Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

A Smoky, Spicy Twist on Classic Comfort—with Biscuits You’ll Crave

Let’s take a moment to appreciate what happens when two comfort food champions—hearty chicken chili and cheddar bay biscuits—team up in one bubbling, golden-topped dish. This Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is smoky, cheesy, a little spicy, and totally cozy. Think tender chunks of chicken swimming in a bold, chipotle-spiked tomato sauce, all crowned with fluffy, buttery biscuits that bake up right on top. Yep, this one’s a keeper.

Whether you’re snowed in or just need a bowl of something soul-warming after a long day, this dish is here for you. It’s bold, comforting, and exactly the kind of meal that brings people to the table fast. Trust me—those cheesy biscuits baking on top? You’ll be standing at the oven waiting for that golden crust to form.

Why You’ll Love Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

One-Pan Magic: The whole dish comes together in one pan—fewer dishes, more deliciousness.
Flavor-Packed: Chipotle peppers give the chili a smoky heat that’s balanced perfectly by creamy cheese and fluffy biscuits.
Built-In Side Dish: No need to bake biscuits separately—just drop them on top and let the oven do its thing.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, beans, and just enough spice to wake up your taste buds.
Weeknight-Friendly: Simple enough for a busy night, but impressive enough to serve to guests.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice—add more chipotle for fire or keep it mild and smoky.
Crowd-Pleaser: The biscuits alone are enough to win over everyone at the table.
Make-Ahead Approved: Chili can be made ahead, and biscuits dropped on just before baking.
Leftovers Reheat Beautifully: That cheesy biscuit crust holds up surprisingly well.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Every bite is warm, rich, and packed with big, bold flavor.

Ingredients in Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

Let’s break down what makes this dish irresistible:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken (breast or thigh) brings the protein and soaks up all that smoky chipotle flavor beautifully.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo

These smoky, spicy little wonders give the chili depth and a kick that warms you right up.

Beans

Classic chili needs beans—use black, kidney, or pinto, or a mix for more texture and flavor.

Tomatoes

Crushed or diced tomatoes provide the base for the sauce, making it rich and savory.

Onion & Garlic

The aromatic backbone that starts the flavor party in every good chili.

Spices

Cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder round out the heat and build those classic chili vibes.

Cheddar Cheese

Melty, sharp cheddar not only gets stirred into the biscuits but adds extra comfort and flavor.

Biscuit Mix

Use a cheddar bay biscuit mix or your favorite drop biscuit base. Either way, buttery, cheesy goodness is on the way.

Butter & Milk

The essentials for tender, flavorful biscuit dough that bakes up golden and fluffy on top.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll be finishing the dish in the oven after the chili simmers.

Cook the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook chicken until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add spices and chipotle peppers, cooking briefly to release their oils.

Build the Chili

Stir in the tomatoes, beans, and cooked chicken. Let everything simmer together for 10–15 minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly.

Mix the Biscuit Dough

In a bowl, prepare the biscuit mix according to package instructions (or from scratch). Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for that extra pop of flavor.

Add the Biscuit Topping

Drop dollops of biscuit dough over the top of the chili. They’ll spread and bake right into the dish as it cooks.

Bake

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon into bowls and enjoy hot. A little sour cream or chopped cilantro on top is the perfect finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 480

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

• As a One-Dish Meal: No sides needed—this is a hearty, complete dinner in a single scoop.
• With Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A cool dollop balances the smoky heat.
• With Fresh Herbs: Try cilantro or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Add a Side Salad: A crisp green salad makes a great contrast to the rich chili.
• Reheat for Lunch: Leftovers make for one of the most satisfying lunches you’ll have all week.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Heat: Use fewer chipotle peppers for a milder flavor, or add more if you like it fiery.
• Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough: Mix just until combined to keep biscuits tender and fluffy.
• Add Veggies: Stir in corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken—just stir it in with the beans.
• Bake in a Casserole Dish: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chili to a baking dish before topping with biscuit dough.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Prepare the chili in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add biscuit topping and bake fresh.

Q2: What kind of beans work best?
A2: Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans are all great. Use your favorite or a mix for variety.

Q3: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A3: Absolutely! Ground or shredded turkey makes a great substitute.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: The chili freezes well, but bake the biscuits fresh for best texture. You can freeze them separately and reheat.

Q5: How spicy is this dish?
A5: It’s mildly spicy with one chipotle pepper—add more for heat or reduce to make it kid-friendly.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Yes! Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for a fun twist.

Q7: What biscuit mix works best?
A7: A cheddar bay biscuit mix (like Red Lobster’s) is perfect, but any drop biscuit mix will do.

Q8: How do I know when the biscuits are fully baked?
A8: They should be golden on top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into one should come out clean.

Q9: Can I make it vegetarian?
A9: Totally! Use plant-based protein or double the beans, and swap the chicken broth for veggie broth.

Q10: Can I use canned chicken?
A10: In a pinch, yes. Drain it well and add it when building the chili base—it still tastes great!

In Conclusion

Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is the ultimate mash-up of spicy, cheesy, hearty, and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular weeknight feel a little more special and brings a crowd running to the table. Easy, flavorful, and filled with everything you love—go ahead and make it tonight. You won’t regret it!

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