Chicken Cobbler is a comforting, savory dish that combines the creamy richness of a chicken pot pie filling with a flaky, buttery biscuit topping. This hearty, one-pan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy meals when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. With tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this cobbler is topped with golden biscuits that soak up the creamy filling, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and approachable.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Chicken Cobbler recipe is straightforward, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. It’s a meal that feels both rustic and refined, offering the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The ultimate dish for chilly days or when you want a warm, filling meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy to prepare and minimizes cleanup with its all-in-one baking method.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the seasoning to suit your tastes.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and accessible ingredients for a budget-friendly recipe.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for quick, satisfying meals.
- Versatile: Ideal for casual weeknight dinners or as a centerpiece for special occasions.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Biscuit Topping
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar added)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and frozen corn (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until evenly coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the chicken filling, leaving small gaps for steam to escape.
- Place the skillet or pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the Chicken Cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Ingredient Background
- Chicken: Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken simplifies preparation and adds tender protein.
- Vegetables: Classic choices like carrots, peas, and corn provide color, texture, and nutrition.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce and create a creamy, cohesive filling.
- Buttermilk: Gives the biscuits a tender texture and subtle tang.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and a hint of smokiness to the filling.
Technique Tips
- Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter ensures flaky, tender biscuits. Chill the butter until just before use.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the biscuits tough. Mix until the dough just comes together.
- Taste the Filling: Adjust seasoning before topping with biscuits to ensure the filling is flavorful.
- Use an Oven-Safe Pan: Saves time and dishes by transferring directly from stovetop to oven.
- Steam Venting: Leaving gaps in the biscuit topping allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Individual Servings: Prepare the cobbler in individual ramekins for a dinner-party presentation.
- Pot Pie Style: Use puff pastry instead of biscuits for a flaky crust.
- Layered Casserole: Spread the filling in a baking dish, top with biscuits, and bake as usual.
- Rustic Style: Roll out the biscuit dough and cut into rounds for a classic cobbler appearance.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Herbs: Replace dried thyme with fresh thyme for a brighter flavor.
- Customize Vegetables: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans for variety.
- Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers in the oven to preserve the biscuit texture.
- Add Cheese: Mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the biscuit dough for added flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with diced potatoes or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for both the filling and biscuits.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for heat.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based milk and butter in the filling and biscuit topping.
- Herb-Infused Topping: Add chopped rosemary, chives, or parsley to the biscuit dough.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Assemble the cobbler but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to maintain biscuit crispness.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Lower-Fat Option: Use skim milk and reduced-fat butter in the filling and biscuits.
- Whole-Grain Biscuits: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate more vegetables like spinach, kale, or broccoli.
- Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and limit added salt.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Family Dinners: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Casual Gatherings: Serve in individual ramekins with a side of garlic bread for a fun presentation.
- Holiday Comfort Food: Make Chicken Cobbler the centerpiece of a cozy holiday meal.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For preparing the filling and baking in one pan.
- Pastry Cutter: Useful for cutting butter into the biscuit dough.
- Ladle: For portioning out the cobbler.
- Ramekins (Optional): For individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned biscuits?
Yes, store-bought canned biscuits can be used as a time-saving alternative. - Can I make this cobbler in advance?
Assemble the filling and biscuits separately. Combine and bake just before serving. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven to maintain the biscuit topping’s texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. - Can I use a different protein?
Yes, turkey or diced cooked sausage are excellent substitutes for chicken. - Can I skip the cream in the filling?
Absolutely! Use additional chicken broth for a lighter sauce. - How do I make the biscuits fluffier?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overworking the dough. - Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables work perfectly; just sauté them longer to ensure they’re tender.
Conclusion
Chicken Cobbler is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together creamy, savory flavors and buttery, flaky biscuits. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit any taste or occasion, making it ideal for everything from busy weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and rich, flavorful sauce ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness. The biscuit topping adds a perfect contrast with its golden, slightly crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy meal at home or sharing with loved ones, this cobbler is bound to become a cherished favorite. Enjoy!
Print
Chicken Cobbler
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Biscuit Topping
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar added)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and frozen corn (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until evenly coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the chicken filling, leaving small gaps for steam to escape.
- Place the skillet or pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the Chicken Cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g