Chicken Cobbler
235
18
1.30k
I’ve been making a version of this chicken cobbler since weeknight dinners started needing to be faster, heartier, and kid-approved. It’s basically a cozy casserole with tender shredded chicken, mixed veggies in a creamy sauce, and a Cheddar-Bisquick topping that browns up like a biscuit — the kind of dish that disappears at the dinner table and reheats beautifully for lunch the next day. If you like make-ahead comfort food, this is one to keep in rotation (and if you want another easy slow-cooker option to rotate in, check out this 3-ingredient crock pot Hawaiian chicken for variety).
Why you’ll love this dish
This chicken cobbler is quick, forgiving, and great for using up leftover chicken. It feeds a crowd, freezes well, and balances protein, vegetables, and a carb-topped comfort layer — ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you want something nostalgic without fuss. The Bisquick-cheese topping bakes into a golden, slightly crisp crust while the filling stays creamy.
“A warm, cheesy family favorite — quick to throw together and always disappears.” — happy home cook
Beyond taste, the recipe is budget-friendly (uses pantry basics), kid-friendly, and adaptable — swap vegetables, add herbs, or use leftover rotisserie chicken for speed.
The cooking process explained
Before you jump into the bowls, here’s what happens in this recipe so you know what to expect: you mix shredded cooked chicken with canned cream soup and milk for a creamy filling. That goes into a greased baking dish. Separately, you stir Bisquick with cheese and spices into a chunky mixture and spoon it over the filling. The bake finishes everything — the top becomes golden and biscuit-like while the filling thickens. Plan about 10 minutes to assemble and 30–35 minutes to bake.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie is great)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) — use frozen, no need to thaw fully
- 1 can (10–10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick mix (see substitutions below)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided if you like more on top
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Substitutions and notes:
- No Bisquick? Use 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt and 3 tbsp cold butter cut in until crumbly.
- Want it lighter? Swap half-and-half for milk, or use low-fat milk and reduce cheese slightly.
- For vegetarian version: replace chicken with cubed, cooked tofu or extra mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup.
For more ingredient ideas and variations on chicken cobbler, you can see this chicken cobbler inspiration.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Combine the filling: in a large bowl, stir together shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and milk until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Make the topping: in a separate bowl, mix Bisquick, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Spoon the Bisquick mixture over the chicken filling in even dollops. Don’t press it down — the topping will spread as it bakes.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out hot. The filling should bubble slightly at the edges.
- Let the cobbler sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tip: If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve slices of chicken cobbler straight from the dish. Pairings that work well:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra veg.
- Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread for scooping.
- Wine pairing: a medium-bodied Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the creamy, cheesy profile.
For a family-style presentation, place the casserole on the table with a simple green salad and let people help themselves. Leftovers also make excellent sandwiches or topping for baked potatoes.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Cool the cobbler to room temperature (no more than 2 hours), cover tightly, and refrigerate for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave until 165°F (about 1–2 minutes depending on wattage). For whole-dish reheating, cover and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best texture, bake from thawed rather than frozen.
- Food safety: Discard leftovers left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Use a food thermometer when in doubt.
Pro chef tips
- Use hot shredded chicken? Let it cool slightly to avoid making the filling too runny from extra steam. Cold rotisserie chicken works best.
- Don’t overmix the topping: you want small lumps so it bakes into biscuit-like pockets.
- For extra browning, brush the topping with a teaspoon of milk or melted butter before baking.
- Add texture by sprinkling 1/4 cup of panko or extra cheese on top for the last 10 minutes.
- If your canned soup is very salty, reduce added salt until after you taste the mixed filling.
Need a fast weeknight swap or want to try a different cooking method? Check out this quick alternative 20-minute Asian air fryer sesame chicken for weeknights when you want something speedy instead.
Creative twists
- Buffalo chicken cobbler: fold in 2–3 tablespoons buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Tex‑Mex: swap the mixed veggies for corn and black beans, add 1 tsp cumin and chili powder, and top with pepper jack. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
- Herb and mushroom: replace the mixed vegetables with sautéed mushrooms and add fresh thyme and parsley to the filling.
- Gluten-free: use a gluten-free biscuit mix in place of Bisquick.
- Lighter version: use a low-fat cream soup or make a quick roux with low-fat milk, and reduce the cheese to 1/2 cup.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
A: No — the recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken. If you want to start with raw chicken, poach or roast it first until it reaches 165°F internal temperature, shred it, then proceed.
Q: Can I assemble ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free cream-of-chicken alternative or make a cornstarch-thinned chicken broth sauce. Replace cheddar with a dairy-free shredded cheese and use a dairy-free biscuit mix or the flour+baking powder topping substituted with plant-based butter.
Q: My topping was soggy — what went wrong?
A: Likely too much liquid in the filling (too much milk or a very wet chicken) or the topping was pressed into the filling. Spoon topping loosely and ensure the filling isn’t overly thin.
Conclusion
If you want more chicken cobbler takes or inspiration, here are a few helpful reads: try the Chicken Cobbler Recipe for another classic version, compare techniques at Chicken Cobbler – The Country Cook, or see a family-friendly slow-cooker twist at Easy Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole (Made with Red Lobster …).
If you try this recipe, let me know which variation you went with — I’m always collecting tweaks that make a great weeknight dinner even better.
Chicken Cobbler
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and milk until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- In a separate bowl, mix Bisquick, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Spoon the Bisquick mixture over the chicken filling in even dollops without pressing it down.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out hot.
- Let the cobbler sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
