Meet your new obsession: Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is the ultimate comfort food experience, where saucy, smoky chicken chili simmers below pillowy cheddar-flecked biscuits you bake right on top. It’s cozy, lively with a gentle kick of chipotle, and ready to win over any family dinner or game day crowd. You get hearty protein, creamy beans, tangy tomatoes, and a cheese factor that will make you swoon—all crowned with golden, buttery biscuits. You’ll fall for it at first bite!

Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together simple pantry and fridge staples for layers of big flavor. Every ingredient plays a role that makes this Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping shine: from the smokiness of chipotle and the creaminess of beans to the oozy cheddar and fluffy biscuits, nothing is wasted or purely decorative.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts will keep things lean and always work well.
Olive oil: Helps your chicken get that gorgeous golden color while keeping it tender.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a lovely aromatic base to the chili.
Garlic: Brings depth and a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the chipotle.
Red bell pepper: Pops of color and natural sweetness to balance the heat.
Chipotle pepper in adobo + adobo sauce: The smoky-sweet heat that sets this chili apart—use more or less to suit your spice tolerance.
Ground cumin: Delivers earthy flavor for that true Southwestern soul.
Smoked paprika: Gives an extra dimension of smokiness and rich color.
Dried oregano: Balances everything with a touch of brightness.
Salt and pepper: To season every layer.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a subtly charred edge, making the chili taste like it slow-cooked all day.
White beans: Lovely creaminess and protein, while also helping thicken the chili.
Chicken broth: Loosens the chili just the right amount to soak up all that biscuit goodness.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Folded into the chili and the biscuit topping for double the cheddar joy.
All-purpose flour: The unsung hero for cloudlike cheddar biscuits.
Baking powder: Turns your biscuits into rise-and-shine puffs.
Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor right into the biscuit dough for that signature “cheddar bay” taste.
Cold unsalted butter: The secret to tender, flaky biscuits.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and the perfect amount of moisture for soft, rich biscuits.
Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herby finish for looks and a pop of flavor.
Melted butter: For brushing over the baked biscuits so they’re shiny, golden, and completely irresistible.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add those chicken bites and let them cook, turning occasionally, for about 5–6 minutes until they’re golden-brown and just cooked through. Remove and set them aside on a plate—they’ll be starring in our show again very soon.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

In the same skillet (no need to wash, those browned bits are pure flavor!), toss in the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until everything softens up and smells ultra-aromatic. This is the stage that fills your kitchen with anticipation.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

Stir in your chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. The mixture will become deep red and extra fragrant—it’s okay if you start to drool now.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Return the golden chicken to the pan and add the fire-roasted tomatoes, white beans, and chicken broth. Let everything come to a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting it thicken and the flavors come together in perfect harmony. When it’s just thick enough to scoop up easily but still saucy, go ahead and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until it melts in and turns the chili extra creamy.

Step 5: Mix Up the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and work it in with a pastry cutter (or cold fingertips) until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gently stir in the buttermilk and ¾ cup cheddar until just combined; don’t overmix! The dough will be thick and shaggy—perfect for biscuit drop style.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Drop generous spoonfuls of biscuit dough across the surface of the hot chili, spacing them evenly. Place the skillet (or Dutch oven) in the oven and bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes. The biscuits will puff, turn golden, and soak up all the chili’s best flavors!

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, brush the biscuit tops with melted butter for shine and lusciousness. Sprinkle on the fresh parsley if you’d like—it’s a simple touch that looks as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

Garnishes

Amp up the excitement by topping each serving with a dab of sour cream, a sprinkle of extra cheddar, or a bit of sliced green onion. A few thin slices of fresh jalapeño give an extra pop of color and heat, while chopped cilantro or parsley add herbal freshness. Each bite feels extra special when you play with these flavor-boosting finishing touches.

Side Dishes

While the main event is hearty on its own, you can round out your table with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted corn on the cob for a summer cookout vibe. If there’s a crowd, chips and chunky guacamole or a cool cucumber salad pair perfectly. But honestly? This Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping barely needs anything else—it’s a meal in itself!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from your Dutch oven for some old-fashioned, family-style fun. Or, scoop the chili and biscuit together into wide, shallow bowls to show off those golden biscuit crowns. For parties, spoon individual portions into oven-safe ramekins—they’re adorable and ensure every guest scores the perfect biscuit-to-chili ratio. Leftovers also roll beautifully into a hearty lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, spoon your leftover Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping into airtight containers. Keep the container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to three days. The biscuits hold up surprisingly well, soaking in chili deliciousness but still keeping some texture.

Freezing

You can freeze both components, but for best biscuit texture, freeze the chili base on its own in freezer-safe containers (up to 3 months), and add a fresh biscuit topping when you’re ready to bake. If you do freeze it fully assembled, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout (about 20 minutes for a big dish, or 2–3 minutes if microwaving single servings). If the biscuits look a little soft, uncover for the last few minutes to crisp things up again.

FAQs

Can I make Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping using rotisserie chicken?

You absolutely can! Just shred or cube your rotisserie chicken, and add it in after sautéing the veggies and spices. Since it’s already cooked, simply simmer it with the other chili ingredients for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors before topping with biscuits and baking.

How spicy is this dish, and can I make it milder?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to one chipotle pepper and some adobo sauce. To make it milder, use only half a chipotle or omit the adobo sauce. If you love the smoky depth but fear the burn, add a splash of extra chicken broth or a dollop of sour cream to your bowl.

What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk for the biscuits?

No buttermilk? No problem. You can make your own: just mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use it as a swap. The acidity is what gives the biscuits their wonderful tenderness.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the biscuit topping (make sure it includes xanthan gum or a binder for best texture). Double-check that all canned goods and spices are gluten-free, and you’ve got a celiac-friendly dinner no one will guess is “missing” anything.

Is it possible to assemble Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping ahead for a party?

Definitely. Make the chili base the day before and refrigerate; when ready to bake, whip up the biscuit dough, drop it on top, and bake as directed. It actually improves overnight, so your guests will rave about how flavorful it is!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dish that delivers weeknight ease with weekend wow-factor, Chipotle Chicken Chili with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping is your ticket. It’s a beloved favorite for good reason—easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, family-friendly, and absolutely comforting. Treat yourself (and your lucky eaters) to this recipe and see how quickly it disappears from the dinner table!