I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get a craving for pure comfort food – the kind of dish that’s warm, satisfying, and makes everything seem right in the world.
Recently, that craving was all about the chicken cobbler red lobster recipe. There’s just something magical about a savory, bubbly casserole topped with fluffy, cheesy biscuits.
Now, you might be thinking, “Red Lobster? Isn’t that the seafood place?” You’re right! But their Cheddar Bay Biscuits have a major fan following, and I figured they’d be the perfect base for a homemade chicken cobbler twist. Let me tell you; it works!
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Key Takeaways
- Chicken cobbler is a delicious, savory casserole with roots in comforting Southern cuisine.
- This recipe draws inspiration from Red Lobster’s iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits but streamlines it for fantastic homemade results.
- Using rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables keeps preparation incredibly easy.
- Simple adjustments offer incredible flavor customization to make it your own!
What Is Chicken Cobbler?
If you’re more familiar with cobblers filled with fruit, don’t worry! Chicken cobbler red lobster recipe is a classic American dish that swaps the sweet for savory. Think of it like a chicken pot pie but with a fluffy biscuit topping instead of a traditional pie crust. Some folks go with individual ramekins, but I love a big casserole-style dish perfect for sharing.
The Red Lobster’s inspiration comes directly from their iconic biscuits. While this recipe doesn’t have you baking the biscuits separately, it captures that cheesy, garlicky flavor that makes those little bites of heaven so irresistible.
Chicken Cobbler Red Lobster Ingredients
One of the best things about this chicken cobbler is how streamlined the ingredients are. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken | 2-3 cups | Rotisserie chicken is the easiest, but any cooked, shredded chicken works |
| Frozen Mixed Vegetables | 12-ounce bag | Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans are the usual mix |
| Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix | 1 box | Includes seasoning packet |
| Milk | 2 cups | Try half-and-half for extra richness |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 standard can (10.5 oz) | The creamy base for the sauce |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups | Adds flavor and moisture |
| Butter | 1 stick (1/2 cup) | For a delicious base layer |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Chicken Cobbler Red Lobster Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Let’s get that oven nice and hot at 375 degrees F.
- Prepare the Dish: Grab a 9×13 baking dish and melt the butter right in it while the oven preheats. This adds tons of flavor!
- Build the Base: First, layer in your shredded chicken. Then, add your frozen veggies right on top. Give everything a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix the Biscuit Batter: In a bowl, whisk together your Red Lobster biscuit mix, the seasoning packet, and the milk. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Assemble: Carefully pour the biscuit batter over the chicken and vegetables, spreading it evenly.
- Creamy Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Gently pour this mixture over the biscuit batter. The key here is don’t stir! All those layers will bake together beautifully.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop your cobbler in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Chicken Cobbler Red Lobster Recipe Tips and Variations
The beauty of a recipe like this is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Love Fresh Veggies? Absolutely! Swap the frozen mix for sautéed onions, diced carrots, bell peppers, or your favorites. Just cook them until tender before layering.
- Cheese Please! Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to your biscuit batter or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce adds a delicious kick.
- No Red Lobster Mix? Bisquick works perfectly! Just add cheddar cheese, garlic, onion powder, and some dried parsley to mimic the Cheddar Bay flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble your cobbler, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes of baking time when you’re ready to cook.
The Secret to Perfect Biscuits with Chicken Cobbler Red Lobster Recipe
There are a few tricks to getting that Red Lobster-inspired biscuit flavor and a light, fluffy texture in your topping:
- Buttermilk Upgrade: If you have buttermilk on hand, substituting it for some or all of the regular milk adds a lovely tang and richness. Bonus: It helps create that classic tender biscuit crumb!
- Mixing Matters: Overmixing biscuit dough is a recipe for toughness. Whisk your dry ingredients and then gently stir in the wet ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
- Cheese on Top: For an extra savory punch, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the batter before it goes into the oven. Delicious!
Chicken Cobbler Red Lobster Recipe Serving Suggestions
Chicken cobbler is satisfying enough all on its own, but a few sides can round things out:
- Mashed Potatoes: Ultimate comfort food pairing!
- Simple Green Salad: A light side salad provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting adds a whole new depth of flavor.
- Southern Staple: Collard greens or green beans complete that down-home feeling.
Chicken Cobbler Red Lobster Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely! Leftover chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this recipe.
Q: Do I have to use frozen vegetables?
A: Nope! Fresh, pre-cooked vegetables are perfectly fine.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or try it with a spicy cream of chicken soup variety.
Q: Can I freeze chicken cobbler?
A: Yes! You can freeze the fully assembled cobbler (unbaked) or freeze leftovers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Q: I don’t have cream of chicken soup. What can I substitute?
A: If you’re out of cream of chicken, you have a few options:
Cream of Mushroom: It’ll change the flavor slightly but still create a delicious, creamy base.
DIY Substitute: In a pinch, melt a tablespoon of butter, whisk in a tablespoon of flour, then slowly whisk in a cup of milk. For extra flavor, add a bouillon cube (chicken flavor) and a dash of garlic powder and onion powder.
Go Cheese-Forward! Skip the soup altogether and add the shredded cheese to your biscuit topping. This gives you a gooey, cheesy sauce that’s still super flavorful.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, with some adjustments! Here’s how:
Swap the Chicken: Use tofu crumbles, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based chicken substitute. Sauté them with spices before layering them for extra flavor. Cream of Mushroom is Your Friend: Use it in place of the cream of chicken soup.
Vegetable Broth: Use this instead of chicken broth for a completely vegetarian dish.
Cheese Galore: Add extra cheese to the biscuit topping for richness and a savory boost.
Chicken Cobbler Red Lobster Recipe Conclusion
I hope I’ve convinced you that this chicken cobbler red lobster recipe is the way to go when you want something easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s pure comfort food that hits the spot every time.
Let me know how yours turns out, and remember, the best part is getting creative and making it your own! There’s no wrong way to enjoy this warm, cheesy, savory masterpiece.
