Save I threw this together on a rainy Tuesday when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a box of Red Lobster biscuit mix sitting in the pantry. The kitchen smelled like garlic and butter within minutes, and my neighbor knocked on the door asking what I was making. It turned into an accidental dinner party, with everyone fighting over the crispy edges where the biscuit topping met the casserole dish.
The first time I served this to my family, my brother-in-law went silent after the first bite, which is his version of a compliment. He ate three servings and texted me the next morning asking for the recipe. Now he makes it for his kids every other week, and they call it cheesy chicken clouds.
Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it already has flavor baked in, but canned works in a pinch when youre truly rushed.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: No chopping required, and they stay firm enough to add texture without turning mushy in the oven.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy backbone of the filling, and I learned not to skip it after trying a from-scratch version that took twice as long.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: It loosens the soup into a velvety sauce without making everything too salty, which I found out the hard way once.
- Garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, salt: These simple seasonings build warmth and depth without needing a spice rack overhaul.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The star of the show, this mix brings that signature garlicky, cheesy magic without any extra effort.
- Whole milk: It makes the biscuit topping tender and rich, noticeably better than when I tried it with skim.
- Sour cream: This addition keeps the biscuits moist and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Extra cheese folded into the topping creates pockets of melty goodness throughout.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Combined with the seasoning packet, this drizzle on top creates a golden, crispy crust that crackles when you scoop into it.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through all the comfort.
Instructions
- Preheat and prep:
- Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents the biscuit edges from sticking, which I learned after scraping half the topping off the pan once.
- Build the filling:
- In a large bowl, stir together the chicken, frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, pepper, and salt until everything is evenly coated. Spread this mixture into your prepared dish, smoothing it into an even layer so the topping bakes uniformly.
- Mix the biscuit topping:
- In another bowl, combine the biscuit mix (save that seasoning packet for later), milk, sour cream, and shredded cheddar. Stir gently until just combined, with a few lumps still visible. Overmixing makes the biscuits dense, and I only had to do that once to remember forever.
- Top the casserole:
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter over the chicken filling, spreading gently with the back of a spoon to cover most of the surface. Leave a few small gaps so steam can escape and the filling bubbles up around the edges.
- Add the butter drizzle:
- Melt the butter and whisk in the reserved seasoning packet until fragrant. Drizzle this all over the biscuit topping, making sure to hit every corner for maximum flavor.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling at the sides. The smell will drive everyone in the house straight to the kitchen.
- Rest and serve:
- Let the cobbler sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the filling thickens slightly. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if you have it, then scoop generous portions into bowls.
Save One winter evening, I made this for a potluck and watched three strangers ask each other who brought it. By the end of the night, the dish was empty except for a few crumbs, and I had five people requesting the recipe. It reminded me that the best comfort food is the kind people actually finish.
Making It Your Own
You can easily swap the chicken for leftover turkey, especially after the holidays when youre drowning in it. I have also stirred in sautéed onions and garlic for extra depth, or folded cooked bacon bits into the biscuit topping when I wanted something a little smokier. One friend even added a handful of chopped jalapeños to the filling, and it became her signature version.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days, covered tightly with foil. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 90 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until heated through. The biscuit topping softens as it sits, soaking up the creamy filling, which some people actually prefer.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but I like to serve it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans also work beautifully on the side. If youre feeding a crowd, set out hot sauce and extra butter for people to customize their bowls.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or cold beer for easy weeknight entertaining.
- Double the recipe and bake in two dishes if youre feeding more than six people.
- Freeze unbaked portions in foil pans for future busy nights, then bake from frozen at 350°F for about an hour.
Save This cobbler has become my answer to cold nights, surprise guests, and the question of what to make when nothing sounds good. It is warm, reliable, and always disappears faster than I expect.
Recipe Guide
- → Can rotisserie chicken be used in this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and adds convenient, flavorful shredded meat to the filling.
- → What vegetables complement this cobbler?
Frozen mixed veggies like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans blend perfectly to add texture and color.
- → Is it possible to enhance the biscuit topping?
Adding shredded cheddar cheese and melting butter combined with seasoning elevates the biscuit’s flavor and richness.
- → How long should the cobbler be baked?
Bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles gently.
- → Can fresh herbs be included?
Fresh parsley as garnish adds brightness, and you may also mix herbs into the biscuit base or filling for added aroma.