Savory Cheese and Chicken Scones: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Savory Cheese and Chicken Scones: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

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Introduction

Savory scones are a delightful alternative to the traditional sweet variety, offering a rich and satisfying bite perfect for any time of day. These Savory Cheese and Chicken Scones combine the buttery, flaky texture of a classic scone with the bold flavors of sharp cheddar, tender chicken, and fresh herbs. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty snack, these scones are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Serve them with soup, salad, or enjoy them on their own for a savory treat that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients for Savory Cheese and Chicken Scones

Essential Dry Ingredients

To achieve the perfect scone texture, you’ll need a few pantry staples:

  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups, for structure and stability.
  • Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon, to give the scones a light, fluffy rise.
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the overall flavor.
  • Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a subtle kick of spice.

These dry ingredients form the base of the scone dough, ensuring it’s light, flaky, and perfectly seasoned.

Flavor-Packed Additions

What makes these scones truly special are the savory ingredients:

  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar adds bold, tangy flavor.
  • Cooked Chicken: 1 cup, finely chopped or shredded. Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
  • Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Choose parsley, thyme, or chives for freshness.

These ingredients add a savory richness that makes each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Wet Ingredients for Perfect Dough

To bring the dough together, you’ll need the following:

  • Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), cold and cubed. Cold butter ensures flaky layers.
  • Milk or Buttermilk: ¾ cup, for moisture and tenderness. Buttermilk adds a slight tang.
  • Egg: 1 large, beaten, to bind the dough together and add richness.

The combination of wet and dry ingredients creates a tender, buttery scone with a perfect crumb.

Preparing the Scone Dough

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

To ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning, it’s essential to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly:

  1. Sift the Flour and Baking Powder: Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir to Combine: Use a whisk to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Proper mixing ensures the scones rise evenly and have a consistent flavor throughout.

Incorporating the Butter

The secret to flaky scones lies in how the butter is incorporated:

  1. Add Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
  2. Cut in the Butter: Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

The small chunks of butter will create pockets of steam as they bake, resulting in a light, flaky texture.

Adding Chicken, Cheese, and Herbs

To evenly distribute the savory ingredients, follow these steps:

  1. Stir in the Cheese and Chicken: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar and cooked chicken until evenly distributed.
  2. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped herbs over the mixture and stir to combine.

Mixing these ingredients in before adding the wet ingredients ensures they are evenly spread throughout the dough.

Shaping and Baking the Scones

Forming the Dough into Scones

Once the dough is mixed, it’s time to shape it:

  1. Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the milk or buttermilk into the dry mixture and stir gently until the dough comes together.
  2. Turn Out the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and turn the dough out onto it.
  3. Shape the Dough: Pat the dough into a round disk, about 1-inch thick.

Be gentle with the dough to avoid overworking it, which can make the scones tough.

Cutting and Arranging the Scones

For even scones, cut the dough carefully:

  1. Cut into Wedges: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8-10 wedges. Alternatively, use a round biscuit cutter for circular scones.
  2. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for expansion.

Uniform sizing ensures that all scones bake evenly.

Preheating and Baking Tips

Proper baking technique is crucial for golden, flaky scones:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat fully.
  2. Bake the Scones: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones feel firm to the touch.

Check the scones at the 15-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

Brushing with Butter for a Golden Finish

Adding a buttery glaze before and after baking enhances the scones’ appearance and flavor:

  1. Brush with Egg Wash or Butter: Before baking, lightly brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg or melted butter for a golden, glossy finish.
  2. Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle a little extra cheese or herbs on top for added color and flavor.

This final step ensures the scones are beautifully golden with an inviting aroma.

Savory Cheese and Chicken Scones: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Variations and Flavor Twists

Spicy Chicken and Cheese Scones

For a fiery twist, spice up your scones:

  • Jalapeños: Finely chop 1-2 jalapeños and add them to the dough for a burst of heat.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of cayenne into the dry ingredients for subtle warmth.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Replace cheddar with shredded pepper jack for a spicy kick.

These additions transform the scones into a bold, flavorful snack perfect for those who love heat.

Herbed Chicken Scones

Infusing the dough with herbs elevates the flavor profile:

  • Rosemary and Thyme: Add 1 tablespoon of each for a fragrant, earthy flavor.
  • Basil and Oregano: These Italian herbs pair wonderfully with the cheddar and chicken.
  • Chive and Dill: A fresh, vibrant combination that adds a delicate herbal note.

Herbs make these scones an elegant choice for brunch or high tea.

Bacon and Chicken Scones

For an extra savory indulgence, add crispy bacon:

  • Cooked Bacon: Chop 4-5 strips of crispy bacon and fold them into the dough.
  • Smoked Gouda or Cheddar: Use smoked cheese to complement the bacon’s flavor.

The addition of bacon brings a smoky, salty dimension that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and rich cheese.

Tips for Perfect Savory Scones

Keeping the Butter Cold

Cold butter is the secret to flaky scones:

  • Use Frozen Butter: Grate frozen butter directly into the dry ingredients for even distribution.
  • Work Quickly: Minimize handling to prevent the butter from softening too much.

Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in light, tender scones.

Avoiding Overmixing the Dough

Overmixing can lead to dense, tough scones. Here’s how to avoid it:

  1. Gently Combine Ingredients: Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. The dough should be slightly shaggy.
  2. Minimal Kneading: Knead the dough lightly, just enough to bring it together, about 5-6 times.

Handling the dough with care ensures the scones remain soft and tender.

Storing and Reheating Scones

To keep your scones fresh and delicious, store them properly:

  1. At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  2. In the Refrigerator: Keep scones in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  3. Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

For reheating:

  • Oven: Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
  • Microwave: Warm for 20-30 seconds, though this may soften the crust.

Serving Suggestions for Cheese and Chicken Scones

Pairing with Soups and Salads

These savory scones pair beautifully with a variety of dishes:

  • Hearty Soups: Serve with creamy tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or butternut squash soup for a comforting meal.
  • Fresh Salads: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad, mixed greens, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

The scones add a satisfying, buttery element to any meal, perfect for dipping or enjoying alongside.

Adding Toppings and Spreads

Enhance the flavor of your scones with these delicious toppings:

  • Herbed Butter: Whip softened butter with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a flavorful spread.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop for a tangy, creamy contrast.
  • Chutney or Jam: For a sweet-savory combo, try a spoonful of tomato chutney or onion jam.

These toppings add an extra layer of flavor and elevate the scones to gourmet status.

Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Scones

1. Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for the Scones?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly! It’s a convenient option, and the pre-cooked chicken adds great flavor. Simply shred or dice it before incorporating it into the dough.

2. How Do I Make the Scones Gluten-Free?

To make gluten-free scones, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum. Ensure all other ingredients, such as baking powder, are certified gluten-free.

3. Can I Freeze the Scones Before Baking?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked scones:

  1. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the cut scones on a tray and freeze until solid.
  2. Store in a Freezer Bag: Transfer the frozen scones to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
  3. Bake from Frozen: Add an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time when baking directly from frozen.
4. What Cheese Works Best for Savory Scones?

Sharp cheddar is the most popular choice, but you can also use:

  • Gouda
  • Gruyère
  • Parmesan
  • Feta (for a tangy twist)

Each cheese adds its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment.

5. How Do I Reheat Scones Without Drying Them Out?

To reheat scones without losing moisture:

  • Oven Method: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil if necessary.
  • Microwave Method: Wrap the scone in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

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