Are you craving a comforting, yet elegant meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Chicken Cobbler recipe takes inspiration from the beloved Red Lobster's creamy, cheesy goodness, bringing that restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly quick dinner ideas, ideal for busy weeknights or a special weekend treat. This recipe blends homemade cooking with a touch of upscale flair, making it a surefire hit with everyone at the table. Get ready to experience the joy of this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe provides a generous serving for 4-6 people. Adjust the quantities as needed to suit your needs.
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions:
Get started with the Chicken Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Biscuit Topping:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the chicken filling.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Chicken Cobbler:
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Don't overmix the biscuit dough; this will result in tough biscuits.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the cobbler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- You can easily substitute other vegetables, such as peas, corn, or green beans, into the chicken filling.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Cobbler: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken filling for a kick.
- Cheesy Chicken Cobbler: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the biscuit topping before baking.
- Creamy Chicken Cobbler: Add a half cup of sour cream or heavy cream to the chicken filling for extra richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This Chicken Cobbler recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. It's a delicious dish the whole family will love, and a recipe you'll want to add to your regular rotation of quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this simple yet impressive homemade cooking experience!