I absolutely love how comforting this One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe is. It’s the perfect cozy meal for cool evenings when you want something rich, creamy, and satisfying but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. The way the cheddar bay biscuit dumplings soak up the savory chicken broth and meld with tender chicken makes every bite a winner in my book.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull together, especially since everything cooks in one pot — which means less cleanup, yay! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving some serious comfort food, you’ll find that this dish hits all the right notes without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Less mess and easy cleanup make this perfect for weeknights.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings: They add a unique cheesy twist that’s way better than traditional dumplings.
- Rich & Creamy Flavor: The blend of cream, cheese, and herbs keeps the soup comforting but never boring.
- Family Favorite: I’ve watched kids and adults alike go crazy for this hearty, soul-warming dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe comes together with simple pantry staples, plus that magic box of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits that elevates the whole dish. Each ingredient brings its own personality to create a hearty, creamy stew that’s irresistible.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Dark meat stays juicy and tender, perfect for shredding.
- Chicken Broth: Use warm broth to keep the cooking flow smooth and flavors melded.
- Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These build the creamy base that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- Frozen Carrots: Easy to keep on hand and add a nice hint of sweetness and texture.
- Celery and Yellow Onion: Classic combo for a savory depth of flavor.
- All Purpose Flour: Thickens the stew so it’s perfectly rich.
- Herbs & Spices (Paprika, Herb de Provence, Italian Seasoning, Garlic & Onion Powders): These add a beautiful aromatic background with just the right seasoning.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste — it makes all the difference.
- Butter and Canola Oil: Butter adds richness, and canola oil helps with searing without burning.
- Boursin Cheese: A subtle herby cheese that melts smoothly into the broth.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits (Dough): The star dumplings that soak up all the cozy flavors.
- Cornstarch and Cold Water: For the slurry to thicken the broth when you add the shredded chicken back.
Variations
I love how flexible this One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe is — you can tailor it to your tastes or what you have on hand. Feel free to swap out veggies, adjust spices, or even make it lighter depending on your mood!
- Vegetable Variety: I sometimes swap frozen peas or green beans for carrots when I want a pop of green.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes can give the stew a nice warming kick that I enjoy on chillier nights.
- Dairy-Free Version: Try substituting coconut milk for the cream and milk, and use dairy-free cheese or skip the Boursin for a lighter, allergy-friendly twist.
- Different Protein: I’ve also used shredded rotisserie chicken to speed things up — works perfectly in a pinch!
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by melting a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of canola oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. While that warms up, season your chicken thighs generously with herb de Provence, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. This seasoning mix gives the chicken lovely flavor that infuses the soup. Once your fat is shimmering, sear the chicken thighs for about 3 minutes per side until they’re lightly browned. This locks in juices and builds the base of your stew’s flavor.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Foundation with Veggies and Roux
Remove the chicken and set it aside while you add more butter and oil to the pot. Toss in your diced onions, carrots, and celery — this classic trifecta is your flavor backbone. Cook them for around 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir briskly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw taste and start thickening the broth. This step is key and helps give your stew that silky, comforting feel.
Step 3: Creamy Magic – Add Cheese and Liquids
Stir in the Boursin cheese at this point, which melts beautifully into the mix adding herby richness. Then pour in the warm chicken broth, heavy cream, and whole milk, mixing everything until smooth. Nestle your seared chicken back into the pot and bring the heat down to a gentle simmer, partially covering the pot. Let it cook low and slow for 20 to 25 minutes — this softens the chicken to fall-apart tender perfection.
Step 4: Thicken and Shred
Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks or your hands. While the broth simmers, prepare your cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water. Pour this slurry into the pot, stirring continuously. You’ll notice the soup starting to thicken up nicely. Return shredded chicken to the pot and taste for seasoning — add more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings
Here’s where the fun really begins! Using a large cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit dough directly into the simmering soup. Try to gently drop each scoop near the edge of the pot rather than plopping it right in the middle so the dough doesn’t sink or clump. Place your biscuit dumplings evenly around the surface. Once all are nestled in, cover the pot fully with a lid and turn the heat down a bit to prevent burning on the bottom.
Step 6: Cook Until Puffy and Perfect
Let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes—don’t peek too often! They should puff up, become tender inside and golden slightly on the bottom. That moment when you lift the lid and see those cheesy biscuits floating in the creamy chicken broth is just the best. Serve hot and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of comfort.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe
- Use Thighs for Tenderness: I found chicken thighs stay moist better than breasts in this slow simmer, making shredding easier and flavor richer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Biscuit Dough: Dropping too many biscuit scoops at once can cause sinking or uneven cooking — patience here pays off!
- Make Sure to Thicken Before Adding Dumplings: The cornstarch slurry thickens the broth so the dumplings don’t sink too much and cook evenly on top.
- Keep the Heat Low After Adding Dumplings: Cooking on too high heat risks burning the bottom before the dumplings cook through.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top always brighten this dish up for me — they add a fresh herbal note that balances the richness beautifully. A little cracked black pepper or a slight dusting of smoked paprika on each bowl adds a welcomed pop of color and flavor too.
Side Dishes
Since this One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe is so hearty, I like to keep sides simple with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Sometimes, just a tangy coleslaw or steamed green beans do the trick — something with a little crunch or brightness to contrast the creamy stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or small gatherings, I’ve served this in individual mini Dutch ovens or oven-safe bowls to keep things warm and impressive. You can also top each bowl with a biscuit dumpling served on the side for dipping if you want to mix up the presentation a bit. It never fails to get compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep great for 3-4 days. The biscuits soak up the broth as it sits, so if you like, you can reheat gently and add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it back up.
Freezing
Freezing this dish works, but I recommend freezing the stew and the biscuit dough separately if possible. The dumplings don’t freeze as well once cooked. When you reheat, it’s best to bake fresh biscuits or spoon leftover dough on top after warming the stew.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a little broth or cream helps maintain a creamy texture and prevents sticking or drying out. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the biscuit dumplings soft.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
You absolutely can use chicken breasts, but I recommend careful monitoring since they can dry out faster during simmering. Thighs hold moisture better and shred more easily, giving you that tender, juicy texture I love in this stew.
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Do I have to use Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit dough, or can I make my own?
You can definitely make your own biscuit dough if you prefer, but the pre-made Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit dough brings that iconic cheesy, garlicky flavor with hassle-free preparation. I find it saves time and tastes amazing!
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How do I prevent the biscuit dumplings from sinking to the bottom?
Drop the biscuit dough gently near the edges of the pot rather than plopping it right in the center. Also, make sure your broth is thickened before adding dumplings, so they have a little support to float and puff up properly.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the stew up to the point before adding the biscuit dumplings, then refrigerate. When ready, bring it back to a simmer and add fresh biscuit dough so your dumplings stay fluffy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Chicken and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dumplings Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines ease with flavor in such a wholesome way. I love that it can make any ordinary night feel like a family dinner celebration. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals that you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it just as much as my people do!
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 features tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth loaded with tender vegetables and cheesy biscuit dumplings. Made with accessible ingredients and cooked entirely in one pot, this dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or cozy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 6 cups Warm Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 1/2 cup Frozen Carrots, Sliced
- 1 cup Fresh Diced Celery
- 1 cup Diced Yellow Onion
- 3-4 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
- Kosher Salt and Pepper, as needed
Seasonings
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Herb de Provence
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
Thickening and Cheese
- 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Boursin Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 4 Tablespoons Cold Water
Dumplings
- 1 Box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits (including all ingredients for making the biscuits)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pot and Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken on both sides until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables and Make Roux: Add another tablespoon each of butter and canola oil to the pot. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to form the roux.
- Add Dairy and Broth: Stir in the Boursin cheese until melted. Then pour in the warm chicken broth, heavy cream, and whole milk. Stir the mixture to combine fully. Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot.
- Simmer Chicken and Broth: Cover the pot slightly, leaving part of the lid off to allow some steam to escape. Let the soup simmer gently on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken and Thicken Soup: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with forks on a cutting board. Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 4 tablespoons cold water. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering soup while stirring continuously to thicken it. Once the soup reaches desired thickness, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add Dumplings: Using a large cookie scoop, gently drop portions of the prepared Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit dough into the simmering soup, placing them spaced evenly around the pot to avoid sinking. Once all dumplings are added, cover the pot fully with the lid and reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning on the bottom.
- Cook Dumplings: Let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes until they are fully cooked through, no longer raw inside, and have puffed up substantially. Avoid removing the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once dumplings are cooked and the soup is thick and creamy, remove from heat and serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
- For a thicker broth, adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry used gradually.
- If you want to make biscuits from scratch, be sure to follow the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit recipe provided on the box for best results.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free biscuit mix.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg