Looking for a quick, budget-friendly, and delicious meal that can please even the pickiest eaters? The Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole might just be the answer! This comforting dish is a twist on the classic chicken pot pie, made even easier and more accessible with the help of pantry staples and a handful of basic ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a large family gathering, or feeding kids with varied tastes, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole. Plus, we’ll provide helpful tips, ingredient swaps, and nutritional insights to ensure you can make the most of this recipe. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole
If you’re tired of hearing complaints around the dinner table or you’re juggling multiple dietary preferences, this casserole is an absolute game-changer. Here’s why:
Kid-friendly: Its creamy filling, cheesy biscuit topping, and hearty chicken make it irresistible to kids.
Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this casserole comes together quickly for a hassle-free dinner.
Budget-friendly: The ingredients are affordable and readily available, making it a great option for anyone looking to save time and money.
Comforting & Satisfying: It has all the cozy, familiar flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie, but with less effort and fewer ingredients.
Ingredients for Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole
Before we get into the preparation steps, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for this casserole:
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flavorful base for the casserole.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is the go-to option for convenience, but feel free to use leftover cooked chicken or cook chicken breast yourself.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A blend of peas, carrots, and corn works perfectly, but you can mix in any veggies you prefer.
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: This boxed mix gives the casserole its signature golden, fluffy topping that adds flavor and texture.
Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and helps bind the biscuit mix together.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the flavor profile of the casserole.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a binder for the filling and enhances the comforting, creamy texture.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt (if needed) to taste.
How to Making for Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing the sides of a large 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure that the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier afterward. Pour ½ cup of melted butter evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a rich and flavorful base for the chicken and vegetables.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Now, take your 4 cups of shredded chicken and spread it evenly in a single layer over the melted butter. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breast. The goal is to ensure the chicken forms a solid base for the casserole.
Step 3: Add the Frozen Vegetables
Top the chicken with 1 (12-ounce) bag of frozen mixed vegetables. These typically include peas, carrots, and corn, but feel free to swap them out with other frozen vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or spinach, depending on your family’s preferences.
Sprinkle your choice of seasonings over the vegetables. Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper work well, but you can adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Just be careful with the salt, as other ingredients like the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth already contain salt.
Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Mix
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of whole milk and the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (along with the seasoning packet that comes in the box). Pour this mixture evenly over the vegetables. Don’t stir it in! The biscuit mix will float on top, creating that lovely golden, biscuit topping as it bakes.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling
In the same bowl you used for the biscuit mix, whisk together the 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup and 1 (14.5-ounce) can of chicken broth. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that will sink through the layers of biscuit mix and vegetables as the casserole bakes.
Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the biscuit layer, again, do not stir. The soup and broth will meld into the biscuit mix and create a soft, savory filling.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake, uncovered, for 55-65 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Every oven is different, so start checking it around 55 minutes. The top should be a deep golden brown, and the casserole will have a thick, hearty texture.
Step 7: Let It Rest
After removing the casserole from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. The dish will be hot, so give it time to cool down before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole
Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: If your family loves cheesy casseroles, sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the vegetables before adding the biscuit mix. This adds a melty, gooey texture to the casserole.
Swap Out Vegetables: While frozen mixed vegetables are a classic choice, feel free to swap them with your favorite frozen veggies. Broccoli, peas, or even diced potatoes can work well in place of the mixed veggies.
Make It Spicy: If your family enjoys a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the seasoning mix for a kick of spice.
Use Leftover Chicken: For even more convenience, use leftover rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken from previous meals to save time and effort.
Customize Your Biscuit Mix: You can also experiment with different biscuit mixes to change the flavor profile. If you prefer a more savory biscuit, try a garlic biscuit mix or a biscuit mix with added herbs.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole is not only a breeze to prepare, but it also ticks all the boxes when it comes to family-friendly meals. Here’s why this dish works:
Minimal prep time: The casserole comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Filling & nutritious: With a hearty combination of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy filling, this casserole is both comforting and satisfying.
Kid-approved: With its cheesy biscuit topping and creamy chicken filling, this meal will win over even the pickiest of eaters.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This casserole isn’t just for weeknights! It’s a fantastic dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering of friends. Here are some serving suggestions:
Perfect for a Potluck: Need something to bring to a friend’s house? This casserole can easily serve a crowd and travels well.
Great for Meal Prep: It’s also perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have lunch or dinner for the entire week.
Pair with a Drink: For a full meal, consider pairing the casserole with a refreshing beverage like lemonade, iced tea, or even a glass of white wine if you’re serving it to adults.
Meal Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about casseroles is their versatility. The Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or even your cravings. Here are some ideas to tweak the recipe and make it uniquely yours:
1. Add More Vegetables
While the classic recipe calls for frozen mixed vegetables, you can switch things up to include any veggie you prefer. Here are some excellent options:
Broccoli: A great source of fiber and vitamin C. It adds a nice crunch and earthy flavor.
Green Beans: Provide a fresh, savory taste and will keep the dish light and healthy.
Spinach: For a boost of iron, you can add some fresh spinach. It wilts down nicely when baked and doesn’t overpower the flavor.
Sweet Potatoes: Diced sweet potatoes will give your casserole a touch of sweetness, complementing the creamy chicken filling.
2. Use Different Proteins
While shredded chicken is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other proteins:
Shredded Turkey: Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey for a holiday-inspired casserole.
Ground Beef or Pork: For a heartier twist, ground beef or pork can replace the chicken, giving the casserole a different flavor.
Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, ensuring it’s well-seasoned and browned for flavor.
3. Swap the Biscuit Mix
While the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix provides a quick and flavorful option, you can substitute it for other types of biscuit mixes, or even homemade biscuits:
Herbed Biscuits: A homemade mix with rosemary, thyme, or oregano can add a sophisticated touch to the casserole.
Cornbread: For a more rustic twist, cornbread will add a crumbly texture and sweet flavor.
Gluten-Free Biscuits: If you have gluten-sensitive family members, opt for a gluten-free biscuit mix to keep the dish safe for everyone to enjoy.
4. Adjust the Creaminess
The creamy texture of this casserole is one of its highlights. However, you can adjust the level of creaminess by:
Adding Heavy Cream: For a richer texture, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
Adding Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: A couple of tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese can add a tangy kick to the filling.
Using a Lighter Version: For a lighter version, swap the cream of chicken soup for a low-fat or reduced-sodium version, or even a homemade cream sauce.
5. Spicy Variation
Want to kick things up a notch? Add some heat to the casserole by incorporating:
Chopped Jalapeños: Mix them into the vegetable layer or sprinkle on top before baking.
Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can infuse the casserole with subtle spice throughout.
Chili Powder or Paprika: These seasonings will provide a smoky heat that complements the dish’s richness.
Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
½ cup butter (1 stick, melted)
4 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 (11.36-ounce) box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (or your preferred biscuit mix)
2 cups whole milk
1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
Seasonings to taste (garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper; go easy on salt)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
Melt the butter and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the melted butter.
Spread the frozen mixed vegetables over the chicken, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper (optional: a pinch of salt).
In a medium bowl, whisk together biscuit mix and milk (including the seasoning packet that comes with the mix). Pour this mixture evenly over the vegetables. DO NOT stir.
In the same bowl, combine the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, whisking until smooth. Pour this evenly over the biscuit mix. DO NOT stir.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken.
Notes:
You can use any cooked chicken (rotisserie, leftovers, or cooked fresh) for the filling.
Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables with your favorite veggies, such as broccoli or spinach.
Shredded cheddar cheese can be sprinkled over the vegetables before adding the biscuit mix for an extra cheesy layer.
If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the vegetable layer for a little heat.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 350-450 kcal
Protein: 25-30g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3-5g
Sodium: 700-1000mg (depends on the brand of broth and soup used)
Prep Time: [15 minutes]
Cook Time: [55-65 minutes]
Total Time: [1 hour 10 minutes]
Method: [Baking]
Cuisine: [American, Comfort Food]
Servings: [8]
Calories: [350-450]
Yield: [1 (9×13-inch) baking dish]
