Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping Recipe

If you are searching for a warm, comforting, and delightfully flavorful meal that brings together smoky heat, tender chicken, and a golden biscuit crown, this Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe perfectly balances the richness of shredded chicken and white beans with the subtle spiciness of chipotle peppers, all topped with the unmistakably buttery and cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits. It’s the kind of dish that makes any family dinner feel like a special occasion and guarantees you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the length of the list—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this chili truly stand out. From fresh veggies to aromatic spices, and of course, the star biscuit topping, these simple essentials come together with delicious ease.

• Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing vegetables, adding a smooth richness without overpowering flavors.
• Small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory depth when cooked until soft and translucent.
• Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant kick that enhances all the savory elements.
• Red bell pepper, chopped: Provides a fresh crunch and natural sweetness that brightens the chili.
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: This smoky, spicy ingredient defines the chili’s character and warmth.
• Ground cumin: Offers earthiness and complexity to the chili’s spice profile.
• Smoked paprika: Reinforces the smoky notes with a gentle heat and vibrant color.
• Dried oregano: Adds a hint of herbal brightness to balance the richness.
• Cooked shredded chicken: The protein star of the dish that soaks up all those wonderful spices and textures.
• Diced tomatoes (canned): Provide acidity and moisture to the chili’s base.
• White beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy beans add body and a slight sweetness that contrasts the spicy chipotle.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the chili luscious and helps meld all the flavors.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to taste, perfect for rounding everything out.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: The iconic, cheesy biscuit topping that crowns the chili with buttery goodness.
• Ingredients for biscuit mix: Typically water, shredded cheese, and butter for brushing—each enhances the biscuits’ flavor and glow.
• Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to finish your masterpiece.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Begin by heating olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped red bell pepper, stirring occasionally, and cook until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5–6 minutes. This aromatic foundation is key to the dish’s robust flavor.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Chicken

Next, stir in the minced garlic, the smoky chipotle pepper, and the adobo sauce, along with ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Let the spices toast gently for a minute until fragrant—this step awakens the depth of flavor that makes this chili irresistible. Then fold in the cooked shredded chicken, allowing it to absorb these smoky, spicy notes.

Step 3: Build the Chili

Pour in diced tomatoes, drained white beans, and chicken broth. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Let the chili simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors marry beautifully. This simmering transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying stew.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

While the chili simmers, mix the Cheddar Bay Biscuit dough according to the package instructions. This usually means combining the biscuit mix with water and shredded cheese, creating a fluffy, cheesy dough. Set aside any butter or seasoning for brushing the biscuits once baked.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Use spoonfuls to dollop the biscuit dough evenly over the top of the chili in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes until the biscuits puff up, turn golden brown, and develop a delicate, buttery crust that perfectly complements the spicy chili beneath.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once baked, brush biscuits with the reserved butter topping from the biscuit package, adding an irresistible shine and extra flavor. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like, and serve straight from the skillet while everything is hot and bubbling.

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even further, consider topping it with fresh garnishes such as a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or some diced avocado. Each adds a refreshing contrast to the chili’s warmth and pairs wonderfully with the biscuits’ buttery texture.

Side Dishes

Although this dish is a hearty meal on its own, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables can round out the meal. Cornbread or a simple bowl of seasoned rice also make excellent companions to soak up any leftover chili sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on presentation, serve this Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping Recipe in individual mini skillets, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners. You can also layer the chili and biscuit topping in a casserole dish for an easy-to-serve family meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover chili and biscuits separately in airtight containers. This keeps the biscuit topping from becoming soggy and the chili vibrant and tasty for up to three days when refrigerated.

Freezing

You can freeze the chili portion separately in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. It’s best to bake the biscuit topping fresh to preserve its soft, flaky texture, as freezing dough-topped chili can compromise the biscuit quality.

Reheating

Reheat the chili gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If you have leftover biscuits, warm them briefly in the oven or toaster oven to restore their crispiness and softness, bringing back that fresh-baked appeal.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs yourself, or even use leftover cooked chicken. The rotisserie chicken just adds convenience and a bit of extra flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Definitely. Add an extra chipotle pepper or increase the adobo sauce for more heat. For a milder version, reduce these amounts accordingly.

Can I substitute the white beans for another type?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans work wonderfully and will give a different texture and flavor twist to your chili.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

In that case, cook your chili in a regular pot, then transfer it to a baking dish before topping with biscuits and baking. Just be sure your dish can handle the oven temperature.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time entirely?

You can make the chili portion the day before and keep it refrigerated. Assemble the biscuit topping and bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and that signature golden crust.

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—spicy, cheesy, and bursting with heart-warming flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and excitement all at once. Give it a try soon and prepare for a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines smoky chipotle peppers, tender shredded chicken, and creamy white beans simmered into a rich chili base. Topped with irresistibly cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits baked golden right on top, it’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s hearty and satisfying with a spicy Southwestern-American flair.

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Ingredients

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For the chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the biscuit topping:

• 1 package (11 oz) Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (such as Red Lobster brand)
• Ingredients as called for on the package (usually water, shredded cheese, and butter for topping)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking the biscuits on top of the chili.
2. Sauté vegetables and spices: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken and simmer chili: Add the shredded cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, white beans, and chicken broth to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the chili to simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Prepare biscuit dough: While the chili simmers, prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix according to the package instructions, typically by combining the mix with water and mixing in shredded cheese. Set aside the biscuit dough and any butter/seasoning for brushing after baking.
5. Top chili with biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of the prepared biscuit dough evenly over the surface of the simmering chili in the skillet.
6. Bake in oven: Transfer the entire skillet carefully to the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown and are cooked through.
7. Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and brush the hot biscuits with the prepared herb butter topping. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the chili hot for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Notes

• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers according to your heat preference.
• Add corn or black beans to the chili for extra texture and variety.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chili to a baking dish before topping it with the biscuit dough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop and Baking
• Cuisine: Southwestern-American