Description of this recipe
Chicken cobbler is a delightful one-dish meal that combines the savory goodness of a creamy chicken stew with the comforting texture of fluffy, homemade biscuits. It’s a perfect dish for cozy nights, family dinners, or potlucks. The recipe is adaptable, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile and satisfying choice.
Why you will love this recipe
This chicken cobbler is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. You’ll love it because:
- It’s incredibly comforting: The warm, creamy chicken filling topped with golden, buttery biscuits is the epitome of comfort food.
- It’s easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- It’s customizable: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves a good cobbler, and this chicken version is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
- It’s a complete meal: Packed with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, this cobbler provides a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the biscuit topping:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures that the cobbler doesn’t stick to the dish and makes cleanup easier. Set the dish aside while you prepare the filling and biscuit topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. The butter adds richness and flavor to the base of the filling. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Cooking the vegetables first ensures they are tender and flavorful in the finished cobbler. This step also helps to release the aromatics from the garlic and onion, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add the peas, corn, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and vegetables are tender. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly, creating a creamy and flavorful base for the chicken. The thyme and rosemary add a lovely herbal note that complements the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Incorporate the Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the vegetable mixture. This step combines all the savory elements into one cohesive filling that will be topped with the biscuit dough.
Step 5: Make the Biscuit Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of the baking powder, which will help the biscuits rise. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture. The cold butter creates pockets of fat that, when baked, will result in flaky biscuits. Add the milk and stir until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 6: Assemble the Cobbler
Spoon dollops of the biscuit dough over the chicken filling, covering as much of the filling as possible. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the filling. The biscuits will spread slightly as they bake, creating a rustic and appealing look. The gaps between the biscuits allow the flavorful filling to bubble up and caramelize, adding another layer of deliciousness.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken Cobbler
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through. You can test the biscuits by inserting a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the biscuits are done. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cobbler and adjust the time as needed.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cobbler cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Cooking Rating:
Easy to Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a main course.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing complement.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a side of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Accompany with steamed green beans or asparagus for added vegetables.
Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken: For a quick and easy shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Don’t overmix the biscuit dough: Overmixing can result in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky biscuits.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- Make it ahead: The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the cobbler just before baking.
- Freeze for later: Assemble the cobbler and freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
Calories:
Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein:
25-35 grams per serving
Sodium:
600-800mg per serving
Conclusion
Chicken cobbler is a heartwarming and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, flavorful filling and fluffy biscuit topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The recipe is easy to customize and adapt to your preferences, making it a versatile and reliable choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that will leave you feeling warm and content. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and share this culinary delight with the ones you love. Bon appétit!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically for chicken cobbler, you can easily substitute the chicken with other types of meat such as turkey, shredded pork, or even cooked ground beef. Just make sure the meat is cooked and shredded or crumbled before adding it to the vegetable mixture.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. The sauce may not be as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to help thicken the sauce if needed.
Q3: Can I make this cobbler vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for added protein and texture.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover chicken cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions as needed.
Q5: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Adding cheese can enhance the flavor and texture of the cobbler. You can sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere cheese over the biscuit topping before baking for a cheesy crust. You can also stir in some shredded cheese into the filling for a creamier and cheesier interior.
