Alright friend, let’s talk about a dish that feels like a warm, spicy hug in a bowl Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping. This isn’t your average chili. We’re taking smoky, chipotle-spiced chicken, hearty beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, then topping the whole thing with golden, cheesy biscuits that bake right on top. Yup, it’s comfort food on a whole new level.

Imagine your spoon breaking through that cheesy biscuit crust and diving into a bubbling pot of rich, flavorful chili underneath. It’s bold, it’s cozy, and it’s downright addictive. Perfect for chilly evenings, weekend gatherings, or anytime you just need something hearty and soul-warming. Trust me you’re going to want to make a double batch.

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

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can serve this for dinner, meal prep for the week, or even bring it to a potluck. It fits every vibe.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry ingredients and a store-bought biscuit mix, it’s easy on the wallet but big on flavor.

Quick and Easy: It comes together faster than you’d expect and uses minimal dishes. The oven does most of the work once it’s assembled.

Customizable: Adjust the spice, add veggies, or use leftover chicken. It’s totally flexible to fit your cravings or fridge situation.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

Here’s the magic of this recipe it combines pantry staples with a fun shortcut (hello, biscuit mix) to create something extraordinary:

Shredded Chicken: Juicy, tender, and packed with protein. Great way to use up leftovers or rotisserie chicken.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Smoky, spicy flavor bombs that add depth and warmth. Use more or less depending on your heat tolerance.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These bring a subtle charred sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Beans: Black beans and pinto beans give heartiness and texture. They soak up all that saucy goodness.

Onion and Garlic: The aromatic base that sets the flavor foundation. Sautéed until just golden.

Chicken Broth: Keeps things juicy and helps the chili simmer into something magical.

Chili Spices: Think cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of cayenne if you like heat.

Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: A genius shortcut. These cheesy, garlicky biscuits bake right on top of the chili and soak in the flavor.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Folded into the biscuit topping for melty pockets of joy in every bite.

Butter and Milk: For that rich, tender biscuit texture.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll need a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish for this recipe.

Sauté the Aromatics

In your skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant about 3–4 minutes.

Build the Chili Base

Add chipotle peppers (chopped) and stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, drained beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chili spices and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors marry and thicken slightly.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

If you’re not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chili mixture to a greased baking dish. You want an even layer for the biscuit topping to bake properly.

Make the Biscuit Topping

In a bowl, mix the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with milk, melted butter, and shredded cheese. Stir just until combined don’t overmix! You want the dough to stay light and fluffy.

Assemble the Dish

Spoon dollops of the biscuit dough evenly over the chili. It doesn’t have to cover the whole surface some chili peeking through is totally fine.

Cook to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuit tops are golden brown and cooked through. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick in the center of a biscuit dollop—it should come out clean.

Finishing Touches

Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to dish out.

Serve and Enjoy

Grab a spoon and dive in! You’ll get a bit of crispy biscuit, melty cheese, and spicy chili in every bite. Pure comfort.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~450–500

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a few slices of avocado for added creaminess. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side will round out the meal beautifully. And don’t forget the hot sauce if you like it extra spicy!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use rotisserie chicken for a major time-saver.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for lentils or more beans and using veggie broth.
• Add corn, diced bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the veggie content.
• You can prep the chili part in advance and refrigerate just add the biscuit topping right before baking.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chili portion a day in advance and add the biscuit topping right before baking.

2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, though the biscuit texture may change slightly. Freeze before adding the topping for best results.

3. How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild to medium kick. Adjust the number of chipotle peppers for more or less heat.

4. Can I use another type of biscuit mix?
Definitely. Any drop biscuit mix works, or you can make your own from scratch.

5. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead?
Absolutely! Brown it with the onions and garlic for a slightly different but delicious version.

6. What other beans can I use?
Kidney beans or white beans would also work great here use what you have.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can make the chili part in the slow cooker, but the biscuit topping needs the oven to bake properly.

9. Do I need to use Cheddar Bay mix?
Nope any cheesy biscuit dough will work, but the Cheddar Bay mix adds a nice savory, garlicky twist.

10. Can I add veggies?
Yes! Corn, bell peppers, or even diced sweet potatoes would all be great additions.

Conclusion

Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just indulgent enough to feel special. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish delivers every single time. So go ahead spice things up and dig in. You’re going to fall in love with every delicious bite.

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