Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken: Prepare to have your dinner routine revolutionized! Imagine the savory, buttery goodness of Red Lobster’s iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits, but instead of just enjoying them on the side, they’re the star of a crispy, flavorful chicken dish. Yes, you read that right! We’re taking those beloved biscuits and transforming them into a delectable breading for juicy, tender chicken.

While the exact origins of using biscuit-inspired breading for chicken are a modern culinary innovation, the concept draws inspiration from classic Southern comfort food. Think of it as a delicious evolution of traditional fried chicken, elevated with the irresistible cheesy, garlicky notes we all crave. This recipe is a playful nod to the comforting flavors of home, reimagined for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

People adore this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken because it’s the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. It offers a delightful textural contrast – a crunchy, savory crust giving way to moist, perfectly cooked chicken. Plus, the familiar flavors of cheddar, garlic, and butter create a symphony of taste that’s simply irresistible. Forget boring chicken dinners; this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to experience chicken in a whole new, incredibly delicious way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cheddar Bay Biscuits:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• For the Garlic Butter Topping:
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Making the Cheddar Bay Biscuits:

Okay, let’s start with the heart of this recipe – the Cheddar Bay Biscuits! These are going to be our “breading” for the chicken, so we want them to be extra flavorful.

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pieces of butter still visible – this is what creates those flaky layers!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients and Cheese: Pour in the 3/4 cup of cold buttermilk and add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. A few streaks of flour are okay.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This will help the butter firm up and prevent the biscuits from spreading too much during baking.
5. Bake the Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each biscuit. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping: While the biscuits are baking, melt the 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley.
7. Brush with Garlic Butter: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. This is what gives them that signature Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavor! Let them cool slightly before handling.
8. Crumble the Biscuits: Once the biscuits are cool enough to handle, crumble them into a food processor. Pulse until you have coarse crumbs. You can also do this by hand, using a fork or your fingers. Just make sure the crumbs are relatively uniform in size. Set aside.

Preparing the Chicken:

Now, let’s get that chicken ready for its Cheddar Bay Biscuit makeover!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the breading adhere better.
2. Set up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the 1 cup of all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the 2 large eggs. In the third dish, combine the 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cube in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the crumbled Cheddar Bay Biscuits and panko mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
4. Repeat: Repeat the breading process with all the chicken cubes.

Cooking the Chicken:

Time to cook our Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken! I prefer frying for that extra crispy texture, but you can also bake it if you prefer a healthier option.

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into it. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken cubes to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Baking Option:

If you prefer to bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip the chicken halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Serving:

Your Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken is ready! Serve it immediately while it’s hot and crispy. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a homemade cheese sauce.
• Sides: Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or a simple salad.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit “Buns”: You can even use extra Cheddar Bay Biscuits (if you have any left!) as mini buns for sliders. Just slice the biscuits in half and fill them with the chicken.

Enjoy your delicious and unique Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken – a recipe that’s truly a flavor explosion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I know, I know, it sounds a little wild, but trust me on this one. The savory, cheesy, garlicky goodness of the biscuits combined with the juicy, perfectly cooked chicken is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

But why is this a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking minimal prep time and maximum flavor payoff. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something special, or it’s impressive enough to serve at a casual get-together with friends and family. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover biscuits (if you ever have any!).

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless! For a complete meal, I love serving this Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. The freshness of the vegetables provides a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonders.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily adapt this recipe to your own tastes. Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the biscuit mixture for a little kick. Or, experiment with different cheeses – Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious. You could also incorporate some chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill into the biscuit dough for an extra layer of flavor.

For a spicier version, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the melted butter that you brush over the chicken and biscuits. And if you’re a fan of garlic (like I am!), don’t be afraid to add an extra clove or two to the biscuit mixture.

Another fun variation is to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

You can also turn this into a casserole! Simply layer the chicken and biscuits in a baking dish, pour a creamy sauce (like a mushroom or cheese sauce) over the top, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. This is a great option for feeding a larger crowd.

Time to Get Cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. I truly believe it’s a winner, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly unusual combination – the flavors work together beautifully.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. Remember to have fun with it and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations.

Once you’ve made your own version of this incredible Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to hear what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’re putting their own spin on my recipes.

Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this cheesy, garlicky, chicken-y delight as much as I do! I am confident that this recipe will become a regular in your meal rotation.