Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is just what you need. Imagine rich, smoky chili filled with tender chicken and spices, topped with fluffy, cheesy biscuits that melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and just the right amount of indulgence. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at one bowl!
Why You’ll Love Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
This dish is a game-changer. It combines the warmth of a rich, spicy chili with the delightful crunch and meltiness of cheddar biscuits. Here’s why this recipe will be your new favorite:
Versatile: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy meal for yourself, this chili and biscuit combo is great for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, this meal gives you big flavors without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you need something satisfying without all the fuss.
Customizable: Adjust the level of spice, or throw in your favorite beans or vegetables to make it your own. The Cheddar Bay biscuit topping is always a crowd-pleaser!
Crowd-Pleasing: With its rich flavors and indulgent biscuit topping, this dish will be a hit at any gathering, and it’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
This recipe is packed with comforting ingredients that come together to create a delicious and hearty dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Tender chicken that shreds beautifully and soaks up all the smoky, spicy flavors of the chili.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These peppers add that smoky, spicy kick that really brings the chili to life.
Beans: A mix of kidney beans and black beans provide a hearty texture and make the chili extra filling.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes give the chili a rich base and balance out the heat.
Onion, Garlic, and Bell Pepper: These aromatics create a flavorful foundation for the chili.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the chili while helping to cook everything together.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits: The star topping! These biscuits are cheesy, buttery, and perfectly crispy on top.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering chili topped with cheesy biscuits:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken. You can either grill, sauté, or bake the chicken. Once cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until they’re soft and fragrant. This step will build the flavor base for your chili.
Add the Spice: Stir in the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and chili powder to give your chili that smoky, spicy kick. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level depending on your preference!
Add the Beans and Tomatoes: Toss in the beans and diced tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let the chili cook for 15-20 minutes so all the flavors meld together.
Make the Biscuit Topping: While the chili is simmering, prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit dough according to the instructions on the package or recipe you’re using. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top of the chili, covering it evenly.
Bake the Biscuits: Carefully place the pot (or transfer to a baking dish) into the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the biscuits are done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The biscuits should be golden and flaky on top, while the chili beneath will be warm, smoky, and comforting.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
This dish is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra, here are some ideas:
- Serve with a fresh salad on the side to balance out the richness of the chili.
- Pair it with a chilled, tangy cucumber salad for a cool contrast to the heat.
- For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese or cilantro on top before serving.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the number of chipotle peppers and chili powder, or substitute with a milder pepper.
- For an extra creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top when serving.
- If you have extra chili, it freezes beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready for another meal.
- If you want to make it spicier, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle in some fresh chopped jalapeños.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the chili and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bake the biscuits fresh when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking it to ensure even cooking.
3. How can I make the chili spicier?
You can add more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
4. Can I use pre-made biscuit dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought Cheddar Bay biscuit dough is a great shortcut.
5. Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes! Ground chicken works perfectly and will give the chili a different texture.
6. Can I freeze the chili?
Yes! This chili freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
7. What can I substitute for the Cheddar Bay biscuits?
You can use any biscuit dough, but Cheddar Bay biscuits add that perfect cheesy, buttery flavor.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add zucchini, corn, or even spinach to bulk up the chili and add extra nutrition.
9. How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy?
Make sure the chili is simmering before adding the biscuit dough, and bake the biscuits directly on top without stirring them into the chili.
10. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen up the chili if needed.
Conclusion
Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The rich, smoky chili pairs beautifully with the cheesy, buttery biscuit topping, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and enjoy the flavorful goodness!
Print
Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmered / Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is a smoky, spicy chili made with tender chicken, hearty beans, and a touch of chipotle heat, all topped with a savory cheddar bay biscuit for the perfect comfort food dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Bisquick mix (or similar baking mix)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the chili simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe pan.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the biscuit topping by combining Bisquick mix, milk, melted butter, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
- Once the chili is done, ladle it into the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough on top of the chili, spreading them out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit them entirely.
- For added richness, you can stir in some sour cream or cream cheese to the chili before serving.
- The biscuit topping can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator if you want to speed up the process on cooking day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chipotle chicken chili, cheddar bay biscuit topping, chili recipe, spicy chicken chili, comfort food, baked chili