Chicken Cobbler Recipe

Chicken Cobbler Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

This delicious chicken cobbler combines comfort food at its finest a creamy shredded chicken base topped with a golden-brown, buttery biscuit layer. Originally popularized by @yourbarefootneighbor on TikTok, this one-pan dish features melted butter, shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen vegetables, creamy soup, milk, and a boxed Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty potluck meal.

Ingredients (Makes 8 Servings)

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 cups rotisserie chicken meat, shredded
  • 1 (15 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 (11.36 ounce) package Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (e.g. 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)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
  2. Place the butter in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and put it in the oven to melt.
  3. Once the butter is melted, arrange the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly in a single layer over the butter.
  4. Top the chicken with frozen mixed vegetables, spreading them evenly.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix, the seasoning packet from the mix, and the milk. Stir until well blended. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Spread it out gently without stirring.
  6. In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken stock until smooth. Pour this mixture over the biscuit layer without stirring.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is only slightly jiggly.
  8. If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top of the cobbler and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition Amount
Calories 555
Total Fat 32g
Saturated Fat 14g
Cholesterol 69mg
Sodium 1015mg
Total Carbohydrate 50g
Dietary Fiber 4g
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 17g
Vitamin C 2mg
Calcium 291mg
Iron 3mg
Potassium 410mg

The Story Behind Chicken Cobbler

Chicken cobbler, a comforting American casserole, draws inspiration from traditional fruit cobblers, replacing sweet fillings with savory ingredients. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, this dish evolved in the mid-20th century as home cooks sought hearty, one-dish meals that could feed families efficiently. The combination of shredded chicken, vegetables, creamy soup, and biscuit topping made it a natural choice for weeknight dinners and potlucks, blending convenience with warmth and flavor.

Regional Variations and Features

Across the United States, chicken cobbler takes on regional characteristics. In the South, cooks often incorporate Creole or Cajun seasonings, such as paprika, thyme, and garlic, for a spicier, more aromatic version. Northern variations tend to emphasize creaminess, using rich cheeses and heavier cream sauces. In some areas, biscuit toppings are replaced with puff pastry or homemade dough, creating subtle textural differences that reflect local baking traditions.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Chicken cobbler is often compared to chicken pot pie, yet it has distinct differences. Unlike a pie, which encloses the filling in a crust, cobbler features a loose biscuit or dumpling-style topping, allowing the creamy chicken and vegetables to bubble freely beneath. This creates a layered texture with a buttery, golden topping and a soft, saucy base, whereas pot pies have a firmer crust that surrounds the filling completely. The topping also tends to absorb flavors from the chicken and stock, enhancing the overall richness.

Typical Serving Occasions

Chicken cobbler is most often served in casual family settings or at gatherings like potlucks, holiday dinners, and weeknight meals. Its one-pan preparation makes it ideal for feeding a crowd without complicated plating. Often accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, it is appreciated for its simplicity, comforting warmth, and satisfying presentation. Some restaurants, particularly Southern-inspired cafes, have added their own twist, featuring cobblers as part of a seasonal menu or daily special.

Interesting Facts

  • The modern popularity of chicken cobbler has been boosted by social media trends, including viral TikTok recipes that showcase layering with Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix.
  • Unlike fruit cobblers, which were originally made during early American settlements using available fruits, chicken cobbler was adapted later as a way to stretch leftovers and provide a complete meal.
  • Some variations incorporate unconventional vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers, offering a creative twist while still keeping the classic structure.
  • The dishs layering techniquechicken, vegetables, creamy sauce, and biscuitscreates a visual appeal that encourages home cooks to experiment with colors, textures, and seasoning levels.
  • Chicken cobblers adaptability has led to multiple versions, including gluten-free biscuit toppings, dairy-free creamy bases, and even air-fryer adaptations for faster cooking.

FAQ about Chicken Cobbler Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble it up until the baking step, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, and then bake as instructed. Note that the cooking time may be slightly longer if it's cold from the fridge.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled chicken cobbler. After preparing it, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as per the recipe instructions. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Store any leftover chicken cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Yes, you can substitute the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix with another biscuit mix of your choice. Just be sure to follow the directions for the biscuit mix you use, adjusting the milk and seasoning accordingly. Some people also add shredded cheese or extra seasonings to enhance the flavor.

Absolutely! You can customize the vegetable mix to your liking. Some good options include chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or even sweet potatoes. Just be sure to use frozen vegetables to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

If your cobbler turns out too runny, it's likely because there was too much liquid in the mixture. To fix this in the future, reduce the amount of chicken stock or cream of chicken soup slightly, or let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow it to firm up.

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great choice for this recipe as it saves time and adds flavor. Simply shred the meat and use it in place of any cooked chicken you might have.

You can add a variety of seasonings to the cobbler. Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper are popular additions. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley also complement the dish well.

Chicken cobbler is a comforting, all-in-one meal, but you can serve it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to balance the richness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the dish.

Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with other creamy soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the flavor of the dish.

Comments

Michelle Martinez

04/10/2025 07:32:19 AM

Is it possible to substitute Bisquick for cheddar bay biscuit mix? If so, what is the appropriate measurement to use?

Justin Collins

07/31/2022 05:12:09 PM

Having read some reviews, I opted to decrease the amount of chicken stock in the soup by 3/4 of a cup. Additionally, I sprinkled the biscuit mixture on top AFTER pouring in the soup. The casserole baked for 45 minutes at 375 degrees and rested for 10 minutes after being taken out of the oven. The result was impeccable - not too liquidy and incredibly tasty. My mom and I absolutely loved it!

Dorothy Collins

04/27/2023 03:32:28 PM

Review rewritten: The preparation was fast and uncomplicated! I opted to switch up the vegetable mix. I'm not fond of the carrot, peas, and corn combo, so I went with asparagus, potatoes, and onions instead. I also sprinkled on some cracked black pepper and rosemary. The result was incredibly tasty!

Brandon Cruz

01/07/2024 02:47:15 PM

I absolutely love this recipe and find myself making it at least once a month. I always stock up on red lobster biscuit mix when it's on sale so I have it ready in my pantry. When I have leftover chicken, I'll use that or a rotisserie chicken, but many times I opt for canned chicken, which I always keep on hand for dishes like buffalo chicken dip. Surprisingly, the canned chicken works just as well as rotisserie or leftover chicken in this recipe. Here's how I layer it: I melt butter in the oven, then layer crumbled chicken to cover the entire pan, followed by vegetables. Since not everyone in my family enjoys mixed vegetables, I use corn/broccoli on one side and mixed vegetables on the other. I then pour a mixture of chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the vegetables, seasoned with pepper, red pepper flakes, dried minced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and dehydrated garlic. I prepare the red lobster rolls as directed and pour them over the mixture. The dish bakes in the oven at 375°F for about 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the contents are bubbly. I typically serve it with a fresh green salad.

Carol Williams

11/27/2023 03:45:06 PM

Here is my rewritten review: This recipe is fantastic on its own or with any personal modifications. I have no qualms if you decide to adjust it. Personally, I use Better than Bouillon for my stock and slice up chunks of chicken from Sam's Club. A helpful tip I have for anyone trying this recipe is to MIX THE CHEDDAR BAY MIX FIRST! Let it sit before proceeding with the rest of the preparation. If you mix it and immediately add it to the pan, the result may not be what you expect. Just follow the remaining steps of the recipe as directed, and you'll end up with a delicious family meal.

William Clark

09/17/2023 07:16:23 AM

OMG, this dish was absolutely delicious! I was slightly anxious after reading some reviews, so I checked comments on other websites. I rearranged the layers so that the biscuit mix was on top, resulting in a beautifully golden brown and perfectly cooked dish after 50 minutes. I also combined the chicken, veggies, and soup mixture before letting the biscuit mix sit for a few minutes. Next time, I might use half a stick of butter and add some salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Overall, it was a fantastic recipe!

Benjamin Garcia

11/11/2022 02:12:00 PM

First and foremost, I'd like to express my gratitude for the recipe and also for the reviews! Initially, after reading through all the reviews, I hesitated and thought, "This seems like too much work!" However, I was already committed and decided to give it a try. I began by boiling some chicken thighs in chicken broth, then added Lipton onion soup mix and salt and pepper. Additionally, I steamed a bag of mixed vegetables and sautéed a mixture of onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms in garlic butter. Concerns about the dish being soggy and bland, as mentioned in the reviews, made me apprehensive. Midway through, I followed the advice to mix in a cheddar blend and set it aside. For the biscuit mix, I substituted milk with 3/4 cup of half & half and added a cup of shredded cheese. In a skillet, I combined one can of chicken soup, a cup of my homemade chicken stock from the seven small chicken thighs, and simmered them before incorporating the shredded chicken and vegetables. I enhanced the flavor with more garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. I reduced the butter amount to only half a stick, as using a whole stick seemed excessive to me! After layering the meat and veggie mixture, I sprinkled a light amount of sharp cheddar cheese and the red lobster mix on top. To improve the batter consistency, I added a bit of my chicken stock. Baking uncovered at 400°F for 30 minutes, then lowering the temperature to 375°F for the remaining 20 minutes helped control the cooking pace. Finally, I allowed it to rest in the oven for about 7 minutes before serving, topping it off with some garlic butter. The result? Absolutely delicious and flavorful! Once you get the hang of it, it's definitely worth making again. Tailoring the recipe to suit your preferences and those of your family is key.

Gregory Lee

06/21/2023 01:01:37 PM

Review: With my 6 grandkids under our roof, including a couple of picky eaters, I'm always on the lookout for meals that everyone will enjoy. This dish was a hit with all of them! After reading some reviews, I decided to pour the soup mixture over the veggies before layering on cheddar cheese and topping it off with the biscuit mixture. The result? A delicious and comforting meal that garnered hearts all around. 💖💖💖

Laura Taylor

07/02/2024 11:42:19 AM

Here's the rewritten review: For the perfect cobbler, make sure the topping goes on top last, without any gravy on top. Save the Red Lobster seasoning packet for the final touch by sprinkling it over the spooned-on cobbler and brushing it with melted butter. When making the biscuit mix, use only 1 cup of milk, and don't forget to add grated cheddar cheese to the Red Lobster roll mix for that extra touch of luxury. Season the frozen veggies with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and onion powder. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, then cover for an additional 10 minutes to prevent the rolls from getting too brown. Just remember, a recipe is only a guide – feel free to customize to your taste!

Julie Hill

11/14/2022 02:00:16 AM

I absolutely loved the taste of this dish! Some helpful tips: Make sure to bake it at 400 degrees. Bake for approximately 65 minutes (as 45 minutes is not enough). If possible, use a classic rotisserie chicken from WalMart - I had never tried one before, and it was unexpectedly flavorful. Using Better Than Bouillon for the broth is a must. Apart from these suggestions, I followed the recipe as is, and it was a hit with everyone.

Margaret Edwards

01/06/2024 11:55:24 AM

I have tried this recipe twice and it is absolutely amazing! I was initially skeptical, but it turned out to be so delicious! The second time, I used pre-cooked and seasoned chicken breasts that I had prepared earlier, chopped them up, froze them, and simply thawed them in the fridge two days before making the recipe. This saved me the trouble of having to buy a rotisserie chicken and made the cooking process much quicker.

Ruth Wright

03/19/2024 12:24:25 AM

I seasoned the chicken and topped it with chopped bell peppers and onions. Being Cajun, we love to use plenty of seasoning in our meals. I definitely intend to cook this dish again.

Alexander Lewis

12/07/2022 04:11:07 AM

Excited to experiment with various kinds of vegetables in this dish.

Daniel Jones

03/14/2025 04:32:53 AM

I followed the recipe with some modifications based on the reviews. I sautéed a chopped onion in melted butter until translucent, then added chicken, vegetables, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, poultry seasoning). I sprinkled shredded cheddar on top, poured in the soup, and added biscuits with a bit of cheddar inside. The dish turned out delicious and was very easy to prepare. I plan to add chopped potatoes next time. The amounts of chicken broth and soup recommended in the recipe were just right. Although it seemed a bit thin when first served, it thickened up nicely after resting for 10 minutes out of the oven. I recommend sticking to the original amounts of chicken broth - great recipe!

Jessica Hernandez

12/06/2022 01:58:03 AM

I absolutely adore the taste and how simple it is to make. I saved the biscuit mixture for last and sprinkled a touch of sage into the gravy. Divided the recipe between two 9-inch square pans and baked them both. One was devoured immediately while the other went into the freezer. Fingers crossed it reheats nicely - can't wait to find out!

Gregory Garcia

08/22/2023 03:19:33 AM

I recently prepared this dish for my family and it was a hit! My grandsons couldn't get enough, and I even enjoyed a leftover piece the next day after heating it in the microwave, and it was even more delicious. I'm thinking of adding some celery next time, although it was already fantastic as the recipe is written.

Jessica Walker

01/10/2025 02:54:01 AM

I have prepared this dish several times, and both the children and adult grandchildren absolutely enjoyed it!

Carolyn Perez

11/30/2023 05:53:45 PM

I like this recipe more than my usual pot pie one. It's simple to prepare and has great flavor. I might experiment with the seasonings next time, but it's delicious as it is now!

Rachel Adams

09/12/2023 10:31:09 AM

Based on other reviews, I followed the suggestion of layering the soup mixture over the veggies and then spreading the Red Lobster mix on top. It turned out wonderfully. The only adjustment I would consider is adding additional seasoning like garlic powder.

Andrew Lee

03/13/2024 03:09:34 AM

I tried making Broccoli Normandy with a twist by adding some cheese to the biscuit mix. I cooked it for 1 1/2 hours, but it turned out a bit runny. Next time, I'll make it again with just 1 cup of broth.