It might be the latest TikTok craze, but this chicken cobbler recipe is far more than a flash in the pan. It's deliciously rich and incredibly satisfying, a comfort food classic that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
From the cheesy cheddar cobbler topping to the wonderfully succulent, tender chicken, it's a dish low on fuss and quality. You'll love the simplicity – once you've mastered it, you'll return to it repeatedly.
It's like a chicken pot pie, but even more accessible!
It's versatile, meaning you can put your sublime spin on the dish. Perfect for a warming winter dinner or even a big hearty Sunday lunch.
I've used the viral chicken cobbler recipe as inspiration, but with my own tweaks, I think will take this recipe to another level. Trust me... you're going to love it!
Why you'll love this chicken cobbler recipe
- It's so simple to make. You can see why it became such a sensation on TikTok! Quick, easy, and fuss-free.
- It's a great way to use up leftover chicken.
- You can easily adapt it and put your own twist on it.
Equipment needed
There are a few items you'll need to make this chicken cobbler recipe:
- Large skillet – you'll need this to fry the onions and garlic, before adding the shredded chicken and stock
- 9x13 inch baking dish – use this for baking your cobbler in the oven
How to make chicken cobbler
Gently fry the onion and garlic.
Add chicken and spices.
Stir in frozen vegetables and chicken broth.
Add the milk and flour and simmer until thickened.
Transfer to a baking dish.
You need cheese, butter, flour, buttermilk, baking flour and salt for the cheddar cobbler topping.
Place the cold butter, flour, baking flour and salt in a bowl.
Mix until a rough crumb forms.
Add the buttermilk and mix until a dough forms.
Add the shredded cheese.
Mix. Your cheesy cobbler topping is ready!
Divide the dough into evenly sized balls and squash them down into patties. Arrange a single layer on top of the filling.
Bake until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Top Tip
Make sure you evenly spread your frozen veggies across the casserole dish.
What to serve with chicken cobbler
Sides
Would you like to save this?
Any green vegetables would be perfect. Think broccoli or asparagus, for example. Or delicious leafy greens like spinach, chard, or kale that have been blanched.
Wine pairing
A full-bodied red would be ideal. Something like a Pinot Noir would be perfect.
If you prefer white wine, go for a dry wine, like an oaked Chardonnay.
Variations to this recipe
- This would be perfect as a Thanksgiving or Christmas leftover recipe!
- Use your leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey instead of shredded chicken, and make this a turkey cobbler sensation!
- You could even use homemade turkey stock! It will make your cobbler extra delicious!
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the cobbler mix. You can use anything like broccoli, carrots, onions, etc.
- Add onion powder to the cheese cobbler topping for a cheese and onion flavor. Delicious!
Popular substitutions
- The original TikTok chicken cobbler recipe used cream of chicken soup. You can use this instead of chicken stock, but for me, stock works better.
- My chicken cobbler topping is wonderfully satisfying. If you haven't got time to whisk it all together, feel free to copy the original TikTok recipe and go for Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. It's certainly easier, but for me, a little bit of effort is well worth it for this recipe. If you're using Red Lobster Biscuit Mix, don't forget to add the seasoning packet to the casserole dish.
- My recipe calls for fresh garlic, which I think brings a deeper flavor. However, if you're pressed for time, you can replace fresh garlic with garlic powder.
- Feel free to replace the frozen peas and other frozen vegetables with fresh vegetables.
- You can be flexible with the cheese for the biscuit topping. If cheddar isn’t your favorite cheese, try using other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
What is a cobbler?
It’s a type of traditional baked dish that's often made with sweet ingredients, including stewed fruit. However, this chicken pot pie recipe puts a spin on things by making shredded chicken the star of the show.
Along with the gooey gravy filling, chicken cobbler is topped with a baked biscuity batter. A cobbler is quick and easy, and can be made in one tray. It’s been a staple dessert in the UK and the US for generations, but now it's become a savory sensation!
What is cobbler topping made of?
It's traditionally made of dough with a raising agent added. So, flour, butter, and milk, with a hint of baking powder. The baking powder helps the batter to rise, giving it a biscuity texture.
You can also make cobbler with a biscuit mix, which saves a lot of time.
For this recipe, the cobbler topping has shredded cheese mixed in. This gives it a delicious, rich cheese flavor and a golden brown color.
Is a cobbler easier than a pie?
It's easier than pie! A cobbler only has a crust on top, unlike a pie, which has a crust on the bottom, sides, and top.
This means all you have to do is pour the cheese cobbler topping over the filling, put the dish in the oven, and sit back and relax while the oven does the work.
What thickens cobbler?
In this recipe, the flour works to thicken the cobbler as it cooks. Follow the precise measurements below and you'll end up with a perfectly luscious gravy.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your cobbler is too thin, you can thicken it with cornstarch. Simply make a paste, mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of water, and stir into the filling. Pop it back into the oven until it thickens.
Is a cobbler supposed to be runny?
No, it should be thick and delicious. If your chicken cobbler seems to be on the runny side, either thicken it with cornstarch as mentioned above or let it cool for a bit. As it cools, it will thicken.
Why is my chicken cobbler dry?
It could be because it was baked at too high a temperature, or for too long. If it's cooked too high or for too long, the dough can become too dry, to the point where it's unappetizing.
Make sure you follow the precise instructions in the recipe below, and you should end up with the perfect texture.
How do you know when chicken cobbler is ready?
The top of the cobbler should be golden brown with a nice crust, but the middle will still have a little jiggle. Don't worry; it will continue cooking as the heat is trapped inside.
Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. You end up with a deliciously tasty gravy running throughout the cobbler.
Should I use chicken broth or cream of chicken soup?
The original viral chicken cobbler recipe on TikTok used cream of chicken soup. However, chicken stock or chicken broth works better.
Should I use cooked chicken for chicken cobbler?
Yes. Chicken cobbler calls for using pre-cooked chicken.
Any kind will do. Rotisserie chicken meat is perfect, but you can use chicken leftovers or any cooked chicken from the store.
Do you bake cobbler covered?
No. It's better to bake uncovered. Otherwise, the biscuit topping won't develop that wonderful crispy texture.
How do you store chicken cobbler?
Store any leftover chicken cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. In fact, it will probably taste even better the next day when the flavors have had a chance to settle!
How do you reheat chicken cobbler?
The quickest and easiest way to reheat chicken pot pie cobbler is in the microwave. Reheat in single servings on a microwaveable plate for 1-2 minutes. It's a quick method, but the topping may lose some crispness.
To reheat, place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated.
More easy one tray recipes
Fancy some more simple one-tray wonders? Get a load of these!
- Romesco chicken tray bake – a sizzling Spanish sensation- has incredible flavors. Serve with a Spanish red, and take the rest of the day off!
- Oven-baked barbecue chicken – finger food recipes don’t get better than this. A smoky sensation that you can cook up easily, this barbecue chicken recipe gets amazing results every time.
- Chicken and leek pasta bake is another super simple pasta bake ideal for a healthy, easy meal during a busy week. The flavors are simple yet work so well together.
- Baked seafood pasta – one for the seafood lovers! Prawns and crab combine for a succulent traybake that’s as comforting as it is simple to make.
- Bolognese pasta bake – a classic pasta bake with a vibrant taste. All the traditional flavors are here, from the tender beef to the melted cheese. Anyone can master it, yet nobody can resist it!
- Boulangere potatoes – a classic comforting French side. Finely sliced potatoes and onions are layered up, then cooked in a stock with a smattering of thyme. The result is a crispy side that works as a standalone dish or as a delicious side dish.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Cobbler
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 portions 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Dive into comfort with our Chicken Cobbler recipe. Juicy chicken, veggies, and a biscuit topping—pure coziness in every bite!
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- meat from 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3 cups)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk
Cheddar Cobbler Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add Chicken: Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Mix in chicken broth and frozen vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk together 3 tablespoons flour and ¾ cup milk. Gradually stir into the skillet. Cook until sauce thickens, about 6 minutes.
- Make Cheddar Cobbler Topping: In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in buttermilk, then fold in cheddar cheese.
- Assemble in Pan: Transfer chicken mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping over the chicken mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add more cheese to the topping if you prefer a cheesier crust.
- Cover with foil for the remainder of the baking time if the topping browns too quickly.
- You can add vegetables or herbs to the filling for more flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the topping may lose some crispness.
- Freezing: This cobbler can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the cobbler in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Freezing After Baking: Let the cobbler cool completely, then cover and freeze. Reheat from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli, for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Substitutions: If cheddar isn’t your preference, try using other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the cobbler topping and a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch for the sauce.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter substitute and unsweetened almond or soy milk in the cobbler topping, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Meat Variations: While this recipe uses rotisserie chicken, you can also use leftover turkey, especially around holidays, or browned ground beef for a different take.
- Herb and Spice Adjustments: Adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning are great additions for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 531
- Sugar: 4.7 g
- Sodium: 850.1 mg
- Fat: 30.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 13.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 39.1 g
- Fiber: 2.6 g
- Protein: 26.1 g
- Cholesterol: 101.4 mg
Make my day! - Share your thoughts...