Delicious Red Lobster Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie

Imagine combining the buttery, flaky goodness of Red Lobster’s iconic cheddar biscuits with the comforting, hearty flavors of a classic chicken pot pie. The result? A culinary masterpiece that takes comfort food to an entirely new level. This Red Lobster Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie recipe marries two beloved dishes, creating a creamy, savory filling loaded with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a luscious sauce, all topped with irresistible, cheesy biscuits. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking for a standout dish to impress guests, this recipe is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. With its creamy base and cheddar biscuit topping, every bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, guaranteed to make this dish a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined: This recipe elevates the traditional pot pie by adding cheddar biscuits instead of pie crust, providing a rich and savory twist.
• Homemade Appeal with a Restaurant-Inspired Touch: While the biscuit topping is inspired by Red Lobster’s famous biscuits, the entire dish has a homey feel that will remind you of classic comfort food.
• Versatility in Ingredients: You can adapt this recipe to use leftover chicken, turkey, or even add your favorite vegetables.
• One-Dish Wonder: It’s a complete meal with protein, veggies, and carbs baked together in one dish for easy serving and cleanup.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, meal prep, or a holiday gathering, this dish fits the bill.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (filling) + 25 minutes (baking)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of the pot pie)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheddar Biscuit Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2/3 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 2/3 cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)

For Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook the flour for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Follow with the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Combine the Filling Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, peas, and any additional vegetables you’re using. Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Make the Cheddar Biscuit Topping

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Bring the Dough Together: Gradually pour in the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits dense.

Step 3: Assemble the Pot Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Fill the Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Spread it out evenly.
3. Top with Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough on top of the filling, leaving some gaps for steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake the Pot Pie

1. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
2. Optional Garnish: Brush the biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Use a large spoon to scoop portions, ensuring you get a balance of filling and biscuit in every serving.

Ingredient Background

Chicken

The star protein of this dish, chicken, is not only rich in flavor but also a great source of lean protein. Using leftover or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster to prepare.

Vegetables

The classic trio of peas, carrots, and celery provides a colorful and nutritious base for the filling. Feel free to add your favorites, such as corn, green beans, or mushrooms.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor to the biscuits. Its sharpness balances the creamy filling perfectly.

Buttermilk

This ingredient ensures the biscuits are tender and fluffy. If you don’t have buttermilk, a simple substitute of milk and vinegar works just as well.

Technique Tips

1. Cold Butter for Flaky Biscuits: Ensure the butter is cold when making the biscuit dough to create flaky layers.
2. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the biscuit dough can make it tough. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
3. Thickening the Sauce: Cook the roux thoroughly and whisk continuously to achieve a creamy, lump-free filling.
4. Steam Gaps: Leave small gaps between biscuit dollops to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Cheese Distribution: Mix the cheese evenly into the biscuit dough for consistent flavor.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Pot Pies: Divide the filling into ramekins and top each with a small cheddar biscuit for individual servings.
• Casserole Style: Layer the biscuit dough across the entire top for a more uniform casserole presentation.
• Upside-Down Version: Bake the biscuits separately and serve them on the side or on top after the filling has been baked.
• Puff Pastry Topping: Replace the biscuits with store-bought puff pastry for a crisp, golden topping.

Additional Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Top with biscuit dough and bake when ready.
• Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch and freezing one for later.
• Extra Cheddar: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the biscuit dough for an extra cheesy crust.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the biscuit dough for a kick of flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu, and use vegetable broth for the sauce.
• Turkey Pot Pie: Replace chicken with turkey for a post-holiday meal idea.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for both the filling and the biscuit topping.
• Seafood Twist: Incorporate shrimp or crab into the filling for a coastal-inspired variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the pot pie (fully assembled but unbaked) for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Biscuits: Use whole wheat flour for added fiber in the biscuit topping.
• Low-Fat Dairy: Substitute milk and reduced-fat cheese to lighten the dish.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini to increase the nutritional content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinner: Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
• Holiday Gathering: Serve alongside cranberry sauce or green bean casserole for a festive twist.
• Casual Potluck: Bring this dish to your next potluck—it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: For preparing the creamy filling.
• Pastry Cutter: To incorporate butter into the biscuit dough.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: For baking the pot pie.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade?
   Yes, refrigerated biscuit dough can be used for convenience.
2. How do I thicken the filling if it’s too runny?
   Simmer the sauce longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version.
4. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
   Mix regular milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
5. Can I freeze the biscuit topping separately?
   Yes, freeze the unbaked biscuit dough and bake it fresh when needed.
6. What vegetables work best?
   Peas, carrots, celery, and onions are classic, but green beans, mushrooms, or corn are great additions.
7. Can I make this in advance?
   Prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the biscuit topping just before baking.
8. Can I use puff pastry instead of biscuits?
   Yes, puff pastry provides a flaky, golden topping for a delicious variation.

Conclusion

Delicious Red Lobster Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie brings the best of both worlds: the comforting nostalgia of chicken pot pie and the rich, buttery flavors of cheddar biscuits. This dish is a guaranteed hit for any occasion, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special event, a weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for busy days, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. So grab your apron, and treat yourself to this delightful twist on comfort food classics!

Print