Chicken cobbler is a savory, hearty dish that has recently gained widespread popularity thanks to its delicious combination of creamy chicken and a flaky, buttery biscuit topping. It’s a comforting casserole-style meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or even potlucks. This dish is an excellent alternative to traditional chicken pot pie, offering the same cozy flavors but with a simpler, biscuit-based topping.
In this article, we will guide you through the recipe for chicken cobbler, explain how to customize it to suit your taste, and share tips on serving it for any occasion. Whether you’re new to this dish or looking for ways to make it your own, you’re in for a treat!
What is Chicken Cobbler?
At its core, chicken cobbler is a savory cobbler that features shredded chicken, vegetables, and a rich sauce, all topped with a layer of biscuits. It’s similar to a chicken pot pie, but instead of pie crust, the dish is finished with a biscuit topping that gets crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Chicken cobbler has become a go-to meal for many home cooks because of its versatility and ease of preparation. It’s often made with rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, which makes it even more convenient for weeknight meals. For those looking to explore other easy-to-make, comforting chicken dishes, the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is another popular option.
Why It’s Popular
One reason chicken cobbler has taken off is due to its viral recipe trends online. Recipes like those from Matthew Bounds have gone viral, racking up millions of views for their simple, delicious ingredients and easy instructions. It’s no wonder why so many people are making this dish—it’s the ultimate comfort food!
The beauty of chicken cobbler lies in its flexibility. You can swap out vegetables, adjust seasonings, and even experiment with different biscuit toppings. If you want more savory comfort foods, try the flavorful roast chicken symphony with veggies, which pairs perfectly with this cobbler.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Cobbler
Making chicken cobbler requires a few staple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but you can also use any leftover cooked chicken.
- Frozen vegetables: Peas and carrots are commonly used, but feel free to add whatever vegetables you like.
- Cream of chicken soup: This provides the creamy base for the filling. You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery if you prefer.
- Biscuit mix: You can use a pre-made mix, such as Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, or make your own from scratch.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the filling.
- Butter: Helps create the golden-brown topping and adds richness to the dish.
These ingredients come together to form a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. If you’re looking for additional simple and delicious casserole options, try this easy chicken casserole.
How to Make Chicken Cobbler
Making chicken cobbler is a straightforward process that can be broken down into simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish by placing it in the oven for a few minutes. Once melted, remove the dish from the oven.
- Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the melted butter.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Soup
- Sprinkle a layer of frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of vegetables) over the chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables, but do not stir.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Topping
- In a separate bowl, prepare the biscuit mix according to package instructions. If you’re making biscuits from scratch, mix flour, baking powder, and milk until a dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit mixture on top of the chicken and vegetables, making sure to spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the cobbler uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Customizing Your Chicken Cobbler
One of the best things about chicken cobbler is its flexibility. You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to match your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins
- Protein: While chicken is the classic choice, you can substitute with turkey, ham, or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: In addition to peas and carrots, consider adding green beans, corn, or broccoli.
- Cheese: For an extra indulgent cobbler, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top before baking.
Healthier Options
- Low-fat versions: Use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduce the butter to create a lighter version of this dish.
- Gluten-free: Swap regular biscuit mix with a gluten-free option and make sure to check that the soup you’re using is also gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for a standard serving of chicken cobbler (based on the traditional recipe):
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 30 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
For a healthier version, consider using less butter, opting for low-fat dairy alternatives, or increasing the vegetable-to-chicken ratio to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
Serving Suggestions
Although chicken cobbler is hearty enough to stand on its own, adding a few simple sides can elevate the meal:
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cobbler.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a truly indulgent meal, serve the cobbler alongside buttery mashed potatoes.
For more delicious side options, check out the zesty garlic parmesan roasted broccoli for a perfect pairing.
FAQs About Chicken Cobbler
What is Chicken Cobbler Made Of?
Chicken cobbler is typically made with shredded chicken, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and a biscuit topping. The dish is baked until the biscuits are golden and the filling is bubbly.
Can I Make Chicken Cobbler Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the cobbler, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
Can I Make Chicken Cobbler Gluten-Free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free biscuit mix and check your cream soup to ensure it’s also gluten-free. Many brands now offer gluten-free options for both.
How Long Does Chicken Cobbler Last?
Chicken cobbler will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
What Vegetables Can I Use in Chicken Cobbler?
You can use any vegetables you like in chicken cobbler. While peas and carrots are traditional, feel free to add corn, green beans, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Chicken cobbler is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that has quickly become a household favorite. Its savory chicken filling combined with the golden biscuit topping makes it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a potluck, this dish is sure to please.
Try experimenting with different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to make the dish your own. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.