If the phrase “Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake” makes your mouth water, you’re definitely in the right place. This recipe is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug after a long day. It’s cozy, it’s cheesy, and it’s oh-so-satisfying—everything we busy home cooks need when dinnertime rolls around faster than we can say “What are we eating tonight?”
This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with the nostalgic flavor of Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits, all brought together with a layer of rich marinara sauce. It’s the ultimate one-pan wonder that checks all the boxes: quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake
- Minimal fuss: It’s a great fix for hectic weeknights.
- One pan magic: Fewer dishes, more time to binge your favorite show.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will devour it.
- Customizable: Make it yours with marinara tweaks or even a protein swap.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if that’s more your style)
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (grated from a block for maximum meltiness)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- Marinara sauce (your favorite kind—chunky, garlic, or traditional)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit seasoning packet (included in the biscuit mix)
How to Make Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Cook your chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes, until they’re no longer pink in the center. No need to season too heavily—our cheesy biscuit topping is the star here.
Step 2: Mix That Biscuit Magic
In a bowl, stir together the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, 3/4 cup water, shredded cheddar, and green onion. This mix is your golden, cheesy crown.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour a generous layer of marinara on the bottom (don’t be shy—it’s the glue that holds this flavor party together). Layer the sautéed chicken on top, then spoon the biscuit mix over the chicken, covering it completely.
Pop it into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Brush with Butter Love
Melt 1/2 cup of butter and stir in the seasoning packet. Brush this heavenly mixture over the hot biscuit topping as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).
Cooking Tips
- Cheddar tip: Grate your cheddar from a block for that ooey-gooey melt.
- Shortcut: Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Use it to save time.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara for a kick.
- Make it meatless: Sub in sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for a vegetarian twist.
FAQs About Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicy and flavorful—just chop them up a bit smaller.
Can I prepare Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything (except the butter topping) and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake when ready, then brush on the butter.
What should I serve this with?
It’s a full meal on its own, but a simple green salad or steamed broccoli makes a lovely side.
A New Family Favorite
Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake is the kind of dish that turns a chaotic Tuesday into a cozy family dinner night. It’s rich, indulgent, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, a hungry spouse, or just treating yourself, this bake is a reliable winner. Get ready for it to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Explore More Comforting Chicken Favorites
If this Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake made your heart (and stomach) happy, you’ll love exploring a few more of our most comforting and easy weeknight chicken recipes. Each one pairs beautifully with the cheesy, cozy vibes you just experienced:
- For a rich, creamy one-pan dish, don’t miss this equally delicious and satisfying creamy Tuscan chicken pasta—it’s a dreamy blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan in every bite.
- Craving more cheesy comfort? Our cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is another dinner hero. Quick, wholesome, and always a hit with kids and grownups alike.
- If you love baking dinners in one go, the one-pan chicken and rice bake will become your next obsession—zero hassle, all flavor.
- And for something indulgent and a little fancy, try cranberry and spinach stuffed chicken breasts with brie. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect for a cozy dinner with someone special.
Let these recipes inspire your next kitchen adventure!
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Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cozy Cheddar Bay Chicken Bake features juicy chicken breasts baked over marinara and topped with a cheesy Red Lobster-style biscuit crust. It’s an easy, one-pan dinner that’s packed with comfort and flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a dish the whole family will devour.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (preferably freshly grated)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite variety)
1/2 cup melted butter
1 Cheddar Bay Biscuit seasoning packet (included in the box)
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Sauté the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
While the chicken cooks, mix the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with water, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onion in a medium bowl until well combined.
Spread marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Place cooked chicken breasts over the marinara.
Spoon the biscuit batter over the chicken, spreading it to cover each piece.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the biscuit topping is golden and fully cooked.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with the included seasoning packet. Brush over the hot biscuit topping right after baking.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
Prefer chicken thighs? Go for it—they’re extra juicy!
Use freshly grated cheddar for better melt and richer flavor.
Leftovers? Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1140 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg