This hearty chicken bake combines juicy proteins with a savory marinara base and a buttery, cheesy biscuit topping. It is an efficient one-pan meal that brings together rich flavors in under an hour.
List of ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – used for searing the chicken breasts.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts – the primary protein for the dish.
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix – provides the structure and flavor for the crust.
- 3/4 cup cold water – used to activate the biscuit flour.
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – adds sharpness and a gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced – adds a mild, fresh onion flavor.
- 12 ounces marinara sauce – serves as the savory base layer.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – used for the final seasoning glaze.
step-by-step instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté for approximately 8 minutes, flipping once, until the meat is no longer pink inside.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the biscuit mix, cold water, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions until well combined.
- Assemble the Bake: Spray a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom, place the sautéed chicken on top, and spoon the biscuit mixture over the chicken, spreading it with the back of a spoon to cover the meat completely.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in an oven preheated to 400 degrees F. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping has turned a golden brown color.
- Apply the Finish: Combine the melted butter with the seasoning packet found inside the biscuit mix box in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the top of the hot casserole and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
Use a Digital Meat Thermometer
To ensure the chicken is cooked safely without becoming dry, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This prevents overcooking, which can make the breasts tough.
Grate Your Own Cheddar Cheese
For the best melt and flavor, grate the cheese from a solid block. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in cellulose to prevent clumping, which can affect how the cheese blends into the biscuit dough. Freshly grated cheese provides a creamier consistency.
Keep the Water Cold
Use cold water when mixing the biscuit dough to ensure the topping remains flaky. Cold liquids prevent the fats in the mix from melting too quickly before they hit the oven. This results in a better rise and a lighter texture.
Sear the Chicken Thoroughly
While the chicken finishes cooking in the oven, a good initial sear in the skillet adds depth of flavor. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the meat to prevent sticking. Flip only once to maintain a consistent golden exterior.
Ingredient Substitutions and Swaps
Substituting Chicken Thighs for Breasts
If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful meat, use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are more forgiving during the baking process and less likely to dry out. Adjust the sauté time slightly as thighs may take longer to cook through.
Choosing Different Marinara Styles
You can customize the flavor profile by choosing different types of marinara. A garlic-heavy sauce adds pungency, while a chunky vegetable marinara adds more texture. Ensure the sauce is not too watery to avoid a soggy biscuit layer.
Experimenting with Cheese Varieties
While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can use Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Gruyere for a nuttier taste. Mix two types of cheese to create a more complex flavor profile. Keep the total volume at 1/2 cup to maintain the dough consistency.
Using Alternative Alliums
If green onions are unavailable, chopped chives or shallots work well. Chives offer a more delicate flavor, while shallots provide a slightly sweeter taste. Ensure they are finely diced so they distribute evenly in the topping.
Recommended Side Dish Pairings
Steamed Broccoli or Broccolini
The richness of the buttery biscuits pairs well with the brightness of steamed green vegetables. Lightly season the broccoli with lemon juice and salt to cut through the cheese. This adds a nutritional balance to the heavy main course.
Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the baked dish. Use a mix of romaine, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Avoid creamy dressings, as the main dish already contains significant amounts of butter and cheese.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Carrots or parsnips roasted with a bit of olive oil and thyme complement the savory notes of the marinara. Roast them at the same temperature as the chicken bake. This allows you to utilize the oven efficiently.
Sautéed Garlic Spinach
Quickly sautéing fresh spinach with garlic and olive oil creates a nutrient-dense side. The earthy flavor of the spinach balances the richness of the cheddar. Serve it immediately while it is still vibrant green.
Storage and Preservation Guide
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store any remaining chicken bake in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the food is cooled slightly before sealing to prevent excess condensation.
Best Practices for Oven Reheating
To maintain the texture of the biscuits, reheat the bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the center is warmed through.
Avoiding Microwave Sogginess
If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and avoid overcooking. Be aware that the biscuit topping may become soft or rubbery in the microwave. Using a paper towel to absorb excess moisture can help slightly.
Freezing the Bake
This dish can be frozen, though the biscuit texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap the portions tightly in freezer-safe foil and plastic wrap. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Strategies
Preparing Components in Advance
You can sauté the chicken and slice the green onions a day before you plan to bake. Store the cooked chicken in a sealed container in the fridge. This reduces the active prep time on the day of the meal.
Pre-Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Combine the biscuit mix and the seasoning packet in a separate bag beforehand. This organizes your workspace and makes the final assembly faster. Do not add the water or cheese until you are ready to bake.
Cold-Start Assembly
You can assemble the entire dish—sauce, chicken, and batter—and keep it refrigerated for a few hours. When you are ready to eat, place the cold dish directly into the oven. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Common Baking Troubleshooting
Preventing the Topping from Browning Too Quickly
If the biscuit layer is turning dark brown before the chicken is hot, cover the dish with aluminum foil. This traps the heat and protects the crust from direct exposure. Check the color every 5 minutes until it reaches the desired shade.
Fixing Thin Biscuit Batter
If the batter seems too runny to stay on top of the chicken, stir in an extra tablespoon of the biscuit mix. The consistency should be thick enough to spoon and spread. Avoid adding too much flour, or the biscuits will become dense.
Handling Undercooked Chicken Centers
If the biscuits are done but the chicken feels undercooked, remove the dish and cover it with foil. Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the heat to penetrate the meat without burning the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different size baking pan?
Yes, you can use a similar-sized oven-safe dish, such as a 9×9 square pan. If using a deeper pan, you may need to increase the baking time. Ensure the ingredients are spread in a single layer for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this in a cast iron skillet?
A cast iron skillet is an excellent choice because it can be used for both sautéing and baking. Simply sauté the chicken in the skillet, add the sauce and topping, and move it directly to the oven. This reduces the number of dishes to clean.
How do I get a crispier biscuit crust?
For a crispier top, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch the dish very closely to prevent burning. The high heat will caramelize the cheese and create a crunchier texture.
Can I add vegetables directly into the bake?
Adding diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the marinara sauce is a great way to add nutrition. Sauté the vegetables briefly before adding the sauce to remove excess moisture. This prevents the dish from becoming watery.
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Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake is an amazingly simple one-dish recipe that turns fan favorite Cheddar Bay Biscuits into the star of the meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 3/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup microbial-rennet cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once hot, saute the chicken breasts for 8 minutes, flipping once, until no longer pink inside.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, stir together the biscuit mix with water, cheddar cheese, and green onion in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Step 3: Spray the inside of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the marinara sauce in the bottom of the dish, lay the chicken over the sauce, and then spoon the prepared biscuit mix over the chicken breasts. Use the back of a spoon to spread the biscuits to cover the chicken completely.
- Step 4: Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes, until the top of the biscuit layer is golden brown. Remove from the oven.
- Step 5: Combine the melted butter and seasoning packet from the biscuit mix box in a small bowl. Then brush the butter over the top of the casserole. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. For cheesiest results, grate the cheddar off of a block.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 821 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1814 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 148 mg