The Chicken Cobbler Recipe is a comforting, savory twist on a classic cobbler that brings together tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a golden, fluffy biscuit topping all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining familiar flavors and hearty textures that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Chicken Cobbler Recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken Cobbler Recipe is easier than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich, comforting flavor and perfect texture. From the savory chicken and vegetables to the light yet golden biscuit topping, these ingredients come together in harmony.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used for sautéing and adds a luscious richness.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Brings a subtle crunch and fresh aroma.
- 1 cup chopped carrots: Offers natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A quick way to add savory garlic essence without chopping.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a gentle earthiness that complements chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth.
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas: Sweet bursts of green that brighten the filling.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy, savory base.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Enhances moisture and chicken flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Adds a gooey, melty richness to the topping.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base for the biscuit batter.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures a light and fluffy biscuit topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasons the biscuit batter evenly.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Creates the perfect batter consistency.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter: Poured on top for a golden, rich crust.
How to Make Chicken Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready once your filling is prepared. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these veggies until they soften, about 5 to 7 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness and aromas. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring to toast the spices just enough to bloom their flavor.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Creamy Mixture
Next, toss the shredded chicken and frozen peas into the skillet. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, mixing everything together until it’s well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step melds the flavors and thickens the filling slightly. Then transfer the savory filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create the hearty base for our cobbler.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Prepare Biscuit Topping
If you love a cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until you have a smooth batter. This batter will become the biscuit-like topping that makes this cobbler so special and satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Slowly pour your biscuit batter over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, taking care not to stir. The batter will naturally spread and bake into a fluffy, golden crust. Drizzle the melted butter on top to ensure the topping browns beautifully. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cobbler’s top is irresistibly golden and the filling is bubbling up around the edges. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes after removing it so that it sets and is ready to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish can elevate your Chicken Cobbler Recipe to the next level. Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top add a pop of green freshness and brighten the hearty flavors. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of hot sauce can enhance the comforting nature of this dish.
Side Dishes
This dish is so filling that it often shines as a one-pan meal, but if you want to add sides, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed green beans, or even a simple coleslaw, make excellent companions and add textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins or small cast iron skillets—each diner gets their personal Chicken Cobbler Recipe to enjoy. You could also spoon the cobbler over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for an ultimate comfort food experience, making the meal feel extra indulgent and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cobbler Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect dish to prep in advance or enjoy as quick leftovers for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without extra fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze this cobbler before baking by assembling it as instructed and covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time until the topping is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly. This is ideal for batch cooking and having a ready-made meal on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. For a quicker method, microwave leftovers covered loosely with a damp paper towel until hot, though this may soften the biscuit topping slightly compared to oven reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this Chicken Cobbler Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to add mushrooms, swap carrots for sweet potatoes, or include corn to customize it to your tastes. Frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Is it okay to use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey can be a delicious substitute in this recipe. Just use cooked, shredded turkey to maintain the same texture and flavor profile with a slightly different twist.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and choose a vegetarian cream of mushroom or similar soup to keep it creamy and satisfying.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick substitute by combining cream, chicken broth, and a little flour to thicken, or use a homemade white sauce flavored with chicken seasoning if you prefer a fresh and customizable option.
How can I make the biscuit topping extra crispy?
Brushing the biscuit batter with extra melted butter before baking really helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. For even more crunch, you can sprinkle a bit of grated cheese or coarse cornmeal on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cobbler Recipe is truly a heartfelt meal to share with those you love. It’s one of those dishes that comforts you with every bite and invites you to get creative in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple ingredients can come together to make something so magical and satisfying.
Print
Chicken Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Cobbler is a comforting American main course that combines tender shredded chicken with sautéed vegetables and a creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, biscuit-like batter. This easy-to-make casserole bakes to perfection with a bubbly filling and a crispy top, perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cobbler.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This process brings out the flavors and softens the vegetables for the filling.
- Add Seasonings and Chicken: Stir in garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Then add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Mix all ingredients well and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and warm through.
- Transfer Filling: Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using, evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for added richness and flavor.
- Prepare Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until smooth to create the cobbler batter.
- Top Filling: Slowly pour the batter over the chicken mixture in the baking dish without stirring, ensuring it covers the filling evenly. Then drizzle the melted butter over the top of the batter to promote browning and crispness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the batter top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- This recipe is highly adaptable—add mushrooms, swap vegetables, or use turkey instead of chicken to suit your preferences.
- For a shortcut, use frozen mixed vegetables to save prep time.
- You can omit the cheddar cheese to reduce fat or make it dairy-free by substituting with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Ensure not to stir the batter after pouring over the filling to keep the cobbler texture light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
