Ingredients

• BISCUITS
  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon salt
  4. 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, chilled
  5. 3/4 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
  6. 1 cup buttermilk
• CHICKEN
  1. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2. 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  4. 1/4 cup julienned country ham or prosciutto (1 ounce)
  5. 4 scallions, white and light green parts only, cut into 1-inch lengths
  6. 2 cups small broccoli florets
  7. 1 medium carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
  8. 1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves
  9. Pinch of cayenne pepper
  10. 1/4 cup dry sherry
  11. 1 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt. With a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the cheese; toss to coat. Stir in the buttermilk until the dough comes together.
2. 2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and pat it into a 1/2 -inch thickness. Dip a 3-inch round biscuit cutter in flour and cut out 8 biscuits. Transfer the biscuits to a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. 
3. In a large, deep skillet, melt the butter. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until golden brown, about 8 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add the ham to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the scallions, broccoli and carrot, cover and cook over low heat until the broccoli is bright green, 3 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the thyme leaves, cayenne and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the sherry and simmer until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the cream and simmer until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
5. Split the biscuits and set 2 bottoms on each plate. Spoon the chicken and sauce over the biscuit bottoms, add the tops and serve.