I Tried Dolly Parton’s Chicken Cobbler, and It Makes Me Miss Her Even More

The world grieves today over the loss of a true American hero. Dolly Parton consistently led her life by example, using her massive success through pop culture and music to give back to the people and communities that needed it most. Over the years, Parton created programs like Imagination Library, which has provided over 300 million free books to children. She also helped families recover from devastating wildfires in her native state of Tennessee, solidifying her generosity as just as much part of her legacy as her music.

The thing about Parton, though, is that her impact was never limited to just her charitable work. She spent more than six decades bringing folks together through her music, movies and charming personality, all while staying true to the Southern roots that shaped her as a kid.

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As someone who didn’t grow up listening to Dolly Parton’s music, when I did discover her, I was enamored not by just her hit singles, but her love for Southern comfort food as well. So when I came across Dolly Parton’s chicken cobbler recipe, I knew there’d be no better way to honor her life than by recreating it at home. And while it was my first time making it, with Parton’s music playing in the background and all the ingredients in front of me, I had the Queen of Country giving me enough confidence to jump right in.

Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Chicken Cobbler

To get started, you’ll need non-stick cooking spray, ½ cup of butter, ½ cup of chopped onion, two cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, one 10-ounce bag of Birds Eye Steamfresh Mixed Vegetables and two cups of chicken broth. You’ll also need ¼ cup of cornstarch, one cup of half-and-half, one teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, one teaspoon of parsley flakes and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. 

For the biscuit mix, you’ll need 16 ounces of boxed buttermilk biscuit mix, two cups of milk and two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. You’ll also need a 9- by 13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, a saucepan and some measuring cups and spoons.

How to Make Dolly Parton’s Chicken Cobbler

For the easiest approach, the recipe can be broken down into four steps. Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and spraying the baking dish with cooking spray. Over on the stovetop, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the diced onions and cook until soft, about three minutes.

Now, pour the chicken and vegetables evenly into the baking dish, followed by the melted butter and onions. Return the saucepan to the stove.

Next, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch, then pour the mixture into the saucepan. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Now stir in the half-and-half, salt, pepper, garlic powder and parsley until evenly distributed. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Lastly, stir together the biscuit mix, milk and cheese until just combined, then pour the biscuit mixture in an even layer over the vegetables inside the baking dish, followed by the sauce poured evenly over the biscuit mix.

Place the baking dish on the center rack in the oven, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the biscuit mixture is fully cooked.

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What I Thought of Dolly Parton’s Chicken Cobbler

As a big fan of Dolly Parton, comfort food and all things hearty casseroles, I went into this recipe fairly confident that I would end up liking it. And while partway through the baking process I felt a slight bit of doubt as to whether I had recreated it properly, with a little bit of patience, I was rewarded with exactly what I expected a successfully baked chicken cobbler to be. 

Immediately upon first bite, I was reminded of chicken pot pie, only this version comes out looking more like a creamy, biscuit-topped casserole than a perfectly sealed pie. What starts as multiple soupy layers somehow emerges from the oven with firm, fluffy and crispy edges, while the biscuit topping becomes one with the creamy sauce that was poured over it.

The final product ends up being a dish that looks entirely different from how it started, with a soft, rich texture provided by the biscuits, a cheesy and creamy sauce, and plenty of chicken and vegetables tucked inside each bite.

Just like Parton, this recipe is guaranteed to bring you and your friends and family joy, with an easy process that is just as smooth as her music is to your ears. Now that I know how to make it, I’ll happily keep it in my rotation in honor of the Queen of Country, as its hearty, Southern nature will forever serve as a wholesome reminder of the type of person she was: generous, wholesome and always down to earth.

3 Tips for Making Dolly Parton’s Chicken Cobbler

Although this recipe and its ingredients are simple, these tips can help make sure you have consistent results every time.

1. Prep each ingredient before you get started.

This recipe comes together quickly, so having everything measured and ready to go will keep you from scrambling once you get started. Plus, it’ll help you streamline the process and ensure you don’t accidentally leave anything out.

2. Don’t panic if it needs more time to bake.

Depending on your oven and baking dish, the cobbler may need an extra 15 to 25 minutes in the oven before the biscuit layer is fully cooked and the filling has had enough time to set. Be patient and trust the process. So long as the casserole isn’t burning, don’t be afraid to give it some extra time if yours is still a bit saucy after the first 40 minutes.

3. Get creative with the ingredients.

Like a lot of casserole dishes, there’s always room for improvement based on your own tastes. This recipe calls for a frozen mix of corn, carrots, peas and green beans, but you can swap that out for fresh veggies or a different variety you’d like more. You can also add extra seasoning, more cheese on top or extra chicken inside for a heartier result. The beauty of a dish like this is that you can easily make a few minor changes and turn it into something that feels more uniquely yours.

Gone, But Never Forgotten

While Parton will be sorely missed, her music, personality and love for all things Southern comfort will live on forever. With a recipe like her chicken cobbler in your rolodex, you’ve got something you can whip up in just about an hour and instantly be reminded of what good, wholesome home cooking tastes like. Put on your favorite Dolly Parton album, and give it a try for yourself.

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