Hairy Bikers Chicken Cobbler Recipe: A Comforting Delight
Are you craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings warmth to your table? Look no further than the Hairy Bikers Chicken Cobbler! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a fluffy cobbler topping that makes for a perfect family meal. Did you know that cobblers originated in the 19th century and have since become a beloved comfort food in many households? Let’s explore how to make this delicious dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients List
To prepare the Hairy Bikers Chicken Cobbler, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Cobbler Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter (cubed)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Suggested Substitutions
- Chicken: You can use leftover roast chicken or turkey for a quicker option.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Filling
- Heat the Oil: In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces, thyme, and rosemary. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in Stock: Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Cobbler Topping
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Top the Filling: Spoon the chicken mixture into the bottom of the skillet. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler dough over the top, leaving some gaps for steam to escape.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cobbler topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 30g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and measurements.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cobbler even healthier, consider these modifications:
- Lean Chicken: Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs to reduce fat content.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Vegetable Stock: Use low-sodium vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to reduce sodium levels.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance your meal, consider these serving suggestions:
- Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Bread: Pair with crusty whole-grain bread for extra heartiness.
- Wine: Enjoy with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, to complement the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hairy Bikers Chicken Cobbler, keep these tips in mind:
- Overmixing the Dough: Be careful not to overmix the cobbler dough; this can make it tough. Mix just until combined.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the chicken and vegetables adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Not Checking Doneness: Ensure the cobbler topping is cooked through and golden brown before serving.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
In summary, the Hairy Bikers Chicken Cobbler is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its savory filling and fluffy topping, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out today, share your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious recipes!
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken works perfectly and can save you time in preparation.
2. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled cobbler before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as green beans or zucchini, to the filling.
Hairy Bikers Chicken Cobbler Recipe:
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- For the Cobbler Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter (cubed)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Filling
- Heat the Oil: In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces, thyme, and rosemary. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in Stock: Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Cobbler Topping
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Top the Filling: Spoon the chicken mixture into the bottom of the skillet. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler dough over the top, leaving some gaps for steam to escape.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cobbler topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot.
