Easy Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler – Perfect Family Dinner

There’s something magical about the combination of tender, seasoned chicken nestled beneath a blanket of golden, cheesy biscuits that makes this Easy Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler an instant family favorite. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits into a hearty, one-pan dinner that’s both comforting and surprisingly simple to prepare.

What sets this cobbler apart from traditional chicken and dumplings is the irresistible cheddar bay biscuit topping that bakes to perfection right on top of the savory chicken filling. The result is a dish that combines the best of both worlds – the comfort of a home-cooked chicken dinner with the indulgent, restaurant-quality flavors that everyone craves.

Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe comes together in just about 45 minutes from start to finish. The beauty lies in its simplicity – most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the preparation is straightforward enough for novice cooks while delivering results that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

The Secret to Perfect Cheddar Bay Flavor

The magic of this dish lies in recreating those iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavors that have made Red Lobster famous. We achieve this through a careful balance of sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and fresh herbs – particularly parsley and chives – that infuse both the chicken filling and the biscuit topping with that unmistakable taste.

The chicken mixture is enhanced with a creamy base that includes both cream of chicken soup and sour cream, creating a rich, velvety sauce that complements the cheesy biscuits perfectly. A touch of Old Bay seasoning adds that subtle seafood restaurant flair that ties the whole dish together.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

One of the greatest advantages of this Easy Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is its flexibility and make-ahead potential. You can prepare the chicken mixture earlier in the day and simply add the biscuit topping when you’re ready to bake. This makes it an excellent option for meal planning or when you’re expecting guests.

The recipe also scales beautifully – double it for a crowd or make individual portions in ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the cooking.

Nutritional Benefits and Customization Options

While this is definitely comfort food, it’s packed with protein from the chicken and can easily be loaded with vegetables to boost the nutritional content. Consider adding diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or frozen peas to the chicken mixture for extra color, texture, and vitamins.

For those watching their sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of added salt and rely more on herbs and spices for flavor. The dish is also easily adaptable for different dietary needs – use low-fat dairy products, add extra vegetables, or serve smaller portions alongside a large salad.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup cold buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder, then cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen mixed vegetables. Mix until well combined and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. For the biscuit topping, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, remaining garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and paprika in a separate large bowl.
5. Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces remaining.
6. Gradually add cold buttermilk, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix – the dough should be slightly sticky.
7. Fold in the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and chives into the biscuit dough.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the chicken mixture, covering most of the surface but leaving small gaps for steam to escape.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through, and the chicken mixture is bubbling around the edges.
10. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.

Easy Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler

Transform your weeknight dinner with this Easy Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler that combines tender seasoned chicken with the iconic flavors of Cheddar Bay Biscuits in one comforting casserole. Perfect for busy families seeking restaurant-quality comfort food at home.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix 1 oz
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
• 1/3 cup cold butter cubed
• 1 cup cold buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or forks
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder, then cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen mixed vegetables. Mix well and spread evenly in prepared baking dish.
4. For biscuit topping, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, remaining garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and paprika in a separate large bowl.
5. Cut cold butter into flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces remaining.
6. Gradually add cold buttermilk, stirring just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix.
7. Fold remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and chives into the biscuit dough.
8. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough evenly over chicken mixture, covering most of the surface but leaving small gaps for steam to escape.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through, and chicken mixture is bubbling around edges.
10. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow filling to set slightly.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip browning the chicken – this creates a flavor foundation. Use cold buttermilk and butter for fluffy biscuits. Can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking – just add 10-15 extra minutes to cook time.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

The key to achieving restaurant-quality flavor is not to skip the browning step for the chicken. This creates a foundation of flavor that makes all the difference in the final dish. Additionally, using cold buttermilk and cold butter ensures that your biscuit topping will be light and fluffy.

When dropping the biscuit dough over the chicken mixture, resist the urge to spread it smooth. The rustic, cobbled appearance is part of the charm, and those irregular surfaces will brown beautifully, creating an appealing contrast of textures.

Storage and Reheating

This cobbler keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method will keep the biscuit topping crispier.

The dish can also be assembled ahead of time and frozen before baking. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.

This Easy Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler represents the perfect intersection of convenience and comfort, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or entertaining friends on the weekend, this recipe is sure to become a treasured addition to your dinner rotation.