a golden, buttery complement to the rich, savory stew.

Ina Garten’s touch brings elegance to this rustic comfort food, making weeknight dinners feel special and indulgent.

Each bite tells a story of slow-simmered love and culinary expertise.

Grab your favorite pot and let’s create a meal that turns an ordinary night into a delectable memory.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp green veggie that adds nutrition and texture, choose fresh and vibrant florets with tight, deep green clusters.
• Cooked Chicken: Protein-packed main ingredient, select tender white meat or shredded chicken for optimal softness and flavor absorption.

• Butter: Creamy base for roux, select high-quality unsalted butter for smooth consistency.
• Fresh Sage: Aromatic herb that provides earthy, warm undertones, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent for sauce, ensure fresh and clump-free.
• Milk: Provides creamy base, opt for whole milk for richer texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness, select fresh cream with high-fat content.
• Dry Sherry: Introduces depth and complexity, choose cooking-grade sherry for balanced flavor.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg: Essential seasoning blend that elevates overall taste profile.
• Gruyère Cheese: Nutty, melting cheese that creates silky sauce, select well-aged variety.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds crispy golden layer, choose freshly grated.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crunchy texture, select fine, dry breadcrumbs for even coating.

Equipment for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits

• Large saucepan: Essential for boiling broccoli and preparing creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Critical for blending flour, creating smooth sauce without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurately measuring ingredients like milk, cream, and seasonings.
• Casserole dish (3-quart): Key for baking and serving the entire chicken stew.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping sage and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Used for precise ingredient preparation.
• Cheese grater: Helps grate Gruyère and Parmesan cheese quickly.
• Colander: Perfect for draining boiled broccoli.

Cooking Guide for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits

• Kitchen Prep

Get ready for a cozy comfort food adventure by setting up your cooking space with all the necessary tools and warming up your oven to create a delightful meal.

• Sauce Foundation

Create a luxurious base by melting butter and developing rich flavors with herbs, gradually incorporating cream and milk until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth sauce.

• Flavor Enhancement

Elevate the sauce with aromatic touches like sherry, a hint of nutmeg, and seasoning that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

• Cheese Magic

Introduce creamy Gruyère, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that promises pure deliciousness.

• Protein and Vegetable Harmony

Gently fold tender chicken and crisp broccoli into the dreamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with incredible flavor and balanced nutrition.

• Baking Transformation

Transfer the mixture to a welcoming baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, and let the oven work its magic, turning your creation into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

• Serving Celebration

Remove your beautiful casserole from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and create a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Boosts & Ideas for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits

• Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover roasted turkey or even cooked shrimp for a delightful protein variation.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to add unique flavor dimensions to the creamy sauce.
• Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower, mushrooms, or mixed vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version that's equally delicious.
• Create homemade buttermilk biscuits instead of using store-bought, or top with crispy panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat in their comfort food.

How to Plate Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits

• Savor Family-Style Dining: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty chicken stew as a comforting main course that brings everyone together.
• Pair with Fresh Sides: Complement the rich, creamy casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the dish's indulgent flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal with a glass of crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir that harmonizes beautifully with the Gruyère cheese and chicken.
• Create Leftover Magic: Transform any remaining stew into a next-day lunch by serving over rice or tucking into a warm sandwich for a delicious encore meal.

Saving Leftovers for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer the stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve texture and taste.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the stew in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Biscuit Storage Tip: Keep leftover biscuits in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Refresh by warming briefly in the oven for a crispy exterior and soft interior.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Chicken Stew and Biscuits Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken stew with biscuits brings comfort from Ina Garten’s classic kitchen repertoire. Robust flavors and tender chicken create a satisfying meal for families who crave wholesome, homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

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• 900 g (2–3 cups) cooked, diced chicken
• 250 ml (1 cup) milk
• 250 ml (1 cup) double cream
• 5 tbsps unsalted butter
• 250 ml (1 cup) low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 large head 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
• 120 g shredded cheddar cheese
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsps dry sherry (or chicken broth)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 25 g breadcrumbs
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously butter a 3-quart casserole dish and preheat the oven to 400°F, setting the stage for a comforting culinary experience.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then rapidly cool and drain to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
3. Aromatic Base: In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté fresh sage until its fragrant essence permeates the kitchen, creating a foundational layer of flavor.
4. Roux Development: Incorporate all-purpose flour into the butter mixture, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a golden-hued, nutty-scented roux.
5. Sauce Elevation: Slowly stream milk and heavy cream into the roux, whisking persistently to create a velvety, luxurious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
6. Flavor Layering: Enrich the sauce with dry sherry, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg, building a complex flavor profile.
7. Cheese Integration: Gently fold in Gruyère cheese until the sauce becomes uniformly smooth and develops a rich, tangy undertone.
8. Protein and Vegetable Fusion: Combine the tender chicken and blanched broccoli with the cheese sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated.
9. Final Assembly: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole, crown with a crisp topping of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for textural contrast.
10. Baking Finale: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, allowing the top to transform into a golden, crispy crust while the interior becomes piping hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Precision in Herb Selection: Fresh sage adds depth; substitute with dried sage if fresh is unavailable, but reduce quantity by half for concentrated flavor.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Shred Gruyère at room temperature for smoother melting and more even sauce consistency.
• Cream Incorporation Strategy: Add milk and cream gradually to prevent sauce from becoming lumpy, whisking constantly for silky texture.
• Breadcrumb Browning Tip: Toast breadcrumbs lightly before sprinkling to enhance golden color and add extra crunch to casserole topping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg