When it comes to comfort food, few dishes offer the satisfying warmth and flavor of a Chicken Cobbler. This recipe blends succulent rotisserie chicken with hearty vegetables and a rich biscuit topping, creating a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a large family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a warm, delicious meal, this Chicken Cobbler will surely hit the spot. Below, we’ll walk through each step in detail, ensuring you achieve the perfect cobbler every time.
What is Chicken Cobbler?
A Chicken Cobbler is a savory twist on the classic dessert cobbler, featuring a biscuit or bread-like topping over a hearty filling of chicken and vegetables. Unlike a pot pie, the topping is more biscuit-like and provides a light, fluffy contrast to the savory ingredients below. It’s a dish that offers the best of both worlds: a crispy, golden topping and a flavorful, juicy filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s review the key ingredients that make this Chicken Cobbler so irresistible:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken meat, shredded
- 1 (15 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables (such as corn, peas, carrots, and beans)
- 1 (11.36 ounce) package Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (like Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix®)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
These simple ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Now let’s break down the steps to make this dish a reality.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the cobbler bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown top. While the oven is heating up, place 1/2 cup of butter in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Place the dish in the oven to allow the butter to melt completely. The melted butter will add richness to the dish and prevent the cobbler from sticking to the pan.
2. Layer the Chicken and Vegetables
Once the butter is melted, remove the dish from the oven. Spread the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly across the buttered dish, ensuring it’s in a single layer for even cooking. On top of the chicken, sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables. You can use any vegetable mix you prefer, but a combination of corn, peas, carrots, and beans works beautifully in this recipe, adding texture and color.
3. Mix the Biscuit Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, the seasoning packet included with the mix, and 2 cups of milk. Stir the mixture until it’s well blended. This creates a batter that will form the biscuit topping. Carefully pour the batter over the chicken and vegetables. It’s important to spread it evenly across the top, but do not stir the layers. Allow the biscuit mix to naturally settle on top of the chicken and vegetables for that distinct layered cobbler effect.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken stock until smooth. This sauce adds moisture to the dish and helps blend the flavors of the chicken and vegetables with the biscuit topping. Pour the sauce over the biscuit mixture, again being careful not to stir. This layering method ensures the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the biscuit topping light and fluffy.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the biscuit topping is a deep golden brown and the center is only slightly jiggly. This ensures the biscuit has cooked through without becoming dry.
6. Let It Stand
Once the cobbler is baked, remove it from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the filling to set and ensures the cobbler slices cleanly when served. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cobbler
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses rotisserie chicken, which is not only flavorful but also convenient. If you have leftover chicken from a previous meal, this is a great way to repurpose it. The pre-cooked chicken saves time and effort, making this a quick weeknight meal option.
2. Customize Your Vegetables
While this recipe calls for a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, feel free to get creative. You can swap in other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. Using fresh vegetables is also an option, but you may need to sauté them briefly before adding them to the dish to ensure they cook properly.
3. Season to Taste
The Cheddar Bay biscuit mix comes with its own seasoning, but if you want to add extra depth to your Chicken Cobbler, consider sprinkling in some additional spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. These flavors complement the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
4. Make It Ahead of Time
This Chicken Cobbler is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the cover and bake as directed.
Why This Chicken Cobbler Recipe Stands Out
What sets this Chicken Cobbler apart is the unique combination of flavors and textures. The Cheddar Bay biscuit mix adds a cheesy, garlicky flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory filling of chicken and vegetables. The cream of chicken soup and chicken stock create a velvety sauce that keeps the dish moist and flavorful without making it soggy. Meanwhile, the golden, fluffy biscuit topping provides the perfect contrast to the rich filling below.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Chicken Cobbler pairs well with a variety of sides, though it’s substantial enough to stand on its own. For a complete meal, consider serving it with:
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cobbler.
- Garlic mashed potatoes for an extra dose of comfort food.
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a boost of color and nutrition.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which we doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
