If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you’ve got to try this One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender, juicy chicken with that irresistible cheesy biscuit dumpling topping that’s crispy on the edges yet soft inside. The whole thing cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
When I first tried making this recipe, I remember feeling a little intimidated by the idea of adding those cheddar bay biscuit dumplings right into the pot, but it turns out they soak up all that rich, creamy broth and create the most amazing texture. It’s perfect for chilly nights or when you want a no-fuss meal that still tastes decadent. Trust me, your family goes crazy for this, and after a few tries, you’ll find it’s easy to customize to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: No extra pans means less cleanup, and all the flavors blend beautifully in one pot.
- Cheesy Biscuit Dumplings: The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits add a fun, cheesy twist that everyone loves.
- Rich, Creamy Broth: A blend of chicken broth, cream, and milk creates a comforting base that feels indulgent but still wholesome.
- Perfect For Any Season: I’ve served this recipe from chilly fall evenings to casual weekend dinners, and it always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe come together to create layers of flavor and texture without fuss. I love using boneless skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and that creamy touch from heavy cream and milk really rounds out the dish.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay moist and tender, perfect for shredding into the soup.
- Warm Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful base; using warm broth helps the cooking process along smoothly.
- Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These add richness and create that creamy, comforting soup texture.
- Frozen Carrots, Sliced: A time-saver and they hold their shape well in the soup.
- Fresh Diced Celery: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness.
- Diced Yellow Onion: Builds a flavorful aromatic foundation.
- All Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the broth into that silky, stew-like consistency.
- Assorted Spices (Paprika, Herb de Provence, Italian Seasoning, Garlic & Onion Powders): A blend that layers savory, earthy, and aromatic notes for complex flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Butter and Canola Oil: I like the combo because oil raises the smoke point, and butter adds flavor.
- Boursin Cheese: A fun ingredient that adds creamy garlic-herb richness to the broth.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The star topping — using the boxed mix makes these dumplings foolproof and cheesy-delicious.
- Cornstarch and Cold Water: For the slurry that thickens the broth just right before you add the dumplings.
Variations
I’m all about making a recipe your own, and with this One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe, you can easily play with the ingredients. I’ve tried a few tweaks that might inspire your next version.
- Variation: Swap Chicken Thighs for Breast — I tried chicken breast once for a leaner version; just be careful not to overcook it, or it dries out.
- Variation: Add Fresh Herbs — Toss in chopped thyme or parsley at the end for a pop of freshness I personally love.
- Variation: Vegan Twist — Use a plant-based cream and veggie broth, then swap biscuits for vegan biscuit dough when you want a dairy-free meal.
- Variation: Extra Veggies — Peas, corn, or green beans can make this heartier and add some sweetness and crunch.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sear Your Seasoned Chicken
Start by melting a tablespoon each of butter and canola oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat — that combo keeps the butter from burning while still adding flavor. While it’s heating, season your chicken thighs generously with the herb de Provence, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the pot is hot, sear the chicken 3 minutes per side just until lightly browned. Don’t cook it through at this stage; you want that golden crust for flavor. After searing, remove the chicken and set it aside — keep it warm while you move on.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Build the Base
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter and canola oil. Toss in the diced onions, sliced carrots, and diced celery — they’ll soak up all the flavor left behind from the chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions become translucent. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste and start thickening the broth.
Step 3: Creamy Cheese Infusion and Broth Addition
Next, stir in the Boursin cheese — the garlic and herb flavor is subtle but really ups the cozy factor. Pour in the warm chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine everything into a smooth base. Nestle your browned chicken thighs back into the pot. Don’t cover fully — leave the lid slightly ajar and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender and easy to shred. This slow simmer lets all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Broth and Shred the Chicken
While the chicken is finishing, prepare your cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Pour the slurry into the pot, stirring continuously so the broth thickens to the consistency you like — not too runny and not too thick, just perfect for spooning. Add the shredded chicken back in, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings
Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop dollops of the prepared Cheddar Bay Biscuit dough right onto the simmering soup surface. Take your time — dropping gently helps keep the dumplings afloat instead of sinking to the bottom. Fill the pot with dough balls spaced apart, then cover the pot fully with the lid and lower the heat slightly so the bottom doesn’t burn. Cook for about 15 minutes until the dumplings are puffed, cooked through, and golden around the edges. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the chicken first adds depth and texture you can’t get from boiling alone.
- Gentle Dumpling Placement: I learned the hard way that dropping biscuit dough gently keeps dumplings fluffy and evenly cooked.
- Adjust Thickness Gradually: Add your cornstarch slurry little by little while stirring so the soup doesn’t get too thick.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Cooking on low prevents the bottom from scorching and lets flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives — it adds a fresh, bright note to all that creamy richness. Sometimes I throw on a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top while it’s hot because, well, why not? Those little touches make it look and taste even more special.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty enough to be a meal all on its own, but when I want to round things out, I pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic roasted broccoli. A simple side of steamed green beans or snap peas works well too, offering a nice crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family gathering or special occasion, I love serving this in rustic individual bowls topped with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. You could even ladle it over mashed potatoes or gluten-free dumplings if you want to mix things up. It always impresses guests because it feels homemade but looks elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this meal, if you have leftovers (and you probably will), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. I find the dumplings soak up the broth after a day or two, so it may seem thicker than fresh, but the flavors intensify beautifully overnight.
Freezing
Freezing works if you want to prep ahead, but I recommend freezing before adding the cheddar bay biscuit dumplings — they don’t freeze as well cooked in the soup. Freeze the broth and shredded chicken, then add fresh dumplings when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid scorching, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up. For dumplings added fresh, gentle reheating helps keep them fluffy and tender.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, but be mindful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs. I recommend searing them just like the thighs and simmering until tender, then shredding carefully to keep the meat moist.
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Is it okay to use store-bought chicken broth for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought chicken broth works perfectly, especially if it’s good quality. I like to warm it before adding to the pot because it helps maintain a steady cooking temperature and speeds up the simmering process.
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Can I make the biscuit dumplings from scratch instead of using the Red Lobster mix?
You definitely can! Making biscuit dough from scratch gives you complete control over flavors and texture. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary, so test with a small dumpling first to ensure it cooks through fully before adding all the dough.
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How thick should the broth be before adding dumplings?
The broth should be thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon but still a bit fluid — think stew-like rather than gravy-thick. Using the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring helps you reach the perfect consistency without it becoming gluey.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead and reheat later?
You can prepare most of it ahead, especially the broth and shredded chicken. However, I recommend adding and cooking the biscuit dumplings fresh when reheating to keep them light and fluffy, rather than soggy.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe is one of those meals that always makes me feel like I’m sharing something special with friends or family. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet indulgent enough to serve guests and get plenty of compliments. I hope you find it as comforting and delicious as I do — give it a try, and let it become your go-to cozy dinner too!
PrintOne Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting one pot chicken and dumplings recipe combines tender seared chicken thighs simmered in a creamy broth with vegetables and flavorful herbs. The dish is finished with fluffy Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit dumplings cooked right in the pot, making it an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 cup Fresh Diced Celery
- 1 cup Diced Yellow Onion
- 1 1/2 cup Frozen Carrots, Sliced
Broth and Dairy
- 6 cups Warm Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 3-4 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Boursin Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
Seasonings
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Herb de Provence
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- Kosher Salt and Pepper, as needed
Thickening and Dumplings
- 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 4 Tablespoons Cold Water
- 1 Box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits (including ingredients needed as per box)
Instructions
- Heat and Season Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon canola oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs thoroughly with herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and sear each side until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables and Make Roux: Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon canola oil to the pot. Cook onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until tender. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux for thickening.
- Add Cheese and Liquids: Stir in Boursin cheese, then gradually add warm chicken broth followed by heavy cream and milk. Mix well.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Cover partially and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken and Thicken Soup: Remove chicken onto a cutting board and shred. Prepare cornstarch slurry by mixing cold water and cornstarch, then stir it into the soup to thicken while stirring continuously. Add shredded chicken back to the pot and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add Dumplings: Using a large cookie scoop, carefully drop biscuit dough from the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit box into the simmering soup, spacing evenly around the pot.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot completely with a lid and lower the heat slightly to prevent burning. Cook for about 15 minutes or until dumplings are puffed, cooked through, and no longer raw in the center.
- Serve: Once dumplings are fully cooked, serve hot and enjoy your comforting one pot chicken and dumplings meal.
Notes
- Be careful when dropping biscuit dough into the soup to avoid sinking the dumplings to the pot bottom.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender and flavorful results.
- The cornstarch slurry helps achieve the perfect thick and creamy broth consistency.
- You can substitute Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits with any similar biscuit mix if unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning after adding shredded chicken for balanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg