Save There's something about the smell of a casserole bubbling in the oven that makes a kitchen feel like home. I discovered this chicken cobbler on a random Tuesday evening when I had rotisserie chicken, some frozen vegetables, and a box of those iconic Red Lobster biscuit mix packets sitting in my pantry. What started as improvisation became the dish I now make whenever I need comfort food that doesn't require fancy technique or hours of prep work.
I'll never forget the first time I brought this to a potluck at work. I was nervous about showing up with something so unabashedly simple, but it was gone within twenty minutes and three people asked for the recipe before I'd even sat down. That's when I realized comfort food doesn't apologize for being exactly what it is.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here because it's tender and flavorful straight out of the package, though canned chicken works in a pinch.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 cup): Don't thaw them first; they'll release moisture and make the filling watery.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is your creamy base; there's no need to reinvent the wheel.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): It balances the richness and prevents the filling from becoming too thick.
- Garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt (1/2 teaspoon each): These quiet seasonings let the other flavors shine without overpowering.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (1 package, 11.36 oz): Save that seasoning packet; it's liquid gold drizzled over the top.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup): It creates a tender crumb without making the biscuits heavy.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): This adds tanginess and richness that makes the biscuits impossibly fluffy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Mix it right into the biscuit dough for pockets of flavor throughout.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Brush it on the biscuits along with that seasoning packet for the signature finish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): A little green on top turns it from weeknight dinner into something special.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prepare:
- Set the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. A quick spray of cooking oil saves time and cleanup.
- Build the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and your seasonings. You want everything evenly mixed, but don't obsess over perfection. Spread it into your baking dish.
- Make the biscuit topping:
- In another bowl, stir together the biscuit mix, milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese until just combined. This is where restraint matters; overmixing leads to tough biscuits. A few lumps are actually your friend here.
- Layer and brush:
- Dollop spoonfuls of biscuit mixture over the chicken filling, then gently spread it into an even layer, leaving a couple of gaps so steam can escape. Melt your butter, mix in the reserved seasoning packet, and drizzle it generously over the biscuits.
- Bake until golden:
- Pop it into the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the biscuit topping is deep golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling at the edges.
- Rest before serving:
- Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps everything set and makes serving easier. Scatter parsley on top if you want a finishing touch.
Save My eight-year-old nephew asked for seconds of this cobbler before asking what was in it, which felt like the highest compliment. That moment taught me that sometimes the best meals are the ones that don't demand attention but somehow end up being unforgettable.
Why This Dish Works
The magic here is the contrast between the creamy, savory filling and the fluffy, cheesy biscuit topping. The cream of chicken soup and broth create a sauce that's rich without feeling heavy, and the frozen vegetables add texture and brightness. When you top it all with buttery, herb-seasoned biscuits, you get layers of flavor and texture that feel far more complicated than they actually are.
Ways to Make It Your Own
This recipe is beautifully forgiving because the base is so solid. I've added sautéed onion and fresh garlic to the filling on nights when I had them on hand, and it only made things better. I've also stirred in crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh dill to the biscuit dough, which transformed it into something my friends still talk about. Turkey works just as well as chicken, and if you want something lighter, swapping in low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese doesn't sacrifice flavor, just adds a few fewer calories to the plate.
Serving and Storage
Serve this straight from the oven with a simple green salad on the side to cut through the richness. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, though honestly, most people eat it all in one sitting. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and they're just as comforting cold from a fork as they are warm.
- Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking so it sets properly.
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
- Double the recipe if you're feeding a crowd; it reheats like a dream.
Save This chicken cobbler has become my go-to when life feels chaotic and I need something that tastes like it took effort but didn't. It's the kind of dish that brings people to the table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds more freshness and flavor to the dish.
- → What vegetables are best for this dish?
Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans blend well and provide a balanced texture.
- → Can I substitute the cheddar biscuit mix?
While the Red Lobster mix provides signature flavor, other cheddar biscuit mixes can be used, though results may differ slightly.
- → How do I ensure the biscuit topping is golden and fluffy?
Spread the topping evenly with some gaps for steam to escape and bake uncovered at 375°F until golden brown, about 35-40 minutes.
- → Is it possible to add herbs or bacon to the topping?
Yes, incorporating fresh herbs or cooked bacon bits into the biscuit mix enhances flavor and adds a savory touch.