Pin it A comforting, savory casserole featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with golden, cheesy cheddar biscuits all baked together in one pan for easy cleanup.
I first made this one-pan chicken cobbler on a chilly weeknight, and the entire family loved how the cheesy biscuit topping baked up golden while the creamy filling stayed warm underneath. It quickly became a requested favorite at our table.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: For sautéing vegetables and enriching the filling.
- Olive oil: Adds depth of flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Yellow onion: Provides a savory base for the vegetable mix.
- Carrots: Bring sweetness and color to the dish.
- Celery: Adds crunch and a delicate flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
- Dried thyme: Earthy herbs to complement the chicken.
- Dried parsley: Bright herbal notes for the filling.
- Salt: Essential seasoning throughout.
- Black pepper: Adds warmth and a bit of spice.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy sauce for the filling and forms the biscuit topping.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Rich liquid base for the filling.
- Whole milk: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
- Cooked chicken (shredded): Rotisserie or poached chicken works perfectly.
- Frozen peas: Add a pop of color and sweetness.
- Baking powder: Leavens the biscuits, making them light.
- Baking soda: Ensures a tender biscuit texture.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cut in for flaky biscuits.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Grated for rich, savory flavor in the topping.
- Cold buttermilk: Brings moisture and tang to the biscuit topping.
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, melt unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
- Build Flavor:
- Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Thicken Filling:
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour over vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Liquids:
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and whole milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Finish Filling:
- Stir in shredded cooked chicken and frozen peas. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Biscuit Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper for the biscuit topping.
- Cut in Butter:
- Add cold unsalted butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cheese and Buttermilk:
- Stir in grated cheddar cheese, then pour in cold buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
- Top Filling:
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough evenly over chicken filling.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through and filling is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it
Pin it Sharing this chicken cobbler always brings fond memories of Sunday dinners with my kids eagerly serving themselves seconds of the cheesy biscuits.
Make It Ahead
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
Variations
Try chopped fresh herbs in the biscuit topping for a fresh twist, or use leftover roasted turkey for a seasonal variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a green salad and steamed vegetables for a complete dinner that is comforting and balanced.
Pin it
Pin it This chicken cobbler is always a cozy crowd-pleaser. Enjoy with a favorite salad and savor every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of chicken works best?
Pre-cooked shredded chicken such as rotisserie or poached chicken works well, providing tenderness and flavor.
- → Can I substitute vegetables in this dish?
Yes, carrots, celery, and peas are traditional, but you can add or swap veggies like green beans or corn for variety.
- → How do I achieve flaky biscuit topping?
Use cold butter cut into the flour and mix gently with cold buttermilk to create a tender, flaky texture.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?
Prepare the filling and biscuit dough separately, then assemble and bake just before serving for best results.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives, and use a suitable vegan cheese to maintain flavor.