There is something truly comforting and endlessly satisfying about the Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe that makes it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or welcoming family dinners. Combining tender, flavorful chicken with creamy, cheesy goodness and a golden, slightly sweet cornbread topping, this dish brings together rich textures and hearty flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of casserole that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with warmth and heartiness, perfect for sharing and satisfying appetites big and small. Once you try this Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe plays a big part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish shine. From the tender chicken to the creamy base and the crumbly cornbread topping, these simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a soul-warming meal.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken for a hearty protein foundation that absorbs all the flavors.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds creamy tanginess that balances richness and keeps the casserole moist.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a savory binder giving the dish smooth texture and depth.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the mixture for the perfect consistency throughout the casserole.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Provides a subtle, sweet onion flavor that blends effortlessly.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses gentle aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to balance the creamy flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy pockets that bring richness and color.
- 1 (8.5-oz) box Jiffy Mix cornbread: The star of the topping offering a sweet, golden crust with a tender crumb.
- 1 (14.75-oz) can creamed corn: Keeps the cornbread moist and adds subtle sweetness and texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cornbread mixture so it sets beautifully when baked.
- 3 Tbsp melted butter: Enhances flavor and ensures the cornbread topping is rich and golden.
How to Make Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve. This sets a solid foundation for baking and browning the casserole to perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. This hearty mixture will form the creamy, flavorful base layer that’s chock-full of tender bites and cheesy goodness. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every forkful is balanced and delicious.
Step 3: Spread the Chicken Mixture
Transfer the rich chicken filling into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. This layer will bake into a robust, cheesy bed that supports the cornbread topping while keeping the casserole moist and inviting.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Batter
Using the same bowl, whisk together the Jiffy Mix cornbread, creamed corn, egg, and melted butter until smooth. This batter, slightly sweet and creamy from the creamed corn, will create the golden crust that contrasts perfectly with the savory filling underneath.
Step 5: Add the Cornbread Topping
Gently spread the cornbread batter over the chicken mixture, covering it completely. Take care to distribute it evenly so the casserole cooks uniformly and forms that signature golden cornbread crust that everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the cornbread topping turns golden brown and you can see the bubbling edges from the cheesy chicken layer below. This final step melds all the flavors together and provides a warming, satisfying finish to the dish.
How to Serve Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives bring a pop of color and a light herbal brightness that beautifully balances the richness of the Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top right before serving also elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides such as a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The contrast of light, fresh veggies complements the hearty, cheesy casserole perfectly and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve the Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions topped with finely diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who crave a little extra kick. You can also layer the filling and cornbread in clear serving dishes to showcase the beautiful textures and colors before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an easy option for quick lunches or dinner reheats during the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare the dish entirely, then cool and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through to keep the cornbread topping crisp. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual servings on medium power, but the oven method brings back the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time while maintaining the tender, juicy texture needed for the Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
You can substitute sour cream, cheese, and milk with their dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt, vegan cheese, and almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, diced jalapeños, or corn kernels are excellent veggies to mix into the chicken filling for extra texture and nutrition without overwhelming the classic flavors.
How spicy is this Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe?
It’s mild and family-friendly as written, but you can easily spice it up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the chicken mixture or by adding spicy cheese for a little heat.
What is the best way to ensure the cornbread topping is golden and cooked through?
Make sure to spread the cornbread batter evenly and avoid covering the baking dish while it bakes to allow the top to brown beautifully. Using melted butter in the batter also helps promote a golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe truly captures that cozy, comforting feeling we all crave in a meal. Every spoonful offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite casseroles to make again and again for family and friends.
Print
Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cornbread Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender cooked chicken with creamy corn and cheese, topped with a golden cornbread crust. It’s perfect for a family dinner, offering a flavorful one-pan meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cornbread Topping
- 1 (8.5-oz) box Jiffy Mix cornbread
- 1 (14.75-oz) can creamed corn
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for the casserole.
- Prepare chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Layer the chicken mixture: Pour this combined chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out smoothly.
- Make the cornbread batter: Using the same mixing bowl to save cleanup, whisk together the Jiffy Mix cornbread mix, creamed corn, egg, and melted butter until well blended into a batter.
- Top with cornbread batter: Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the chicken mixture in the pan, creating a smooth top layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the pan uncovered in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cornbread topping turns golden brown and is cooked through, signaling the casserole is ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños or green onions to the cornbread batter.
- If you prefer a bit more moisture, brush the cornbread topping with a little melted butter halfway through baking.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
