Easy Red Lobster Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
There are some recipes that just feel like home. For me, one of those is the glorious combination of a crispy biscuit topping on a creamy chicken pot pie. Combine that with the fond memories of family dinners at Red Lobster, where those buttery, garlic biscuits made their grand entrance, and you’ve got a winning dish on your hands!
I’ll never forget the first time I decided to recreate this dish in my kitchen. It was one of those drizzly evenings where the sun slipped away around 4 PM, and there was an unmistakable chill in the air. I wanted to create something hearty and comforting to wrap my family in a cozy embrace… and boy, did I aim high! With a poorly-planned grocery list and a questionable understanding of my kitchen supplies, I set off on my culinary journey. After a minor explosion of flour and a slight panic when I realized the chicken was still frozen, I finally pulled together this unforgettable easy weeknight dinner and it knocked all our socks off (including mine!).
What makes this healthy comfort food so special is not just the flavor but how it takes me back to those blissful family dinners filled with laughter, buttery biscuits, and the sense of togetherness. It warms the soul and reminds me that cooking at home can be as magical as dining out!
So, gather your loved ones, pour yourself a glass of something warm, and let’s dive into why this homemade dish is sure to become a staple in your family too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, this dish is a breeze to whip up, especially if you utilize rotisserie chicken. You’ll be done in under an hour—impressive, right?
- Comfort in a Bowl: There’s something about that flaky biscuit topping that just screams comfort. It’s like getting a warm hug from grandma on a cold day!
- Picky Eater Approved: Even your pickiest eater will find something to love here. The creamy filling and gooey cheese are pretty much irresistible.
- Leftover Magic: If you’re cooking for two or just want meals ready for the week, this pot pie makes delicious leftovers that reheat beautifully.
- Meal Prep Winner: You can easily scale the ingredients up or down, making it perfect for meal planning or feeding a crowd.
- Budget-Friendly: With easy-to-find ingredients and the ability to use whatever leftover veggies you have lurking in the fridge, this dish is light on the wallet.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This isn’t just any old chicken pot pie; this version is drizzled with a beloved Red Lobster twist that turns an old classic into something extraordinary. The secret lies in the biscuit topping. Blending garlic powder throughout the biscuit dough gives those iconic Red Lobster biscuits their undeniable flavor. Topped with an ooey-gooey filling, every bite feels like a celebration of nostalgia and comfort.
But let’s not forget about the versatility. This recipe welcomes improvisation! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or spices. Want to make it a high-protein meal? Add some beans or swap out the chicken for turkey; go ahead! This dish can truly become your own.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced (Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves a ton of time here.)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (Think peas, carrots, and corn—classic combo, right?)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (This adds creaminess and richness throughout.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Both for the filling and the biscuit topping; it’s a must!)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (Because an onion-less chicken pot pie? No, thank you!)
- Salt and pepper (To taste, of course.)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (For extra flavor—don’t skimp!)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (The base for that flaky topping.)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (To help the biscuits rise and be all fluffy.)
- 1 teaspoon salt (For seasoning.)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (Cold and cubed, because we want those biscuits flaky!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Because nothing says comfort quite like cheese, right?)
- 3/4 cup milk (To bind the biscuit dough together.)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (Again, for that extra zing that gives this dish its signature flair.)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Alright, friends, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to make this glorious Red Lobster Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie that even I managed not to mess up (too much)!
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Preheat the Oven: First things first, get your oven preheating at 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish will bake evenly.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine those lovely cooked chicken pieces, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir it all up until everything gets cozy and well-combined. I like to channel my inner chef here; give it a really good mix, almost as if you’re trying to incorporate all the love from those ingredients into one bubbling pot!
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Take your chicken filling and transfer it into a casserole or pie dish, spreading it out evenly. There’s something visually comforting about seeing that colorful filling layer just waiting to be topped off!
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Biscuit Topping Time: In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This part is where the magic begins! Get your cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Honestly, it’s okay if some butter chunks are bigger than others—they’ll create delightful flaky bits in your biscuits.
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Cheesy Goodness: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and another tablespoon of garlic powder until everything’s well-mixed but not overdone. The aroma starts creeping in at this stage, and trust me, it’s divine!
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Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk into the mixture while gently stirring. You want just enough moisture to bring everything together, so don’t be alarmed if it seems a tad sticky. Resist the urge to overmix—because that spells doom for your biscuit texture!
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Dollop It Up: Now, using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the chicken filling. Make sure to cover it as evenly as possible. This part can be a little messy, but hey, it’s all part of the fun, right?
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Bake Away: Slide that bad boy into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The smells wafting through your kitchen will make your heart sing, I promise!
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Cool Down: Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before diving in. Remember: hot filling burns—trust me, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way (multiple times!).
Tips for Best Results
- Flour Power: Use measured flour—scooping flour straight from a container can lead to using too much.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits, so don’t let it sit out too long.
- Avoid Overmixing: You want a tender biscuit—overmixing can lead to dense tires of dough!
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider tossing in some fresh herbs or spices to elevate your filling even further.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Want to customize this dish to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs? Here are a few suggestions:
- Protein Swap: Swap out chicken for cooked turkey or even shredded beef. High-protein meals can be so versatile!
- Vegetarian Version: Use a medley of your favorite veggies, like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, instead of chicken.
- Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy cream soup and plant-based butter for the biscuits if you’re going dairy-free.
- Herby Upgrade: Toss in some thyme or rosemary for a little extra flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate a dish like nothing else!
Directions
Now, here’s a quick recap of how to whip up this delicious dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth in a bowl.
- Transfer to a casserole dish.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt; cut in the cold butter.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and garlic powder.
- Add milk and mix until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the chicken filling.
- Bake for 30 minutes until biscuits are golden and filling is bubbly.
- Allow to cool before digging in.
Best part? This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a glass of chilled iced tea. Honestly, sitting down with a bowl of this while you watch your favorite rom-com just feels like an embrace wrapped in love.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: A chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea would complement this dish beautifully.
- Sides: A light, tangy salad—think mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette—can balance the richness of the pot pie.
- Desserts: Finish off with something light, perhaps a lemon sorbet or fresh berries, to cleanse the palate after such a hearty dish!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just let the pot pie cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap and sticking it in the fridge. It will last up to four days, though I doubt it will survive that long, honestly!
To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You could microwave it, but trust me; it won’t have that glorious biscuit texture afterward!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This pot pie is a dream to make ahead! You can assemble the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge while preparing the biscuit dough right before baking.
If you’re considering freezing, assemble the pot pie in a freezer-safe container prior to baking. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Who doesn’t love a quick family meal with almost no effort?!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Resting: If your chicken is frozen, let it cool down completely before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.
- Too Much or Too Little Spice: Taste and adjust! Start with less salt and pepper, as you can always add more.
- Rushing the Bake Time: Trust the process; letting those biscuits bake long enough is key to getting that gorgeous, golden finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and shred it beforehand. Alternatively, bake the pie with raw chicken pieces for a deeper flavor but note the additional cooking time and liquid adjustments.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just be cautious of the baking time; a larger batch could take longer.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup for a wonderful twist!
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Sure! Just put the filling ingredients in the slow cooker on low for several hours, then top with the biscuit mix just before serving.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Heck yes! It makes for a delightful main dish throughout the week. Just be sure to store it properly!
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls for assembling filling and dough.
- Whisk for combining dry ingredients.
- Baking dish or deep casserole dish.
- Spoon for dolloping biscuit dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurement.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like a dish that transcends time and brings loved ones together. This Red Lobster Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie is that perfect embodiment of warmth, comfort, and joyous memories, all wrapped up in one savory package.
So next time you find yourself craving something hearty with a touch of nostalgia, give this easy recipe a whirl. I guarantee you’ll be smitten! I’d love to hear your version or any modifications you make.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Easy Red Lobster Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced Using rotisserie chicken saves time.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables Typical mix includes peas, carrots, and corn.
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup Adds creaminess and richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For both filling and biscuit topping.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Essential flavoring.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth For extra flavor.
For the Biscuit Topping
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Base for the flaky topping.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder Helps the biscuits rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Cold and cubed for flakiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For added comfort.
- 3/4 cup milk To bind the biscuit dough together.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder For extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Transfer the chicken filling to a casserole or pie dish, spreading it out evenly.
Biscuit Topping
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
- Gradually add milk while gently stirring until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the chicken filling, covering it as evenly as possible.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
