Save I stumbled onto this recipe during one of those evenings when the fridge was nearly bare and the idea of starting from scratch felt impossible. I had a box of Red Lobster biscuit mix tucked in the pantry, some leftover rotisserie chicken, and a bag of frozen veggies that had been waiting for its moment. What emerged from the oven that night was something I never expected: a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that tasted like pure comfort and required almost no effort.
The first time I served this to my family, my brother took one bite and asked if Id ordered takeout from somewhere fancy. When I told him it was just a few cans, a box mix, and some shredded chicken, he didnt believe me until I showed him the empty packages. That moment taught me that comfort food doesnt need to be complicated to feel special.
Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here; it saves time and adds a subtle roasted flavor that canned chicken cant quite match.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: I love the convenience of a peas-carrots-corn blend, but feel free to customize with whatever you have on hand.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This acts as the creamy backbone of the filling, binding everything together with minimal effort.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: It loosens the soup just enough to create a silky, spoonable sauce without making the filling too soupy.
- Garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt: Simple seasonings that add warmth and depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The star of the topping, bringing that signature cheesy, garlicky magic straight from the box.
- Whole milk and sour cream: Together they make the biscuit topping extra tender and rich, almost like a savory cake.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the biscuit batter and adds pockets of gooey, salty goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the seasoning packet, it creates a glossy, herb-flecked glaze that turns the top golden and irresistible.
- Fresh parsley: A handful of chopped parsley brightens the whole dish and makes it look like you spent way more time than you did.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. This step also gives you a moment to gather your ingredients and clear some counter space.
- Build the Filling:
- In a large bowl, stir together the chicken, frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup, broth, and all your seasonings until everything is evenly coated. Spread this mixture into your prepared dish, smoothing it out so it bakes evenly.
- Mix the Biscuit Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix (save that seasoning packet), milk, sour cream, and shredded cheddar, stirring just until the dry bits disappear. Overmixing will make the topping tough, so stop as soon as it comes together.
- Top and Spread:
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter over the chicken filling, then gently spread them out with the back of your spoon. Leave a few small gaps so steam can escape and the filling can bubble up around the edges.
- Glaze with Butter:
- Melt your butter and whisk in the reserved seasoning packet until fragrant, then drizzle this all over the biscuit topping. The butter will help it turn golden and give you that signature Red Lobster flavor.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, watching for a deep golden-brown crust and bubbling sauce at the edges. The smell alone will have everyone circling the kitchen.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the cobbler sit for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping into it, which helps the filling set up and makes serving much cleaner. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness.
Save One rainy Sunday, I made this for a group of friends who showed up soaked and grumpy from a canceled hiking trip. By the time we pulled the bubbling dish from the oven and tore into those cheesy biscuits, the mood had completely shifted. We ended up spending the afternoon around the table, laughing and going back for seconds, and nobody seemed to mind the weather anymore.
Variations and Swaps
If you want to add more flavor to the base, sauté a small diced onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves in butter before stirring them into the filling. For a heartier version, toss in cooked bacon bits or diced ham along with the chicken. You can also swap the chicken for leftover turkey after the holidays, or even use a plant-based chicken substitute if youre cooking for vegetarians.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and they reheat beautifully in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. I dont recommend microwaving the whole thing because the biscuit topping can get soggy, but individual portions work fine if youre in a hurry. You can also freeze unbaked portions tightly wrapped in foil for up to a month, then bake straight from frozen with an extra 10 to 15 minutes added to the cook time.
Serving Suggestions
This cobbler is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If youre feeding a crowd, set out a bowl of cranberry sauce or a jar of pickles for a sweet-tart contrast. On cooler nights, a mug of hot cider or a glass of crisp white wine rounds out the meal perfectly.
- Serve with a side of garlic green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra vegetables.
- Pair with a light coleslaw to add crunch and brightness.
- Offer hot sauce or a drizzle of honey on the side for guests who like a little kick or sweetness.
Save This dish has become my go-to whenever I need something warm, filling, and foolproof. Every time I pull it from the oven and see those golden biscuits crackling on top, I remember why simple comfort food never goes out of style.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best in this dish?
Shredded cooked chicken such as rotisserie or canned chicken is ideal for easy preparation and tender texture.
- → Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed veggies?
Fresh peas, carrots, corn, and green beans can be used if chopped and pre-cooked to ensure even cooking in the casserole.
- → How do I achieve a golden biscuit topping?
Baking uncovered at 375°F for 35–40 minutes allows the biscuit topping to turn golden while the filling bubbles beneath.
- → Is there a way to make the filling more flavorful?
Sautéing diced onions and garlic in butter before mixing into the filling adds depth and richness.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?
Low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese can lighten the dish; rotisserie chicken can be swapped with leftover poultry for convenience.