Hearty Homestyle Chicken Cobbler Recipe

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced into half-moons
2 stalks celery, sliced
1/2 cup frozen peas
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
For the cobbler topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
1 cup whole milk

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until well browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the flour to the skillet and stir until the vegetables are coated. Cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add the chicken broth to the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Add the chicken back into the skillet and stir in the frozen peas. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Pour the chicken mixture into a large baking dish.
To make the cobbler topping, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to incorporate it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the milk, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cobbler topping is golden brown and the chicken mixture is bubbly.
Let the chicken cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet for browning the chicken and cooking the vegetables.
Large Baking Dish - A large baking dish to hold the chicken mixture and the cobbler topping.
Large Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the cobbler topping ingredients.
Whisk - A whisk for stirring the chicken broth and cream into the vegetable mixture.
Cutting Board - A cutting board for dicing the onion, slicing the carrots and celery.
Sharp Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the garlic, and cutting the chicken breasts into pieces.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the flour, salt, baking powder, and other ingredients.
Measuring Cups - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk.
Spatula - A spatula for scraping the bottom of the skillet and transferring the chicken mixture to the baking dish.

Recipe variations

Replace the chicken with cooked and shredded turkey for a turkey cobbler.
Use a mix of vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and green beans instead of carrots and celery.
Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Try a different type of protein such as diced cooked sausage or shrimp.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Increase the amount of vegetables and add cooked chickpeas or white beans for protein.
Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, to the cobbler topping for a cheesy twist.
Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
Replace the all-purpose flour in the cobbler topping with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a healthier or gluten-free option.
Instead of a cobbler topping, use puff pastry or biscuit dough as an alternative crust.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Cobbler is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any night of the week. The recipe involves creating a savory chicken mixture with vegetables in a creamy sauce, then topping it with a simple homemade cobbler dough and baking until golden brown. The result is a satisfying combination of tender chicken and vegetables with a fluffy, buttery topping that everyone will love. This dish is great for serving a crowd, and it's also easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs. The cooking process is straightforward and enjoyable, making this a great recipe to try out if you're in the mood for a home-cooked meal. Enjoy this cozy casserole with a side salad or your favorite vegetable for a complete and delicious meal.

Common questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a bit longer to cook.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for carrots, celery, and peas, you can customize it by adding or substituting other vegetables such as corn, green beans, or bell peppers.
Can I make the cobbler topping in advance? It is recommended to make the cobbler topping right before assembling and baking the dish. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and keep them stored until ready to use.
Can I freeze the chicken cobbler? Yes, you can freeze the chicken cobbler. Prepare and bake the dish as instructed, then let it cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or place in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour works best for the cobbler topping. However, you can experiment with other flours like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends if desired.
Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken broth? Yes, chicken stock can be used as a substitute for chicken broth in this recipe. Just be aware that the flavor may vary slightly.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients and mixing the cobbler topping.
Skillet - Used for browning the chicken and cooking the vegetables.
Baking Dish - A large dish for baking the chicken cobbler in the oven.
Spatula - Helps in stirring and transferring the chicken mixture.
Whisk - Used for whisking the flour into the skillet to create a thickened sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
Chef's Knife - Needed for chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Cutting Board - Provides a surface for safely cutting and chopping ingredients.
Oven Mitts - Protect your hands when handling hot dishes and removing them from the oven.

Origin stories

Chicken cobbler is a dish that hails from the Southern United States, where hearty, comforting meals reign supreme. Much like its sweet counterpart, the fruit cobbler, this savory rendition features a deliciously flaky and biscuit-like topping. It's thought to have emerged as a way for cooks to use up leftover roasted or boiled chicken, lending a wonderful economy to the dish. Chicken cobbler shows the beauty of Southern cuisine in its ability to transform simple, on-hand ingredients into something that feels special and abundant.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.