Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Lemon Chicken Fricassee with Biscuit Topping -- 10/15/10

Lemon Chicken Fricassee with Biscuit Topping

Ingredients

  • 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1 3/4 pounds), quartered
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, chilled
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour
  • One 14.5-ounce can chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • Grated peel and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

Yields: Serves 4

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons shortening over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the peas and carrots, lemon peel and lemon juice.

In a bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups flour, the baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using your fingertips, rub the remaining shortening into the dry ingredients. Stir in 1 cup buttermilk to form a dough. Transfer to a floured surface and roll out to 1/2-inch thick. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, form 8 biscuits.

Top the chicken mixture with the biscuits and brush the dough with the remaining 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Bake until browned and cooked through, about 25 minutes.