Turkey Biscuit Skillet Recipe

This Turkey Biscuit Skillet recipe has become an absolute lifesaver in our household, especially during those busy weeknights when I’m craving something hearty and comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The first time I made it, I was a little skeptical – could something so simple really be that good? The answer was a resounding YES! My kids, who can be notoriously picky, devoured their portions and even asked for seconds. My husband, a man of few words when it comes to food unless he truly loves it, simply smiled and said, “This is a keeper.” The combination of creamy, savory turkey filling, tender vegetables, and those golden, fluffy biscuits on top is just pure magic. It’s like a deconstructed pot pie, but so much quicker and easier to whip up in a single skillet, which also means fewer dishes – a win-win in my book! It’s become our go-to for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, but honestly, it’s so good that I often find myself cooking turkey specifically for this dish. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, and I’m thrilled to share this family-favorite recipe with you.

Complete Turkey Biscuit Skillet Recipe

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an incredibly satisfying and flavorful one-pan meal. The creamy turkey and vegetable filling, crowned with tender, golden-brown biscuits, is a comforting classic with a convenient skillet twist.

Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Turkey Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage or poultry seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 3 cups chicken or turkey broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (great for leftovers!)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

For the Biscuit Topping:

• 1 can (16.3 ounces) refrigerated biscuits (e.g., Pillsbury Grands! or similar, 8 biscuits)

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Turkey Biscuit Skillet:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure you are using a large, oven-safe skillet, preferably a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet or a similar heavy-bottomed, oven-proof pan.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in your skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, dried thyme, dried sage (or poultry seasoning), salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This mixture will form a thick paste (a roux), which will help thicken your sauce.
5. Gradually Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken or turkey broth, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This gradual process helps prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until all the broth is added and the mixture is smooth.
6. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
7. Incorporate Creaminess and Turkey: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream or milk until well combined. Then, gently fold in the cooked, shredded or diced turkey, frozen peas, and frozen corn (if using). Stir until everything is heated through and evenly distributed in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might need a little more salt or pepper.
8. Arrange Biscuits: Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully open the can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them. Arrange the biscuits evenly on top of the turkey filling in the skillet. They can be close together but try not to overlap them too much, as they will expand while baking.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges. If the biscuits start to brown too quickly before the filling is sufficiently heated, you can loosely tent the skillet with aluminum foil.
10. Rest and Garnish: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts – the handle will be extremely hot! Let the Turkey Biscuit Skillet rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and cool down a bit.
11. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 480-550 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of biscuits and whether heavy cream or milk is used.)

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional data, consider using an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.

Preparation Time

Understanding the time commitment helps in planning your meal. This recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor.

• Total Preparation and Cooking Time: Approximately 50-55 minutes
  • Active Preparation Time (Chopping, Sautéing, Mixing): 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time (Simmering and Baking): 30-35 minutes

This breakdown allows you to see that while the total time is under an hour, a good portion of it is hands-off baking time, giving you a moment to relax or prepare a simple side dish.

How to Serve

Serving this Turkey Biscuit Skillet is straightforward, but a few touches can elevate the experience. Here are some ideas:

• Directly from the Skillet: The beauty of a one-skillet meal is its rustic presentation. Place a trivet on your dining table and serve directly from the hot skillet. This keeps the dish warm and looks wonderfully inviting.
• Individual Portions: For a more formal setting or easier serving, spoon a generous portion of the turkey filling into individual bowls or onto plates, ensuring each serving gets at least one (or two!) golden biscuits.
• Accompaniments:
  • Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
  • Steamed Green Beans: A side of simply steamed or roasted green beans, perhaps tossed with a little lemon juice and almonds, complements the flavors well.
  • Cranberry Sauce: If you’re using leftover Thanksgiving turkey, a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side can be a delightful, nostalgic touch.
  • Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a sweet and refreshing end to the meal.
• Garnishes:
  • Fresh Parsley: As mentioned in the recipe, a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley adds color and a hint of freshness.
  • Chopped Chives: Similar to parsley, chives can add a mild oniony freshness.
  • A Crack of Black Pepper: A final grind of fresh black pepper over each serving can enhance the savory notes.
• Beverage Pairings:
  • For Adults: A light-bodied white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or even a light, crisp lager, can pair nicely.
  • For Everyone: Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon are excellent choices.

Remember to provide serving spoons and warn guests that the skillet is hot if serving family-style.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Turkey Biscuit Skillet

To ensure your Turkey Biscuit Skillet is a roaring success every time, consider these five helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Biscuits: While it’s tempting to pack in as many biscuits as possible, give them a little space. They expand significantly during baking. Overcrowding can lead to them steaming rather than baking, resulting in undercooked centers. If you have extra biscuits, bake them separately on a small baking sheet.
2. Use Quality Cooked Turkey: The flavor of your turkey will significantly impact the dish. Leftover roasted turkey from Thanksgiving or a holiday meal is ideal as it’s already flavorful. If cooking turkey specifically for this, consider poaching or roasting turkey breast or thighs and then shredding or dicing. Avoid overly processed deli turkey if possible.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning Generously: The saltiness of your broth and cooked turkey can vary. Before adding the biscuit topping, taste the filling and adjust the salt, pepper, thyme, and sage as needed. A well-seasoned filling is key to a delicious final product. Don’t be shy!
4. Ensure Your Skillet is Truly Oven-Safe: This might seem obvious, but double-check that your skillet, especially the handle, is designed to withstand oven temperatures of 400°F (200°C). Many skillets have plastic or rubberized handles that are not oven-safe. Cast iron skillets are perfect for this type of recipe.
5. Let it Rest Before Serving: As tempting as it is to dive right in, allowing the skillet to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven is crucial. This helps the molten-hot filling to cool slightly and thicken up further, preventing a soupy consistency and making it easier to serve without burns.

FAQ Section (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this Turkey Biscuit Skillet:

1. Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of cooked, shredded turkey?
   • A: Yes, you absolutely can! If using ground turkey, brown it thoroughly in the skillet after sautéing the vegetables (onion, celery, carrots) and before adding the garlic. Drain off any excess fat before proceeding with adding the flour and other ingredients. You’ll need about 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground turkey.
2. Q: Can I make my own homemade biscuits for the topping?
   • A: Definitely! Homemade biscuits would be a wonderful addition. Prepare your favorite biscuit dough, cut it into rounds, and arrange them on top of the filling just as you would with refrigerated biscuits. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the thickness and recipe of your homemade biscuits. Keep an eye on them and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • A: To make this gluten-free, you’ll need to make two main substitutions. First, replace the all-purpose flour in the filling with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch (if using cornstarch, make a slurry with a little cold broth before adding it to the simmering liquid). Second, use your favorite gluten-free refrigerated biscuits or make a batch of homemade gluten-free biscuits for the topping. Always check that your broth and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
4. Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
   • A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions, but for best results (especially to re-crisp the biscuits), reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You might want to cover it loosely with foil to prevent the biscuits from over-browning.
5. Q: Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?
   • A: Yes, you can do some prep work in advance. You can chop all the vegetables (onion, celery, carrots, garlic) a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re cooking turkey specifically for the recipe, that can also be done a day or two in advance. You can even prepare the entire turkey filling, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, transfer the filling to your skillet, heat it gently on the stovetop until warm, then top with biscuits and bake as directed. Avoid assembling the entire dish with raw biscuits on top far in advance, as the biscuits may become soggy.