Save to Pinterest I stumbled onto this recipe during a rushed weeknight when the fridge was nearly empty and I had a box of Red Lobster biscuit mix sitting in the pantry. I tossed together leftover rotisserie chicken, some frozen veggies, and that biscuit mix, and what came out of the oven shocked me. My kids scraped their plates clean, my husband asked for seconds, and I realized I'd accidentally created our new favorite comfort meal.
The first time I made this for a potluck, I watched people go back for thirds and ask for the recipe. One friend admitted she thought it was from a fancy bakery because the biscuit topping looked so golden and perfect. I didn't have the heart to tell her it took me less than an hour and most of that was just oven time.
Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because its already seasoned and juicy, but canned chicken works in a pinch and saves even more time.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: No chopping required, and they add color, texture, and nutrition without any extra effort.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This creates the creamy base that holds everything together, and I always keep a few cans in the pantry for emergencies.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: It loosens the soup into a silky sauce and lets you control the salt level, which is key since the biscuit mix is already seasoned.
- Garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, salt: These simple seasonings add warmth and depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The star of the show, this mix brings that iconic garlicky, cheesy flavor that makes the topping irresistible.
- Whole milk: It keeps the biscuit topping tender and moist, so don't swap it for water unless you have to.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient makes the biscuits extra fluffy and adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Stir it into the biscuit batter for pockets of melty cheese throughout the topping.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with the seasoning packet and drizzled on top, it creates that golden, flavorful crust.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green at the end makes it look restaurant-worthy and adds a fresh note.
Instructions
- Prep your oven and dish:
- Preheat to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. I learned the hard way that skipping the grease means scrubbing baked-on cheese for way too long.
- Build the filling:
- Combine the chicken, frozen veggies, soup, broth, and seasonings in a large bowl, then spread it evenly in the dish. The frozen vegetables will thaw and release moisture as it bakes, so don't worry if the mixture looks thick at first.
- Mix the biscuit topping:
- In a separate bowl, stir together the biscuit mix (save the seasoning packet), milk, sour cream, and cheese until just combined. Overmixing makes the biscuits tough, so stop as soon as you don't see dry flour.
- Top the casserole:
- Dollop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter over the filling and gently spread, leaving a few small gaps for steam to escape. It doesn't have to be perfect, rustic looks homemade and delicious.
- Add the butter glaze:
- Melt the butter, stir in the reserved seasoning packet, and drizzle it all over the biscuit topping. This step is what gives you that signature Red Lobster flavor and golden color.
- Bake until bubbly and golden:
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the filling thickens up and doesn't run everywhere.
Save to Pinterest One rainy Sunday, I made this for my mom and she got quiet for a moment after the first bite. She said it reminded her of the chicken pot pies her grandmother used to make, except better because of the cheesy biscuit top. That's when I knew this recipe was a keeper, not just for weeknights, but for the moments when you want food to feel like a hug.
Swaps and Variations
If you want to sneak in more flavor, sauté a small diced onion and a couple cloves of garlic in butter before mixing them into the filling. You can also swap the chicken for leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, or use a mix of chicken and cooked bacon for a smokier twist. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese, it won't be quite as rich, but it still tastes great.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if it's going in cold. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, though the biscuit topping won't be quite as crispy the second time around.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but I like to serve it with a simple green salad or roasted broccoli to balance the richness. A crisp white wine or iced tea pairs perfectly, and if you have any leftover biscuit mix, whip up a quick side batch to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.
- Pair with a bright, lemony arugula salad to cut through the richness.
- Serve alongside roasted green beans or glazed carrots for extra vegetables.
- Offer hot sauce or a drizzle of honey on the side for guests who like a little kick or sweetness.
Save to Pinterest This dish has become my secret weapon for busy weeks and last-minute gatherings, and every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe. I hope it brings the same warmth and ease to your table that it has to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, shredded leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly, adding convenience and great flavor.
- → What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling features mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans for color and texture.
- → How do I achieve a golden biscuit topping?
Bake until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles, typically 35-40 minutes at 375°F.
- → Can I add extra herbs or bacon to the topping?
Yes, adding cooked bacon bits or fresh herbs enhances flavor and adds a personal touch to the biscuit layer.
- → Is it possible to make a lighter version of this dish?
Using low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese in the biscuit topping can reduce calories while maintaining taste.
- → What are the key seasonings used in the casserole filling?
Garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt are blended into the creamy filling to build savory depth.