Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

The Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting dish that combines creamy chicken filling with flaky, cheesy biscuits. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this pot pie offers a unique twist on the classic recipe. The rich flavors and satisfying textures make it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal in the oven in no time.
• Family Favorite: The combination of creamy chicken and cheesy biscuits is sure to please everyone at the table.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or use leftover chicken, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
• Comfort Food Delight: This pot pie delivers the warmth and satisfaction of traditional comfort food, ideal for chilly nights.
• Great for Meal Prep: Bake ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, making meals easy and stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and makes serving easy.
• Large mixing bowl: Ample space allows for thorough mixing without spills, which is essential for combining ingredients effectively.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measuring ensures balanced flavors, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

Ingredients

A delightful blend of creamy chicken filling topped with flaky, cheesy biscuits that will have your family coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:
– 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
– 1 Cup Sour Cream
– 3/4 Cup Milk
– 1 tsp Garlic Powder
– 1 tsp Onion Powder
– 1 tsp Black Pepper
– 1 tsp Herbs De Provence (or 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning)
– 4 Cups Cooked, Shredded Chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken, but any cooked chicken will work)
– 1 10 oz Bag of Frozen Mixed Vegetables, thawed
– 11.36 oz Box of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
– 3/4 Cup Cold Water
– 1/2 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
– 4 tbsp Melted Butter

How to Make Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking after preparing the pot pie.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk.
2. Add in the seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and herbs de Provence.
3. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and thawed mixed vegetables until well mixed.

Step 3: Bake Initial Filling

Spread the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 15 minutes. This step helps heat up the filling and melds all flavors together.

Step 4: Prepare Cheddar Bay Biscuits

While your filling is baking:
1. Follow package instructions for preparing the biscuit mix.
2. Combine with 3/4 cup cold water and add in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Top with Biscuit Dough

After removing your filling from the oven:
Spread the biscuit dough evenly over the top of the warm filling.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–18 minutes or until the biscuit crust is golden brown.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Mix melted butter with any seasoning packet from the biscuit mix. Brush this mixture over the top of your casserole before serving.
Sprinkle with dried parsley for added color. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Individual Portions

• Serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch. This allows each guest to enjoy their own portion and adds to the presentation.

Fresh Salad

• Accompany with a fresh garden salad. A mix of leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pie.

Garlic Bread

• Pair with warm garlic bread. The crunchy texture complements the softness of the pot pie, making each bite delightful.

Steamed Vegetables

• Offer steamed vegetables as a side. Broccoli or green beans are excellent choices that add color and nutrients to the meal.

Fruit Salad

• Include a light fruit salad for dessert. This adds sweetness and balances the richness of the pot pie nicely.

Mashed Potatoes

• Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes. They make a hearty addition and can be used to soak up any leftover filling.

How to Perfect Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

Creating the perfect Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds incredible flavor to your filling without any hassle of cooking chicken from scratch.
• Don’t Overmix: When preparing the biscuit topping, avoid overmixing the dough. This ensures fluffy and flaky biscuits on top.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Adding more garlic powder or herbs can enhance flavor depth.
• Check Biscuit Doneness: Keep an eye on the biscuits while baking. Golden brown is the key indicator that they’re perfectly cooked.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pot pie to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps set the filling and makes serving easier.
• Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of dried parsley not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor element.

Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy Caesar dressing and topped with croutons creates a classic pairing.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and roasted asparagus brings a delicious crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a summer favorite that adds sweetness and texture, best served with butter.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the heaviness of the pot pie.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and are nutritious; simply bake until tender for an easy side.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with black beans, corn, and lime dressing offers protein and freshness that complements this dish well.
7. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed makes for a low-carb option that’s flavorful and satisfying alongside your pot pie.
8. Garlic Mushrooms: Sautéed garlic mushrooms add umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience when served next to your pot pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to 425°F before baking. This helps achieve a golden crust and properly cooked filling.
• Skipping the initial bake: Failing to bake the filling for 15 minutes can result in an undercooked mixture. Always start with this step to meld flavors and heat through.
• Overmixing the biscuit dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough biscuits. Stir gently until just combined for a light, fluffy topping.
• Using warm chicken: Always use cold or room-temperature chicken for even cooking and better texture. Warm chicken can affect the overall cooking time.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your mixture before adding the biscuit topping. Adjust seasonings as needed to ensure a well-flavored pot pie.
• Neglecting storage tips: Not storing leftovers correctly can affect taste. Make sure to follow proper storage methods outlined below.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

• To freeze, cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie?

Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie is a creamy chicken dish topped with flaky cheddar biscuits, perfect for dinner or lunch.

Can I use different vegetables in my Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie?

Absolutely! You can customize the mixed vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand, such as peas, corn, or green beans.

How do I make the biscuits from scratch instead of using a mix?

To make homemade biscuits, combine flour, baking powder, salt, shredded cheddar cheese, butter, and milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls onto the filling before baking.

Can I make Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to the point of adding the biscuit topping. Cover and refrigerate overnight; then bake when you’re ready.

How long does it take to cook Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie?

The total cooking time is approximately 40-45 minutes—15 minutes for the filling and another 15-18 minutes after adding the biscuit topping.

Conclusion

This Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie is not only delicious but also versatile enough to accommodate various tastes. With its creamy filling and cheesy biscuit topping, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices!

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