If you're looking for a hearty, comforting dish that's sure to impress family and friends, look no further than this Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix Recipe. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce with the unbeatable flavor of Red Lobster's famous biscuit mix. Whether you're preparing a casual family dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Read on for the full guide to making this delicious dish, complete with tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions!

What is Chicken Cobbler?

Chicken cobbler is a savory, casserole-style dish that typically features a flavorful chicken filling topped with a biscuit-like crust. It’s similar to a chicken pot pie, but instead of a pie crust, a cobbler has a topping that resembles drop biscuits or dumplings. This version takes it up a notch by using Red Lobster Biscuit Mix, which adds a delicious, cheesy garlic flavor to the topping, making it even more irresistible.

Ingredients List for Chicken Cobbler With Red Lobster Biscuit Mix

Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the main ingredients you'll need to create this delicious dish. This recipe serves about 6 people.

For the Chicken Filling:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Biscuit Topping:

1 package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
¾ cup cold water
⅓ cup melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley flakes (included in biscuit mix)

Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix Recipe is quite versatile, and there are several substitutions and variations you can try based on your personal preferences or dietary restrictions:

Protein Alternatives: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, especially if you have Thanksgiving leftovers. Shredded pork or ham can also be great substitutes.
Vegetable Options: Feel free to switch out the vegetables based on what you have available. Green beans, mushrooms, or corn can add extra flavor and texture.
Lighter Option: For a lighter version of the sauce, use milk instead of heavy cream or substitute half of the cream with unsweetened almond milk.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and check that the Red Lobster Biscuit Mix is gluten-free (there are gluten-free alternatives available).
Cheese-Free: If you're not a fan of cheese or have a dairy allergy, you can omit the shredded cheese and reduce the butter content in the topping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s break down the process of making this mouth-watering Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large skillet or pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chopped carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to the vegetable mixture to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Filling: Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Let everything simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors. Once the filling is ready, transfer it to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Biscuit Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the Red Lobster Biscuit Mix with ¾ cup cold water and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese if using. Stir until just combined—don't overmix, or the biscuits may turn out dense.
Top the Chicken Filling: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the chicken filling, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Garlic Butter Topping: While the cobbler is baking, melt ⅓ cup butter and stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and parsley flakes. Once the cobbler is out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture over the biscuit topping for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Cook Chicken Cobbler: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this section, let’s break down the cooking steps further to ensure your Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix turns out perfect:

Sauté the Vegetables: Cooking the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery first ensures that they soften and develop flavor. Don’t rush this step; let them get tender.
Make the Roux: The roux is key to thickening the filling. Stir continuously to avoid burning the flour and ensure the sauce is smooth.
Whisk in Liquids Slowly: Gradually add the broth and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Top with Biscuit Dough: Drop the biscuit dough in even spoonfuls. It doesn’t have to cover the entire dish, as the biscuits will expand while baking.
Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the cobbler in the last 5 minutes of baking. You want the biscuits to be a deep golden color and cooked through the center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure success with your Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix, keep these common mistakes in mind:

Overmixing the Biscuit Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense biscuits. Stir just until combined.
Undercooking the Vegetables: Make sure your vegetables are tender before adding them to the filling to avoid crunchy bits in the final dish.
Too Watery Filling: If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer on the stovetop before transferring to the baking dish. You want a thick, creamy consistency.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on the biscuits to prevent them from overbrowning or drying out. If necessary, cover the dish with foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving and presenting this dish, you can elevate the dining experience with just a few thoughtful touches. Here are some ideas to consider:

How to Serve Chicken Cobbler

Family-Style: Serve the chicken cobbler straight from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop out their portions. This casual, comforting style is perfect for family dinners.
Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, scoop the cobbler into individual bowls or ramekins and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Cobbler

Herb Garnish: Fresh herbs not only add color but also enhance the flavor of the dish. Parsley or thyme sprigs make great garnishes.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the cobbler.

Chicken Cobbler Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling up to a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and top with the biscuit dough just before baking.
Freezing: This cobbler freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Cheese Variations: For extra flavor, try adding different cheeses to the biscuit dough, such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or Gouda.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different biscuit mix?
Yes! If you don’t have Red Lobster Biscuit Mix, you can use any store-bought or homemade biscuit dough.

2. How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of a chicken pot pie with the savory, cheesy goodness of Red Lobster's famous biscuit mix. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or preparing a special weeknight meal, this dish is sure to be a winner. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this home-cooked classic. Ready to give it a try? Happy cooking!