One-Pan Chicken Cobbler

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This hearty dish features tender chicken combined with carrots, celery, and peas in a rich, creamy sauce enhanced with herbs. Topped with a golden cheddar biscuit crust, it’s baked all in one pan for flavorful layers and easy serving. The biscuit topping is made with sharp cheddar and buttermilk, creating a flaky, cheesy crust that complements the savory filling. Perfect for a comforting main dish, it balances creamy textures with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, offering a fulfilling meal with minimal cleanup.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:28:00 GMT
One-Pan Chicken Cobbler with browned cheddar biscuits next to a creamy chicken filling. Pin it
One-Pan Chicken Cobbler with browned cheddar biscuits next to a creamy chicken filling. | smartyskitchen.com

A comforting, savory casserole featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with golden, cheesy cheddar biscuits all baked together in one pan for easy cleanup.

I first made this chicken cobbler for a Sunday family dinner and everyone loved how satisfying and warm it tasted. The combination of creamy chicken filling and cheesy biscuit topping makes it a crowd-pleaser each time.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, used for sautéing vegetables
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, adds richness to the filling
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
  • Celery stalks: 2, diced
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon for the filling
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for the filling
  • All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup for the filling, 1 1/2 cups for biscuit topping
  • Chicken broth: 2 cups, low-sodium
  • Whole milk: 1 cup
  • Cooked chicken: 3 cups, shredded
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Baking powder: 2 teaspoons for biscuit topping
  • Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon for biscuit topping
  • Salt (for biscuit topping): 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper (for biscuit topping): 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cold unsalted butter (for topping): 6 tablespoons, cubed
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup, grated
  • Cold buttermilk: 3/4 cup

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 400°F (200°C) before preparing other ingredients.
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
Add Aromatics:
Stir in garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Flour:
Sprinkle flour over mixture. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Add Liquids:
Pour in chicken broth and milk gradually, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer and cook 4 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Chicken & Peas:
Stir in shredded chicken and frozen peas. Remove skillet from heat.
Make Biscuit Dough:
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper for the topping.
Cut in Butter:
Mix cold cubed butter into dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cheese & Buttermilk:
Add grated cheddar and pour in buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
Top Filling:
Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over chicken filling.
Bake:
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until biscuits are golden and filling is bubbling.
Rest & Serve:
Let cobbler rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Golden, cheesy biscuits sit atop a bubbling One-Pan Chicken Cobbler with visible vegetables. Pin it
Golden, cheesy biscuits sit atop a bubbling One-Pan Chicken Cobbler with visible vegetables. | smartyskitchen.com

This cobbler has become a comfort meal in our house after chilly days. Sharing it at our dinner table always brings back warm memories.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for balance. Add a splash of heavy cream to the filling for a richer taste if desired.

Variations

Swap chicken for leftover turkey, or include fresh herbs in the biscuit topping for extra flavor. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed.

Helpful Tools

You'll need a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, pastry cutter or fork, measuring cups and spoons, and a spoon or cookie scoop for best results.

Steaming One-Pan Chicken Cobbler, a hearty meal with tender chicken and fluffy cheddar biscuits. Pin it
Steaming One-Pan Chicken Cobbler, a hearty meal with tender chicken and fluffy cheddar biscuits. | smartyskitchen.com

This easy casserole delivers comfort in every bite. Share it with family or friends for a cozy dinner everyone will remember.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie or poached chicken both add tender, moist texture to the filling.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Yes, sharper or milder hard cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack can be used for varied flavor profiles.

How do I ensure biscuits bake through evenly?

Drop spoonfuls evenly spaced over the filling and bake until golden brown to allow thorough cooking.

What herbs complement this dish?

Dried thyme and parsley enhance the savory filling; fresh herbs may be added to the biscuit topping for brightness.

Is it possible to add cream to the filling?

A splash of heavy cream can enrich the filling’s texture and flavor without overpowering.

One-Pan Chicken Cobbler

A savory blend of chicken, vegetables, and cheddar biscuits baked together for a warm, satisfying meal.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
40 min
Overall Time
65 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Medium

Culinary Roots American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Details None specified

What You'll Need

Filling

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
05 2 celery stalks, diced
06 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 1 teaspoon dried parsley
09 1 teaspoon salt
10 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
12 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
13 1 cup whole milk
14 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
15 1 cup frozen peas

Cheddar Biscuit Topping

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
07 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
08 3/4 cup cold buttermilk

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Cook vegetables: In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat, then sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Add seasonings: Incorporate garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Create roux: Sprinkle in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 05

Add liquids: Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk while stirring; bring to a simmer and cook 4 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 06

Combine filling: Stir in shredded chicken and peas, then remove from heat.

Step 07

Prepare biscuit dough dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.

Step 08

Cut in butter: Incorporate cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 09

Mix biscuit dough: Stir in grated cheddar cheese, then add buttermilk, mixing just until combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 10

Assemble dish: Drop heaping spoonfuls of biscuit dough evenly over the chicken filling.

Step 11

Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until biscuits are golden and cooked through, and filling is bubbling.

Step 12

Rest before serving: Allow to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large ovenproof skillet or 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or cookie scoop

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter, cheese) and wheat.
  • May contain traces of gluten; verify if using gluten-free flour.
  • Check chicken broth and cheese labels for additional allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 480
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 29 g