When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a warm, flaky chicken pot pie, and this Chicken Pot Pie Recipe with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix takes it to the next level. Combining tender chunks of chicken with hearty vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, all nestled under a golden, flavor-packed biscuit crust made with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix, this dish is sure to leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a cozy meal on a chilly night, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Let’s begin by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need. Each component of this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover roasted chicken. The tender chicken pieces will absorb the flavors of the creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying.
• 1 cup frozen peas: These add a pop of sweetness and color. Frozen peas are a great option because they’re easy to store and use, and they hold their shape well in the dish.
• 1 cup diced carrots: Carrots bring a slight sweetness and a bit of crunch to the filling. Dice them evenly to ensure they cook through evenly.
• 1 cup diced potatoes: Potatoes add a hearty texture to the filling. Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup diced celery: Celery provides a subtle aromatic flavor and a nice crunch.
• 1/4 cup butter: Butter is the base of the roux, which thickens the sauce and adds richness to the filling.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Flour is combined with butter to make the roux, which thickens the sauce, ensuring the filling is creamy and not too runny.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth deepens the savory flavor of the sauce. You can use homemade broth or store-bought, depending on what you have on hand.
• 1 cup milk: Milk adds creaminess to the sauce. Whole milk is recommended for a richer sauce, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy substitute like almond milk.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary provides a piney, aromatic note that pairs well with the thyme and adds depth to the flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is essential to bring all the flavors together.

For the Biscuit Topping:

• 1 package Red Lobster Biscuit Mix: The secret ingredient that elevates this pot pie to the next level. The biscuit mix includes seasonings and a cheddar flavor that adds a delightful twist to the traditional pot pie crust.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: While the biscuit mix already has cheddar flavor, adding fresh shredded cheddar enhances the cheesy goodness.
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky biscuits. It melts in the oven, creating pockets of air in the dough.
• 1/2 cup cold water: The water helps bind the biscuit mix together, but be careful not to overmix, which can result in tough biscuits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation for this Chicken Pot Pie Recipe with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Chicken Pot Pie with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix turns out perfect every time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for baking the biscuit topping to a golden brown and ensuring the filling is bubbly and delicious.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté these vegetables until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. The butter will help the vegetables caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is important because it cooks out the raw taste of the flour and ensures your sauce will be smooth and free of lumps.
4. Add the Broth and Milk: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken as it cooks. Once thickened, add the milk and continue to stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. The combination of broth and milk creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to the chicken and vegetables.
5. Season the Filling: Add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, the flavors will intensify as the pie bakes, so be careful not to over-season.

6. Combine with Chicken and Peas: Stir in the diced chicken and frozen peas. The heat from the sauce will thaw the peas quickly, so there’s no need to defrost them beforehand. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

7. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the filling into a 9-inch pie dish or an 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The dish should be deep enough to hold all the filling with some space for the biscuit topping.
8. Prepare the Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the Red Lobster Biscuit Mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the biscuit mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process creates the flaky texture in the biscuits.
9. Add Water and Mix: Gradually add the cold water to the biscuit mix, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough. The dough should be slightly sticky and thick enough to drop by spoonfuls.

10. Top the Filling with Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the chicken filling, covering as much of the surface as possible. The dough will spread slightly as it bakes, creating a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

11. Bake the Pot Pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma of the baking biscuits and the savory filling will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
12. Let it Rest: Once baked, remove the pot pie from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Cooking Tips and Variations

To make this Chicken Pot Pie Recipe with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix truly your own, here are some tips and variations you can try:

• Protein Substitutions: While chicken is the traditional choice, you can easily swap it out for turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using beef, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences or what’s in season. Mushrooms, corn, green beans, or even spinach would make great additions. For a more autumnal twist, try adding some diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes.

• Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs can take this dish to the next level. If you have fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley on hand, use them instead of dried herbs. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavors.

• Cheese Lovers: If you’re a fan of extra cheesy dishes, consider mixing in some mozzarella or Gruyère cheese with the cheddar in the biscuit topping. This will add a melty, gooey texture that pairs beautifully with the flaky biscuits.

• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. Prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply top with the biscuit mix and bake as directed.

• Freezing: Chicken pot pie is an excellent freezer-friendly meal. After assembling the pot pie, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use a gluten-free biscuit mix instead of the Red Lobster Biscuit Mix. Ensure all other ingredients, like the broth and flour, are also gluten-free.

Nutritional Insights

While chicken pot pie is undeniably a comfort food, it also offers several nutritional benefits, especially when made with wholesome ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key nutrients in this dish:

• Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. This recipe provides a generous amount of chicken, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in this pot pie, including carrots, peas, and potatoes, are rich in vitamins A, C, and potassium. Carrots, for instance, are high in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and immune function.
• Fiber: The vegetables and the biscuit topping contribute to the fiber content of the dish, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps keep you feeling full longer and supports a healthy gut.
• Calcium: The addition of cheddar cheese in the biscuit mix adds a dose of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
• Healthy Fats: While this recipe does contain butter, which is high in saturated fat, it also includes the potential for healthy fat substitutions. You can use olive oil in the filling or opt for a low-fat milk to reduce the overall fat content.

For those looking to lighten up the recipe, consider these modifications:

• Use a low-fat or fat-free milk instead of whole milk in the sauce.
• Substitute half of the butter with olive oil.
• Add extra vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content while reducing the amount of biscuit topping.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

A meal as hearty as chicken pot pie deserves equally thoughtful pairings to round out the dining experience. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the pot pie. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon or balsamic dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus can add a nice contrast to the creamy filling of the pot pie. Their slight bitterness and caramelized edges offer a delightful counterpoint to the rich dish.
• Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as a fruit sorbet or a fresh fruit salad. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit will cleanse the palate after the savory main course.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pot Pie Recipe with Red Lobster Biscuit Mix is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and tradition. With its rich filling, tender chicken, and golden biscuit topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply as a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table. The addition of Red Lobster Biscuit Mix adds a delicious twist that elevates the classic recipe, making it a delightful surprise for anyone who takes a bite.

By experimenting with variations and serving suggestions, you can tailor this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. And as you savor each bite, you’ll be enjoying a dish that has been loved for generations a true testament , to the enduring appeal of chicken pot pie.