There’s something uniquely heartwarming about a dish that brings everyone to the table, stirring up memories with every bite. This Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is exactly that kind of recipe. Imagine tender chicken and mixed vegetables enveloped in a creamy sauce, all crowned with savory, cheesy biscuits reminiscent of your favorite seafood restaurant. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, promising deliciousness without the fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler Recipe
This savory Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, designed to bring joy and warmth to your kitchen.
- Hearty & Flavorful: Enjoy a rich, creamy filling topped with irresistible savory biscuits for a truly satisfying dish.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for beginners or busy cooks, this recipe comes together with minimal effort and common ingredients.
- Pantry Staples: You likely have most items on hand, making last-minute dinner decisions a breeze.
- Family Favorite: Its comforting appeal makes it a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt it to suit different tastes or dietary needs with simple substitutions.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler:
- 1 (15-ounce) package Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (15-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe to your family’s preferences.
- Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken is key. Leftover roasted chicken, canned chicken, or even turkey works wonderfully in this savory chicken and biscuit bake.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap the mixed vegetables for green beans, corn, peas, or broccoli florets. Fresh steamed vegetables are also an excellent option.
- Biscuit Mix: While the Cheddar Bay mix adds unique flavor, any savory biscuit mix or even your favorite homemade biscuit recipe can be used. Adjust baking time as needed for homemade options.
- Cream of Soup: If you prefer, substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk for a less processed alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives. Ensure your biscuit mix is dairy-free, or opt for a homemade biscuit topping.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to make this comforting dish.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
How To Make Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler
Bringing this comforting Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler to life is a joyful experience. Follow these simple steps for a perfect family meal.
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This ensures easy serving and cleanup later.
Step 2: Prepare Biscuit Topping
In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire package of Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with 2 cups of milk. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the ingredients are just combined.
For light, fluffy biscuits, it’s important not to overmix the dough, as explained by the Institute of Food Science and Technology on gluten formation.
Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine for tender biscuits.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling Layers
Pour the melted 1/2 cup of butter directly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, layer the 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken over the butter. Distribute the 15-ounce bag of frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the chicken layer. Spoon the prepared biscuit mixture carefully over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth. This creates the rich, savory sauce for your cobbler. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the biscuit topping in the baking dish. Don’t stir it in; the sauce will seep down as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The cobbler is ready when the biscuit topping is beautifully golden brown, and the filling is bubbly around the edges, indicating it’s thoroughly heated through and cooked.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler from the oven. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Dish out generous portions and enjoy your homemade comfort food.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making this Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is straightforward, but a few pointers can elevate your results.
- Don’t Overmix Biscuit Dough: For light, fluffy biscuits, mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough biscuits.
- Ensure Chicken is Pre-Cooked: This recipe relies on pre-cooked chicken, which saves time and ensures the chicken is tender and ready to go.
- Monitor Baking for Biscuit Doneness: Keep an eye on the biscuits during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. They should be golden, not burnt.
- Avoid a Watery Filling: Ensure your soup and broth mixture is properly whisked. If you use fresh vegetables, you might want to briefly sauté them to reduce their moisture content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Greasing the Baking Dish: This can cause the cobbler to stick, making serving difficult. Always grease thoroughly.
- Overworking the Biscuit Dough: As mentioned, this leads to dense, chewy biscuits instead of light, fluffy ones.
- Under-baking the Cobbler: An under-baked cobbler might have raw biscuit dough or a cold, watery filling. Always bake until golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh sides.
Serve with a crisp green salad or some simply roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. A side of crusty bread is also lovely for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
According to USDA guidelines, safe food handling and storage practices are crucial for maintaining food quality and preventing spoilage.
To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, cover loosely with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until bubbly and warm, about 20-30 minutes. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Please: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella over the chicken and vegetables before adding the biscuit topping.
- Veggie Swap: Experiment with other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce, or use a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) instead of regular diced tomatoes for a spicier Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler.
- Plant-Based: Substitute shredded plant-based chicken and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup or homemade vegan cream sauce. Ensure your biscuit mix is plant-based, or make your own.
Nutrition Information
While this Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is a hearty and delicious meal, specific nutritional values will vary based on the brands and exact quantities of ingredients you use. This information is provided as a general estimate.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Total Fat | 25-35g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-15g |
| Cholesterol | 80-120mg |
| Sodium | 900-1200mg |
| Total Carbs | 35-45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-4g |
| Total Sugars | 5-8g |
| Protein | 25-35g |
Please note that this is an approximation. For precise nutrition, consider calculating based on the specific ingredients you use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade biscuits?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade biscuit recipe, you can definitely use it. Just form the biscuits and place them on top, adjusting the baking time as needed until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Yes, you can easily swap the shredded chicken for cooked turkey, pork, or even a plant-based chicken substitute. Ensure whatever you use is already cooked, as the baking time is designed for heating through rather than cooking raw meat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with this cobbler?
This hearty cobbler is excellent with simple sides. A fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli are perfect companions. You could also serve it with a side of cranberry sauce during the holidays.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this cobbler freezes well. Once completely cooled, cut it into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warmth and connection in your home. The blend of creamy chicken, tender vegetables, and those irresistible cheesy biscuits creates a truly memorable meal that will have your family asking for seconds. I encourage you to try this simple, comforting dish soon. Let us know how it turned out in the comments below, or share your own creative variations! Happy cooking!
Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix and milk, stirring until just combined.
- Pour melted butter into the baking dish, then layer with shredded chicken and frozen vegetables, followed by the biscuit mixture.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup and chicken broth in a small bowl, then pour evenly over the biscuit topping.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the cobbler to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
