What is Chicken Cobbler? An Easy, Comforting Casserole Explained

Chicken Cobbler is going to be your new favorite recipe for a creamy, comforting meal that you can make in less than an hour! Picture saucy, savory chicken under a golden biscuit crust, bubbling with homestyle flavors and an irresistible smell. Chicken Cobbler has all the warmth of a classic chicken pot pie but with a fuss-free twist, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing Sunday dinner with the family. People really liked this recipe after seeing it on a video that went viral on social media. Also, our Chicken Alfredo Bake and Chicken Cobbler have become favorites in my own kitchen. If you’re a fan of easy comfort food that brings the family to the table, you’re going to love this delightful take on a cozy dinner classic. Let’s get ready to whip up smiles with Chicken Cobbler!.

Chicken cobbler is a delicious comforting casserole that combines chicken vegetables, a flaky biscuit topping, and savory sauce. It’s a simple one-dish meal that can easily feed a crowd. But what exactly is chicken cobbler and how did it become so popular? Let’s take a closer look at this crowd-pleasing dish.

A Brief History of Chicken Cobbler

Chicken cobbler likely originated in the American South where casserole dishes and pot pies were common. Early versions were made by topping a chicken stew with simple biscuit dough or dumplings and baking. The biscuit dough on top resembled cobblestone roads, hence the name “cobbler.”

Chicken cobblers have changed over time into a faster weeknight meal that is made by putting canned soup or gravy, frozen vegetables, cooked chicken, and biscuit dough or baking mix on top of store-bought biscuit dough or baking mix.

Recently, chicken cobbler has seen a surge in popularity thanks to social media. In particular, TikTok creator Jessica Woo gained viral fame for her simple chicken cobbler recipe in 2020. Her shortcut version with rotisserie chicken, pancake mix, milk, and condensed soup has been viewed over 10 million times!

How to Make Chicken Cobbler

While recipes can vary, most chicken cobblers follow a similar formula:

  • Chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken. It works well with either breast meat or a mix of white and dark meat.

  • Vegetables—For ease of use, frozen mixed vegetables like corn, green beans, carrots, and peas are often used. Onions, celery, potatoes, or other veggies can also be added.

  • Sauce – Condensed soups, especially cream of chicken, add lots of flavor. Chicken broth thickened with a roux also works.

  • On top: Drops of biscuit dough, baking mix, or soda dough, or roll it out and cut it into squares.

  • Seasonings – Garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, etc. customize the flavor.

To make it, cook the chicken and sauté any fresh veggies. Combine with frozen veggies, sauce, and seasonings in a baking dish. Top with drops or pieces of dough. Bake at 375F until bubbly and the topping is golden brown, around 30-45 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Why is Chicken Cobbler so Popular?

There are several reasons chicken cobbler has recently blown up:

  • It’s simple – With mostly pantry ingredients, it comes together easily. No pie dough rolling required.

  • It’s budget-friendly – Chicken and frozen veggies keep costs low. Canned soup adds flavor without much expense.

  • It’s comforting – The savory sauce and tender biscuits are deeply satisfying.

  • It’s customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

  • It feeds a crowd – Chicken cobblers bake up in large casserole dishes perfect for potlucks.

  • It reheats well – Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated throughout the week.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Cobbler

Here are some tips for maximizing flavor and getting the perfect crispy biscuit topping:

  • Allow the baked chicken to cool before shredding to prevent mushy chicken.

  • Cook any raw veggies like onion, celery, or potato until fork tender before adding.

  • Sprinkle biscuit dough pieces rather than dollops for maximum crunchy sides.

  • Brush biscuit dough with milk or butter before baking for a glossy sheen.

  • Bake until topping is deeply golden, not just lightly browned.

  • Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving so the sauce sets up.

  • Garnish with parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Get Creative with Chicken Cobbler

One of the best things about chicken cobbler is how customizable it is. Consider these fun ways to put your own spin on it:

  • Use unexpected doughs like pizza dough, puff pastry, or croissants for the topping.

  • Add different proteins like turkey, ham, sausage, or plant-based meat.

  • Swap in various veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, squash, or sweet potatoes.

  • Mix up the sauce with mushroom, beef stroganoff, or cream of celery condensed soups.

  • Top with cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for ooey-gooey baked goodness.

  • Season with spice blends like Italian, Southwest, or Greek to complement the ingredients.

  • Make it a complete meal with a side salad or veggie like roasted broccoli.

Is Chicken Cobbler Healthy?

While not the lightest dish, chicken cobbler can be made relatively healthy. Using milk and whole wheat baking mixes adds more nutrition than heavy cream-based recipes. Loading it up with veggies boosts vitamins. Portion sizes around 1 cup provide a balance of carbs, protein, and produce. Compared to fried fast food, baked chicken cobbler is certainly a healthier option. Those watching calories or carbs can skip biscuit dough and use mashed cauliflower on top instead. Overall, enjoy chicken cobbler in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Chicken cobbler brings together comforting flavors like chicken, biscuits, and savory gravy into one easy baked casserole. Its versatility, budget-friendly ingredients, and crowd-pleasing taste help explain why it has recently exploded in popularity thanks to viral online recipes. This satisfying Southern classic is sure to remain a staple for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and anytime you need a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Topped with crunchy biscuits, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, chicken cobbler is hard to beat!

what is chicken cobbler

What is Chicken Cobbler?

If you think about it, “chicken cobbler” and “dessert” might not seem like they go together, but once you try it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try it! Is it dessert? Is it dinner? Surprise! It’s both comforting and savory, wrapped in a biscuit topping instead of the usual fruit and sugar! The name comes from the way the biscuit crust “cobbles” together over a creamy chicken filling. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish delivers every time. Ready for a tasty break from the norm? Read on to find out why Chicken Cobbler is the casserole you didn’t know you needed!

What to Serve Chicken Cobbler With

Turn Chicken Cobbler into a hearty meal by pairing it with simple sides. To balance out the creamy richness of the cobbler, serve it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. You could also serve it with tender roasted green beans for extra crunch and color. Buttermilk mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli also make satisfying additions. For drinks, a refreshing iced tea or a chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the savory flavors beautifully. For dessert, something classic like apple crisp or lemon bars offers a light, sweet finish.

Chicken Cobbler

FAQ

What is a chicken cobbler?

Matthew Bounds’ Chicken Cobbler recipe is a super easy, casserole-style, one-pan dish. It calls for low-lift ingredients such as rotisserie chicken, frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup and biscuit mix, but the end result is more than the sum of its parts.

What is cobbler made of?

A cobbler is a baked dessert, typically made with a fruit filling and a biscuit or dumpling topping. Often peaches, berries, or apples are used. They are put in a baking dish and a batter, biscuit dough, or dumpling mixture is put on top of them.

What is an example of a cobbler?

Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler The easiest cobblers are simply made of fruit topped with a thick batter or with spoonfuls of biscuit dough. Biscuit-topped cobblers look like cobblestones after they’re baked, hence the name.

What is the difference between a cobbler and a pie?

The main difference between a cobbler and a pie lies in the crust. A pie typically has a bottom crust and often a top crust, while a cobbler has a fruit filling on the bottom and a biscuit or dough topping.

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