Easy Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler Recipe for Family Dinners

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I’ve always loved recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, and my Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is exactly that. The first time I made this dish, the smell of golden, cheesy biscuits mingling with tender, flavorful chicken filled my kitchen, instantly bringing back memories of cozy family dinners. Over the years, it has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something comforting yet impressive enough to serve to guests. What I love most is how simple ingredients transform into a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

You will love this recipe because it perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with a soft, buttery topping that melts in your mouth. The cheddar biscuits on top create a delightful contrast with the tender chicken beneath, while a hint of herbs adds depth to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies hunger and lifts spirits, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap vegetables based on what’s in season, add a little spice if you like heat, or even turn it into a one-pot meal by incorporating different grains. It adapts beautifully to your pantry, so you can customize it without compromising flavor.

It’s also remarkably affordable. With basic ingredients like chicken, cheddar cheese, flour, and simple pantry staples, you can create a hearty, restaurant-quality meal without spending a fortune. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch leftovers, turning cooked chicken and vegetables into a fresh, satisfying new dish.

Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup carrots, diced

  • 1 cup celery, diced

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1/3 cup flour

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 2/3 cup milk

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing the Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is both simple and satisfying. It starts with building a flavorful chicken filling and ends with a golden, cheesy biscuit topping. By following these steps carefully, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced dish every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while preparing the filling. This ensures the cobbler bakes evenly once assembled.

  2. Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

  3. Add the chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, mixing well with the sautéed vegetables. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with butter and flavor.

  4. Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

  5. Season the mixture: Add the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables. Stir in the frozen peas, then remove the skillet from heat.

  6. Prepare the biscuit topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and parsley.

  7. Add milk gradually: Pour in the milk and gently mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough.

  8. Assemble the cobbler: Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the top, leaving small gaps so the steam can escape while baking.

  9. Bake the cobbler: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The filling should be bubbly around the edges.

  10. Cool slightly before serving: Let the cobbler rest for 5 minutes. This helps the filling set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under an hour from start to finish. By preparing the vegetables and chicken in advance or using leftover cooked chicken, you can reduce active cooking time to just 20 minutes. The biscuit topping requires minimal effort but adds maximum flavor, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Customizable

You can easily adapt the Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler to suit your preferences. Swap the vegetables for bell peppers, corn, or green beans. Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicier kick. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the butter in the biscuit topping.

Popular with Many People

This cobbler is a crowd-pleaser, loved by children and adults alike. The combination of creamy, savory chicken filling with cheesy, golden biscuits appeals to almost every palate. Serve it alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, hearty meal that satisfies every appetite.

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Easy Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler Recipe for Family Dinners

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Print Recipe

Cheddar Bay Chicken Cobbler is a comforting, savory dish featuring tender chicken and vegetables baked under a golden, cheesy biscuit topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this cobbler combines simple ingredients to create a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until tender.
  3. Stir in the cooked chicken until evenly coated with vegetables and butter.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, whisking to prevent lumps.
  5. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.
  6. For the biscuit topping, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Stir in cheddar cheese and parsley. Gradually add milk, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
  8. Transfer chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the top, leaving small gaps.
  9. Bake 25–30 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and filling is bubbly.
  10. Let cobbler rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.

Vegetables can be substituted based on preference.

For extra moist biscuits, cover loosely with foil for the first half of baking.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 30

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FAQs

1. Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the cobbler just before serving to maintain the biscuits’ fluffy texture.

2. Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and actually saves time, making this dish even quicker to prepare.

3. Can I freeze the cobbler?
You can freeze the unbaked cobbler with the biscuit topping. Wrap it tightly in foil and store for up to 2 months. Bake it from frozen, adding extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour in both the filling and biscuit topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust liquid amounts slightly if needed to maintain the right consistency.

5. Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly. Bell peppers, corn, or green beans are great additions. Simply add them when sautéing the other vegetables, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

6. How do I keep the biscuits soft?
Do not overmix the biscuit dough and bake until just golden brown. Covering the cobbler loosely with foil for the first half of baking can help retain moisture.

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