I’ve been seeing the viral TikTok recipe for chicken cobbler all over the place. So, I decided to flip the dish my way, and make it using my air fryer! Thus, this chicken cobbler with Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit topping in the air fryer was born.
What is Chicken Cobbler?
Take everything you typically think of with cobblers and throw it right out the window. A chicken cobbler is a savory version of what is usually a fruit-based dessert.
Instead of berries, the base of this recipe is more akin to a chicken pot pie! Diced cooked chicken, vegetables, and a shortcut canned soup base make up the filling. In fact, it’s a great way to repurpose leftover chicken!
The real gem of this dish, though, is the Red Lobster biscuit topping! You can buy the dry Cheddar Bay biscuit mix in the stores, and then we just add in the wet stuff and make it into a perfect savory cobbler topping.
Katie’s tip
If you love all things Red Lobster, then you won’t want to miss my copycat recipe of their seasonal Snow Globe Sangria!
There’s a reason this recipe is viral all over TikTok! But, I don’t see many people making it in their air fryer, so of course I had to. After all, in the summer heat, the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven!
The air fryer is perfect because it’s quicker than the oven, and it’s also easier to make this recipe in smaller portions if you don’t want an entire 13×9 pan. Don’t get me wrong; I love it – but I can only eat so many days of leftovers!
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Red Lobster Chicken Cobbler Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 6 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (I use carrots, green beans, corn, and peas blend)
- 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ½ 11-ounce box of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use a rotisserie chicken if you prefer
- The frozen veggies can be swapped for drained canned veggies if you want. You can also use other frozen vegetable blends based on personal preferences
- Different types of canned soup are fine, if you don’t like cream of chicken. I usually use cream of chicken with herbs for added flavor
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omitting
- If you want to double the recipe to use the whole box of biscuit mix, feel free (I just prefer to save the rest for later and reduce leftovers)
special equipment note:
You’ll need some form of oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer’s basket or rack. This could be 4-6 ramekins (depending on size), a cake pan or casserole dish, or a couple loaf pans.
I use two mini loaf pans since I have a Dual Zone air fryer with two baskets, but one single pan works fine if you have a different type of air fryer.
How to Make Red Lobster Chicken Cobbler in the Air Fryer
- To your baking dish(es) add the melted butter. If you are using more than one pan, simply divide it evenly between them
- On top of the butter, add the cooked chicken, and then the vegetables, both in an even layer. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper over top. Do not mix
- In a mixing bowl, combine half the box of Red Lobster Biscuit mix, half of the included seasoning packet, the shredded cheddar (optional), and the milk. Note: you are not following the box directions here, so ignore those
- Spread over the chicken and vegetables in an even layer (but do not mix in)
- Mix the can of soup with the chicken stock (I use the same bowl from the biscuit mix) until well combined, and then pour over top of the biscuit mix in the pan(s) until just covered (you may have a little left over depending on pan size). Resist the urge, don’t mix anything in the dishes
- Place the filled baking dish(es) into your air fryer’s basket or rack
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and the sauce has reached a gravy-like consistency. This can vary slightly by the size of your pan and your specific air fryer, so add extra cooking time in 5-min increments as needed
- Rest for 10-15 minutes so it can continue to thicken before serving. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Chicken Cobbler
- Onion rings
- French fries
- Corn on the cob
- Glazed carrots
- Shaved brussels sprouts
- Roasted cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Beet
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Green salad
- Cucumber salad
- Watermelon salad
- Applesauce
- Cranberry sauce
- Cottage cheese
While chicken cobbler is much a meal in itself (with a protein, veggies, and carbs all in one), there are still lots of great sides you can add if desired. Choose different vegetables than you use in the casserole, and look for tangy flavors or unique textures to offer contrast.
Try my air fryer beets and sweet potatoes, air fryer carrots with brown sugar, microwave applesauce, vinegar cucumber onion salad, or air fryer frozen corn on the cob for some great pairing options for your TikTok viral Red Lobster chicken cobbler.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make Chicken Cobbler In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make chicken cobbler in an air fryer.
The air fryer creates a crispy topping, and takes less time when compared to the traditional oven baking method.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Chicken Cobbler In An Air Fryer?
It typically takes about 20-30 minutes to cook chicken cobbler in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the size of the biscuits.
The time can also vary slightly between air fryers. Make sure to cook it until the top is a deep golden brown, and there is very little jiggle in the center.
What Type Of Chicken Is Best For This Recipe?
Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for chicken cobbler, providing tender and flavorful meat.
You can also use a rotisserie chicken that’s been shredded or chopped.
Do I Need To Pre-Cook The Chicken Before Adding It To The Cobbler?
Yes, for this recipe you should pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the cobbler.
It’s an ideal choice for using up leftover chicken.
Can I Add Cheese To The Chicken Cobbler?
Yes, adding cheese to the biscuit topping adds a rich, savory flavor.
You could also sprinkle it over top of the chicken and vegetables if you wanted a more defined layer of cheese. Cheddar is most common, but feel free to experiment.
What Vegetables Can I Add To The Chicken Cobbler?
Common vegetables include carrots, peas, green beans, and corn.
Feel free to add your favorite veggies to customize the dish.
What Seasonings Are Recommended For Chicken Cobbler?
Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or rosemary for a flavorful dish.
However, you can experiment with other seasonings or adjust to taste. Try Cajun seasoning for some heat, different herbs, or even poultry seasoning for a blend.
How Do I Know When The Chicken Cobbler Is Done?
The cobbler is done when the biscuits are golden brown and the sauce bubbling through is thickened.
Make sure that the center of the dish barely jiggles. It will set up slightly more after cooking, but you don’t want it to be runny and liquid still.
Chicken Cobbler Recipe Tips
- You want this cobbler to be a deep golden brown and just jiggly in the very center, and that’s how you’ll know it’s done. I cooked mine for 30 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and it was perfect, but other air fryers may vary slightly
Storage and Reheating of Red Lobster Chicken Cobbler
- Store leftover chicken cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days
- Reheat in an oven safe bowl the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or microwave for about 1 minute on high before serving. The air fryer will re-crisp the topping, whereas it will be mushier in the microwave
More Air Fryer Cobbler Recipes
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason that this chicken cobbler with Red Lobster biscuit topping is viral on TikTok: it’s delicious! Making it in the air fryer is just a new way to try this hit!
It bakes up in less time, a smaller portion, and it won’t heat up your house like the oven will, so it’s perfect when you want to enjoy it in the summer.
A cross somewhere between chicken pot pie in the air fryer and a casserole, this dish is hearty, comforting, and of course, yummy!
Katie’s tip
If you’re feeling inspired, make sure to check out my collection of all the tasty air fryer cobbler recipes you can try next!
Chicken Cobbler With Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
- Casserole dish (or similar oven safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 6 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (I use a carrots, peas, corn, and green bean blend)
- 10.5 ounce can condensed chicken soup (I like chicken with herbs)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 5.5 ounces Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix (plus ½ included seasoning packet)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- To your baking dish(es) add the melted butter. If you are using more than one pan, simply divide it evenly between them4 Tbsp butter
- On top of the butter, add the cooked chicken, and then the vegetables, both in an even layer. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper over top. Do not mix2 cups cooked chicken, 6 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- In a mixing bowl, combine half the box of Red Lobster Biscuit mix, half of the included seasoning packet, the shredded cheddar (optional), and the milk. Note: you are not following the box directions here, so ignore those5.5 ounces Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix, ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup milk
- Spread over the chicken and vegetables in an even layer (but do not mix in)
- Mix the can of soup with the chicken stock (I use the same bowl from the biscuit mix) until well combined, and then pour over top of the biscuit mix in the pan(s) until just covered (you may have a little left over depending on pan size). Resist the urge, don’t mix anything in the dishes10.5 ounce can condensed chicken soup, 1 cup chicken stock
- Place the filled baking dish(es) into your air fryer’s basket or rack
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce has reached a gravy-like consistency. This can vary slightly by the size of your pan and your specific air fryer, so add extra cooking time in 5-min increments as needed
- Rest for 10-15 minutes so it can continue to thicken before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can also use a rotisserie chicken if you prefer
- The frozen veggies can be swapped for drained canned veggies if you want. You can also use other frozen vegetable blends based on personal preferences
- Different types of canned soup are fine, if you don’t like cream of chicken
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omitting
- If you want to double the recipe to use the whole box of biscuit mix, feel free (I just prefer to save the rest for later and reduce leftovers). Cook in batches if needed
- You want the chicken cobbler to be a deep golden brown and just jiggly in the very center, and that’s how you’ll know it’s done. I cooked mine for 30 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and it was perfect, but other air fryers may vary slightly
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any additions or sides, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Love this recipe, it’s so easy and practical. I love air fryer recipes and will need to see if I can make it with mine!
I figure you can’t go wrong with those Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits! It’s also funny because last night I actually finished up eating the leftovers from this recipe!