Fruit salad: it’s more than just a bowl of chopped fruit; it’s a vibrant celebration of nature’s candy! Imagine biting into a medley of juicy sweetness, a refreshing burst of flavor that dances on your tongue. Have you ever wondered about the origins of this simple yet delightful dish? While the concept of combining fruits has likely existed for centuries, the modern fruit salad, as we know it, gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often featured in cookbooks and social gatherings, showcasing seasonal produce and adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.
What makes a good fruit salad so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures the crispness of apples, the tenderness of berries, the succulence of melon all harmonizing in a symphony of deliciousness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite fruits, add a touch of citrus for zing, or even drizzle it with a light honey-lime dressing for an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, a light dessert, or a refreshing side dish, fruit salad is always a winning choice. Join me as we explore a fantastic recipe that will elevate your fruit salad game to the next level!
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- For the Bisquick Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Preparing the Chicken Filling:
- Sauté the Vegetables: First, melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but not browned. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your pot pie. Don’t rush it!
- Add Flour and Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the filling. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent the flour from burning. A slightly nutty aroma indicates the roux is ready.
- Gradually Add the Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. This is where patience is key. Adding the broth gradually and whisking diligently will ensure a creamy, lump-free sauce.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the sauce coating the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
- Add Chicken, Peas, Corn, and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and frozen corn. Add the thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can’t take it away!
- Incorporate Milk: Stir in the milk. This will add richness and creaminess to the filling. Heat through, but do not boil. Boiling the milk can cause it to curdle.
Preparing the Bisquick Topping:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important to ensure the Bisquick topping cooks evenly and rises properly.
- Combine Bisquick and Milk: In a medium bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix and milk. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough topping. A few lumps are okay.
- Add Melted Butter: Stir in the melted butter. This will add flavor and richness to the topping. Gently fold it in until just incorporated.
Assembling and Baking the Pot Pie:
- Pour Filling into Baking Dish: Pour the chicken filling into a 9-inch pie dish or a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed.
- Spoon Bisquick Topping: Drop spoonfuls of the Bisquick topping evenly over the chicken filling. You can create a rustic look by leaving some gaps between the spoonfuls, or you can spread the topping to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Let Cool Slightly: Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! This Chicken Pot Pie with Bisquick is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans.
- Chicken Variations: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey instead of chicken breasts.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as parsley, sage, or oregano.
- Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, to the topping for extra flavor.
- Individual Pot Pies: For individual servings, divide the filling among ramekins and top with the Bisquick mixture. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the pot pie just before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled pot pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy touch.
- Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Pot Pie Bisquick recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers all the comforting, savory goodness of a classic chicken pot pie, but with a fraction of the effort. The creamy, flavorful filling, packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, is perfectly complemented by the light and fluffy Bisquick topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food, simplified for busy weeknights without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.
Think about it: tender chicken, a medley of perfectly cooked vegetables swimming in a rich, savory sauce, all nestled under a golden-brown, biscuit-like crust. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. And the best part? You can have this masterpiece on the table in under an hour! No more slaving away in the kitchen for hours to create a satisfying and heartwarming meal. This recipe is your secret weapon for delicious, stress-free dinners.
But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your liking! Want to add a little extra richness? Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the filling before baking. Craving a bit of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick. You can also easily adapt the vegetables to suit your preferences. Add some mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or swap out the peas and carrots for green beans or corn. The possibilities are endless!
Serving suggestions? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty pot pie. Or, for an even more comforting meal, pair it with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. And don’t forget the gravy! A drizzle of chicken gravy over the top adds an extra layer of richness and flavor that will take this dish to the next level.
For a vegetarian variation, you can easily substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or even chickpeas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are tender. You could also add some vegetarian chicken substitutes.
I truly believe that this Chicken Pot Pie Bisquick recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food but doesn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this simplified classic.
I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried it, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy! I hope this becomes a family favorite for you as it has for me. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who are looking for a quick and easy dinner idea!
Chicken Pot Pie Bisquick: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips
A comforting and easy chicken pot pie made with Bisquick for a flaky, golden crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup cooked chicken, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Mix chicken, vegetables and soup in 2-quart casserole dish.
- Stir Bisquick mix, milk and egg in small bowl until soft dough forms.
- Drop dough by 6 spoonfuls onto hot chicken mixture.
- Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- For easy cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables.
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