If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of chicken and the delightful buttery goodness of Red Lobster biscuit mix, then this Chicken Cobbler recipe is perfect for you! It’s a cozy dish that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor, making it the ideal dinner for any occasion. Keep reading to learn how to whip up this delicious chicken cobbler using a shortcut that makes it even more irresistible.

What is Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix?

Chicken cobbler is a savory dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a biscuit topping to create a satisfying meal. This version uses the popular Red Lobster biscuit mix for the topping, which adds a buttery, cheesy twist that elevates the traditional cobbler into something truly special. The Red Lobster biscuit mix is known for its rich flavor and light, fluffy texture, making it an excellent pairing for the juicy chicken filling.

Ingredients List for Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix

For the filling:

2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 cup of chicken broth
1 cup of heavy cream
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 tablespoon of flour (to thicken)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried parsley

For the biscuit topping:

1 package of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesy flavor)
⅓ cup of cold water
¼ cup of melted butter
1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional for more flavor)
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This chicken cobbler recipe is very flexible, allowing for plenty of variations depending on what you have on hand or what suits your taste preferences. If you’re out of certain ingredients, or if you'd like to try something different, here are a few ideas:

Chicken Substitutes: If you don't have cooked chicken available, you can use turkey or even leftover roast beef. Vegetarian versions can be made by substituting the chicken with chickpeas, lentils, or tofu.
Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for fresh or different kinds of veggies such as green beans, mushrooms, or broccoli.
Biscuit Topping: While the Red Lobster biscuit mix adds a delicious flavor, you can replace it with homemade biscuits or even a premade biscuit dough if you’re short on time.
Cheese: You can experiment with different cheeses in the biscuit topping like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella if you want to add some variation to the cheesy flavor.
Seasoning: Add a little heat by mixing in cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients gathered, let's dive into the cooking process. This recipe is fairly simple and can be completed in just a few steps.

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, and sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
Make the Gravy: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the Biscuit Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the Red Lobster biscuit mix according to the package instructions. This usually involves combining the mix with cold water and stirring until just combined. If you're using extra shredded cheddar, fold that into the batter as well.
Top the Chicken Filling: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly across the top of the chicken filling. The dough doesn’t need to completely cover the filling since it will spread as it bakes.
Bake the Cobbler: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it's ready when the biscuits are fluffy and the filling is bubbly.
Add Garlic Butter: If you want to add the iconic Red Lobster garlic butter flavor, melt the remaining butter and mix in the garlic powder. Brush this garlic butter over the tops of the biscuits as soon as the cobbler comes out of the oven.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Biscuit Dough: When preparing the biscuit topping, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overworking the dough can lead to tough, dense biscuits instead of light, fluffy ones.
Undercooking the Chicken Filling: Make sure your chicken filling is fully heated and slightly thickened before transferring it to the baking dish. The baking time mainly cooks the biscuit topping, so the filling needs to be well-cooked beforehand.
Skipping the Garlic Butter: Don’t skip the garlic butter brushing step at the end! It adds a burst of flavor to the biscuits that really makes this dish special.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving chicken cobbler is simple, but there are a few ways to enhance both its flavor and presentation. Here’s how you can make this dish look and taste even better when you bring it to the table.

Serving Size: Scoop a generous portion of the chicken filling along with a biscuit or two, ensuring that each serving has a good balance of both components.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme for an elegant and flavorful touch.
Side Dishes: Pair this cobbler with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Cobbler

Family-Style Serving: Chicken cobbler is best served family-style, straight from the baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves.
Individual Servings: If you want to be fancy, you can bake the cobbler in individual ramekins for a more refined presentation, especially for dinner parties.
Rustic Look: Leave the biscuits slightly rustic-looking with uneven edges to emphasize the homemade, cozy appeal of this dish. The golden brown tops paired with the creamy filling underneath make for a beautiful contrast.

Chicken Cobbler Recipe Tips

Pre-Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the meat and toss it into the filling mixture.
Make-Ahead Option: You can make the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, simply top with the biscuit mix and pop it in the oven.
Freezing the Cobbler: This cobbler freezes well. Prepare it fully and freeze in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade biscuits instead of Red Lobster biscuit mix? Yes, you can! If you prefer to make your own biscuits, a simple cheddar biscuit recipe works just as well.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free biscuit mix and thicken the sauce with a gluten-free flour substitute like cornstarch or rice flour.

How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the biscuits from getting soggy.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Absolutely! Just be sure to sauté or steam the vegetables first so they’re tender before adding them to the filling.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix is the perfect dish when you want something warm, hearty, and full of flavor. It combines creamy chicken and veggies with cheesy, buttery biscuits for a meal that’s comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this easy recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade cobbler with a little extra cheesy indulgence!