Chicken & Biscuits Dinner Cobbler: A From-Scratch Golden Bake With Cheddar and Old Bay Biscuits

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a bubbling chicken & biscuits dinner cobbler. This from-scratch version skips the boxed mix and instead uses fluffy homemade biscuits flavored with sharp cheddar cheese and Old Bay seasoning.

Baked until golden brown over a creamy chicken and vegetable filling, this dish is rustic, hearty, and loaded with flavor.

Every bite has tender chicken, creamy sauce, sweet vegetables, and that savory, cheesy biscuit topping that makes the whole dish unforgettable. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s perfect for family meals and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why This Recipe Is My Favorite

I love this version because it feels both homemade and indulgent. The Old Bay seasoning adds just the right amount of savory spice to the biscuit topping, while cheddar cheese melts into the dough to create a rich, cheesy crust. Paired with creamy chicken filling and colorful vegetables, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and flavor.

It also makes the house smell incredible while it bakes — buttery biscuits turning golden brown on top of a creamy casserole. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to sit down at the table and savor every bite.

History and Fun Facts About Chicken & Biscuit Dishes

Chicken and biscuits have deep roots in American food traditions. In the South, biscuits were often served alongside gravies and stews, while chicken pot pie-like dishes developed in different regions to combine chicken, vegetables, and bread in one hearty meal.

Cobblers, originally sweet desserts, inspired savory adaptations that used biscuits instead of pie crusts.

Old Bay seasoning itself has an interesting history — created in Maryland in 1939, it became a regional staple for seafood but quickly found its way into all kinds of recipes. Its unique blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and spices makes it the perfect addition to a biscuit topping, giving this cobbler a savory, flavorful edge.

The Role of Each Ingredient

• Butter adds richness and helps the biscuit topping bake evenly.

• Shredded chicken makes the dish hearty and protein-packed.

• Frozen mixed vegetables add sweetness, color, and nutrition with no prep.

• All-purpose flour forms the base of the biscuit dough.

• Baking powder allows the biscuits to rise and become fluffy.

• Whole milk provides moisture and helps create tender biscuits.

• Cheddar cheese melts into the biscuit dough for a sharp, gooey finish.

• Old Bay seasoning gives the biscuits savory spice and depth.

• Chicken broth infuses the filling with rich flavor.

• Cream of chicken soup binds the filling with creamy texture.

• Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper season the chicken and vegetable layer.

• Salt balances all the flavors.

Substitution Tips and Advice

If you don’t have Old Bay, substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Any cheddar cheese works, but sharp cheddar provides the best flavor.

For a different twist, try Monterey Jack or Gruyère in the biscuit dough.

Fresh vegetables like broccoli, peas, or carrots can replace frozen, and leftover turkey makes a great substitute for chicken.

Time and Money-Saving Tips

Use rotisserie chicken to save time — it adds flavor and requires no extra cooking.

Buy flour, baking powder, and cheese in bulk since they’re versatile ingredients you’ll use often.

Prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, then whip up the biscuit batter just before baking for quicker assembly.

Double the recipe and freeze one pan for later.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot, or microwave individual servings.

Freezing: Assemble the chicken and vegetable filling without topping, freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and add fresh biscuit dough before baking. You can also freeze fully baked cobbler in portions and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Make Ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the biscuit dough just before baking for the freshest, fluffiest results.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish for layering and baking

• Mixing bowl for biscuit dough

• Whisk for combining dry and wet ingredients

• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing filling

• Cheese grater for shredding cheddar

• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

This cobbler is filling enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, roasted green beans, or sautéed spinach.

Cornbread or garlic bread can round out the meal if you want even more comfort food on the table. For drinks, iced tea, apple cider, or a buttery Chardonnay complement the flavors perfectly.