Save I discovered this dish on a Tuesday night when my freezer was nearly empty and someone was coming over for dinner. I had a rotisserie chicken, a can of soup I'd grabbed months ago, and that iconic Red Lobster biscuit mix sitting in the pantry—the kind that makes your kitchen smell like a seaside restaurant. Thirty minutes later, I pulled out a bubbling golden casserole that somehow felt both elegant and wonderfully lazy. My guest asked for the recipe before dessert, and I realized this cobbler had quietly become something I'd make again and again.
There's something about serving this to people that makes them relax into the meal. A friend once told me the biscuits reminded her of date nights at the coast, and suddenly we were swapping stories instead of rushing through dinner. Food that brings people into the moment—not just fills their plates—is the kind worth repeating.
Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie, canned, or leftover chicken—convenience is the whole point, and it never makes the dish less delicious.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 cup): This shortcut is honest and smart; frozen vegetables hold their texture better than fresh in long baking anyway.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can): The backbone of the sauce, providing richness and seasoning without extra steps.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the filling from being too thick while letting the chicken flavor come through.
- Garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, salt: Simple seasonings that build a savory foundation without overpowering the biscuits.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (1 package): Save that included seasoning packet—it's the secret weapon for the buttery topping.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup) and sour cream (1/2 cup): Together they make the biscuit dough tender and slightly tangy, more flavorful than milk alone.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the biscuits and adds a savory note that makes people ask what your secret is.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Mixed with that seasoning packet and drizzled on top for golden, crispy edges.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A small green touch at the end if you want to make it feel more intentional.
Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready:
- Preheat to 375°F and grease your 9x13-inch baking dish. A little butter or cooking spray makes cleanup easier and ensures nothing sticks.
- Build the Filling:
- Combine the chicken, frozen vegetables, cream soup, broth, and all the seasonings in a large bowl. Stir until everything is evenly distributed and pour it into your prepared dish—it should look creamy and studded with chicken pieces.
- Mix the Biscuit Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix (set aside that seasoning packet), milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir just until combined; overmixing makes biscuits dense and tough, so stop while there are still a few small lumps visible.
- Spoon and Spread:
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit mixture over the chicken filling, then gently spread them with a spatula. Leave a few small gaps so steam can escape and the filling won't overflow.
- Add the Buttery Finish:
- Melt your butter and stir in that reserved seasoning packet until it's fragrant and dissolved. Drizzle it evenly over the biscuit topping—this is what gives you those golden, impossibly flavorful biscuits.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the biscuit topping is deep golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling at the edges. The smell alone will tell you it's done.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so everything sets slightly and the filling cools just enough to serve without splattering. Sprinkle parsley on top if you have it.
Save I once made this on a rainy Sunday and my entire household stopped what they were doing when it came out of the oven. There's a quiet power in a dish that asks so little of you but delivers something that feels like it came from a real kitchen and real care.
Why This Works as a One-Dish Meal
You've got protein, vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a bread-like topping all baking together, which means you're truly done once it hits the oven. Pair it with a simple green salad or coleslaw if you want something fresh alongside, but honestly, you don't need to. The filling stays moist without being soupy, and the biscuits absorb just enough of the steam to stay tender on the bottom while crisping on top.
Easy Ways to Make It Your Own
This recipe is intentionally flexible because sometimes the best comfort food comes from using what you have. Leftover turkey works just as well as chicken, and if you have sautéed onions and garlic from another dish, fold them into the filling for deeper flavor. A handful of bacon pieces scattered into the biscuit topping adds a smoky note, or stir fresh herbs like dill or chives into the dough if you want something more garden-fresh.
The Conversation Starter
This dish has a way of making people talk. Maybe it's because the flavors are recognizable but the format feels a little special, or maybe it's just that casseroles have always been the thing we make when we want to feed people and make them feel seen. Every time I serve it, someone leans in and asks for notes, and I get to tell them the truth: it's easier than they think, more impressive than it has any right to be, and absolutely worth making again.
- Make this earlier in the day and reheat it gently in a low oven if your timing feels tight.
- A 9x13-inch dish is standard, but if you only have a smaller baking dish, reduce the ingredients proportionally and check for doneness earlier.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for three days and actually taste even better the next day.
Save This cobbler proves that some of the best food comes from knowing yourself and cooking what makes you happy. Make it tonight if you need dinner, or make it next week for friends.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves prep time.
- → What vegetables are best for the filling?
Frozen mixed veggies like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans add color and texture.
- → How do I achieve a golden biscuit topping?
Bake uncovered at 375°F until the biscuit topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the filling?
Sautéing onions and garlic before mixing into the filling deepens the savory notes.
- → Is it possible to swap the cheddar bay biscuit mix?
Yes, but choose a biscuit mix that melts and browns well to maintain texture and taste.