Description
This BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole combines smoky barbecue chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and fluffy homemade cornbread in one comforting baked dish. It’s easy, filling, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Yellow onion
- Green bell pepper
- Barbecue sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Yellow cornmeal
- Whole milk
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Egg
- Melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Heat your oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9×9 baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the Chicken Mixture: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken along with chopped onion and green bell pepper. Break apart the chicken while cooking. Continue sautéing for about 5 to 6 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the barbecue sauce and tomato sauce into the skillet with the chicken mixture. Stir thoroughly so everything becomes evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors combine and slightly thickens the filling.
- Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the milk, egg, and melted butter. Continue whisking until the batter becomes smooth and fully combined with no dry spots remaining.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the BBQ chicken filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the chicken layer. Slowly pour the cornbread batter over the cheese, spreading gently if needed to create an even top layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cornbread topping should turn golden brown and feel set in the center when finished baking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Add beans or corn for a heartier casserole
- Freeze fully assembled casserole before baking if desired
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded
- Let casserole cool slightly before storing leftovers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Condiment
Nutrition
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 1260 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 154 mg