Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with bold flavor, look no further than this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler. Imagine juicy chicken cubes, perfectly seasoned, and air-fried until golden, all generously coated with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This dish delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that come together faster than you’d expect, making it an absolute weeknight hero for busy cooks and flavor seekers alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Every component plays its part, from tender chicken to the vibrant, zippy Bang Bang sauce that ties everything together in a burst of flavor and color.

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes: This prevents burning and splintering while air frying, keeping your presentation on point.
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: Go for uniform pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives the chicken extra richness.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the meat.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Packs savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every bite and balances the spicy and sweet elements.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives the chicken a gentle kick and complexity.
• 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise: The creamy star of the Bang Bang sauce that clings beautifully to every skewer.
• ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings sweet heat and irresistible stickiness to the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste: Adds customizable fire and lots of personality.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Rounds out all the spicy, salty, and tangy notes with balanced sweetness.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by grabbing your largest bowl and combining those chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together for thorough coverage—each bite should have a bit of every flavor! Taking this step seriously ensures your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler will be flavorful through and through, not just on the surface.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

One at a time, thread 4 to 5 chicken cubes onto each of your pre-soaked wooden skewers. Don’t overcrowd them—space is your friend here, allowing the hot air to circulate and crisp up the edges while keeping the insides moist and tender. This small effort really pays off with impressive presentation and even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir thoroughly so the sauce is luxuriously smooth and well-blended. You’ll end up with a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that’s the soul of Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler—taste and adjust Sriracha if you’d like it bolder!

Step 4: Brush Chicken with Sauce

Pour half of your lovely Bang Bang sauce into a separate small bowl—this will be your finishing touch for serving. Use the rest to brush the skewered chicken generously, coating each piece with a shiny layer that promises big flavor once cooked. Reserving some sauce keeps it fresh and safe to eat after the chicken is cooked!

Step 5: Air Fry the Skewers

Arrange your prepared skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If you’ve got a smaller fryer, work in batches for best results. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. When the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside, you’re done—expect golden edges and irresistible aroma!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the hot, crispy skewers onto a serving plate, then drizzle or brush with the reserved Bang Bang sauce. This final flourish seals in flavor, adds creamy richness, and gives your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler its irresistible signature look. Dive in immediately—this dish is all about enjoying piping hot, saucy bliss!

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler

Garnishes

For that final bright pop, sprinkle chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even a light dusting of sesame seeds over the skewers just before serving. A little color goes a long way, making your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler look as tantalizing as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish has bold flavors, so a cool side is always welcome! Pair your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler with a simple cucumber salad, fluffy steamed rice, or classic garlic noodles to let the sauce shine. You could also serve fresh veggies or a light Asian-inspired slaw for crunch and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Serve your skewers upright in a mason jar or glass for a party-friendly touch, or layer them over a bed of rice for a hearty main dish. For a showstopper, build a “cobbler platter” with assorted dipping sauces and extra fresh herbs for guests to mix and match their flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep any remaining Bang Bang sauce separate, so your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler stays saucy and moist without soaking through.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken skewers without sauce for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely first, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stash in a freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing the sauce isn’t recommended, but you can whip up a new batch in minutes!

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-cooked flavor, warm the skewers in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5-8 minutes, just until heated through and slightly crisp again. Warm up the reserved sauce separately and drizzle over when serving so your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler stays deliciously creamy and vibrant!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor to Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into even 1-inch pieces for the most consistent cooking.

How spicy is this dish?

Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler has a gently spicy edge thanks to Sriracha, but the creamy sauce and honey balance it out. If you prefer less heat, reduce Sriracha or omit it; for more fire, add an extra teaspoon or even a pinch of chili flakes.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem! These skewers can be baked on a foil-lined sheet in a 425°F oven for about 15–17 minutes, flipping once. Or, try them on a grill for some smoky char—classic crowd pleasers any way you cook them.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week if stored in a sealed container. Feel free to prep it ahead for quick assembly of your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler on busy nights or at party time.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for mayonnaise?

Sure thing! Swap regular mayo for your favorite vegan or dairy-free alternative. The result is still creamy and crave-worthy, and your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler will be just as tasty.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for your next obsession, it’s got to be Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler. It’s fast, fun, and full of flavor—the perfect way to upgrade dinner any night of the week. Try it, share it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature dish!

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