Chicken Cobbler
When the chill of winter calls for comfort, this Chicken Cobbler answers with warmth and nostalgia. A golden, cheesy biscuit topping rests atop a creamy, savory filling, brimming with tender chicken and hearty vegetables for the ultimate cozy meal.
This recipe elevates the classic cobbler with rich, buttery biscuits infused with sharp cheddar and a touch of garlic. Beneath lies a luscious gravy enriched with heavy cream, thyme, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings, this Chicken Cobbler offers both simplicity and indulgence. It’s an all-in-one dish guaranteed to satisfy cravings and create cherished mealtime moments.
Chicken Cobbler Ingredients: The Essentials of Comfort
- Succulent Chicken: The heart of the dish, delivering tender, protein-rich bites that pair perfectly with creamy textures.
- Hearty Mixed Vegetables: A colorful medley adding freshness and balance to the rich filling.
- Silky Chicken Gravy: A luxurious blend of broth, cream, and spices, binding the filling with velvety smoothness.
- Buttery Biscuit Topping: Golden, flaky, and infused with cheddar, this crown of comfort elevates the dish with irresistible texture.
- Savory Butter Glaze: A final brush of seasoned melted butter enhances every bite with aromatic depth.
Enhancing Your Chicken Cobbler Experience
Chicken Cobbler is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, a creamy vegetable-filled gravy, and flaky cheddar biscuits. To elevate this recipe, explore these tips, pairing suggestions, and answers to common questions to ensure your dish shines.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Biscuit Topping
Use very cold butter and buttermilk for the biscuit dough to achieve a flaky texture. Incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. This ensures a tender, golden crust that melts in your mouth. - Customize the Filling
While frozen mixed vegetables save time, you can personalize the cobbler with your favorites like sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or roasted red peppers. Adjust spices, adding paprika or rosemary, for a flavor twist that suits your taste. - Thicker Gravy Every Time
Achieving a smooth, thick gravy is key. When adding the broth, whisk constantly to prevent lumps, and simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. For an even richer consistency, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream before assembling the dish.
What to Serve with Chicken Cobbler
- Crisp Green Salad
A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the cobbler’s richness. Include fresh ingredients like arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan for a simple yet elegant pairing. - Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Serve the cobbler alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent experience. The potatoes soak up the cobbler’s gravy, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. - Roasted Vegetables
Enhance the meal with caramelized roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash. Their earthy sweetness balances the hearty cobbler beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a smoky flavor. Ensure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the filling. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cobbler without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if chilled. - What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix whole milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, Chicken Cobbler freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and with these enhancements, you’ll bring this classic comfort dish to new heights. Enjoy!
Chicken Cobbler
Ingredients
- For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped (about 2 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter divided into smaller pieces
- 1/2 cup 60g all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 15-ounce package of thawed frozen mixed vegetables
- 8 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded (approximately 2 pounds)
- For the Biscuit Topping
- 2 cups 255g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup chilled whole buttermilk with additional as needed
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 cup)
- For the Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Incorporate the butter, stirring continuously to melt. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, one cup at a time, ensuring the mixture thickens and remains lump-free. Stir in the heavy cream, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Mix in the thawed vegetables and cooked chicken, ensuring an even distribution. Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Biscuit Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Stir until well-blended.
- Add the cold butter pieces, cutting them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until the texture becomes crumbly with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and chilled buttermilk, gently folding until no dry spots remain. Adjust with additional buttermilk if necessary.
- Assemble and Bake
- Using a spoon or scoop, drop 12 portions of the biscuit dough evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The biscuits should be golden brown, and the filling should bubble around the edges.
- Add the Butter Topping
- While the cobbler is baking, mix the melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Once out of the oven, brush the warm biscuits generously with the seasoned butter. Serve immediately.