BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole, a bubbly, golden baked dish that layers sweet and smoky barbecue chicken with gooey cheddar under a pillowy cornbread crust. This is effortless comfort food at its best—simple to throw together, wildly flavorful, and guaranteed to win over everyone at the table. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight family dinner or something a bit heartier for a potluck, BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole is your new go-to for pure, crowd-pleasing deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly magical about creating BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Each component brings something crucial: hearty protein, zippy veggies, lush cheese, and that sweet-savory kick from the barbecue sauce—all wrapped in the embrace of a tender, golden cornbread top.

• Ground chicken: Lean and mild, ground chicken soaks up the smoky barbecue flavors while keeping the casserole light and protein-packed.
• Yellow onion, chopped: Classic aromatics like onion infuse every bite with delicious sweetness and depth.
• Green bell pepper, chopped: This adds fresh crunch and beautiful color.
• Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for big flavor—sweet, smoky, or spicy, depending on your mood.
• Tomato sauce: Adds a gentle tang and extra sauciness to the chicken layer.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into a gooey blanket, bringing richness and sharpness.
• Yellow cornmeal: The heart of the cornbread, lending that signature sunny color and rustic texture.
• Whole milk: Keeps the cornbread soft and balanced, not dry or crumbly.
• Flour: Gives the cornbread structure and helps it rise up beautifully.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness brightens up the cornbread and contrasts deliciously with the tangy barbecue.
• Salt: Don’t forget the salt! It ties all the flavors together.
• Baking powder: Ensures the cornbread bakes up fluffy and light.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients for a cohesive and tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth finish to the cornbread topping.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees, which is the perfect temperature to set that beautiful golden crust atop your BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole. Give your trusty 9×9 baking dish a spritz with cooking spray so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Veggies

Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Toss in the ground chicken, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Stir everything together gently and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies have softened. This part fills your kitchen with the most irresistible savory aroma!

Step 3: Simmer with Sauce

Add your barbecue sauce and tomato sauce to the skillet, stirring it in with the chicken mixture. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for 5 more minutes. This step concentrates all those big, bold flavors and gives your filling just the right amount of sauciness.

Step 4: Mix the Cornbread Batter

While your chicken mixture is simmering, grab a large bowl and whisk together the cornmeal, milk, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, egg, and melted butter. Keep whisking just until everything is combined—your batter should be smooth and ready to pour.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Time to build your BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole masterpiece! Spread the hot chicken filling evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top, letting it melt slightly from the heat. Finally, pour that luscious cornbread batter over everything, smoothing it out to evenly cover the filling.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cornbread crust is puffed and irresistibly golden brown. The whole kitchen will smell amazing and you’ll know it’s ready when the edges are pulling away slightly from the pan. Resist diving in right away—let it rest for 5 minutes so the layers set beautifully.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole

Garnishes

A handful of fresh garnishes adds eye-catching color and a bright finish to your BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole. Try scattering thinly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, or a little chopped fresh cilantro right before serving. Even a few jalapeño rounds or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

This casserole is the star of any meal, but it loves a few company players. Serve alongside a tangy cabbage slaw to add crunch and freshness, or spoon up a batch of baked beans for extra heartiness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers just the right balance to the sweet and smoky richness of the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on the classic, try serving BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole in individual ramekins at a dinner party. If you’re heading to a picnic, bake it in a portable foil pan and bring along extra barbecue sauce for drizzling. You can even cut cooled leftovers into tidy squares for a delicious lunchbox treat—kids and grown-ups alike will love it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole to room temperature, then cover your baking dish or transfer slices into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—it reheats beautifully for easy lunches or quick dinners when life gets busy.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. The BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole will keep for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave, covered, for about 1-2 minutes until hot throughout. If you prefer the crust extra crisp, pop slices into a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Either way, your BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole will taste just as cozy and satisfying as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Shred or chop any leftover cooked chicken and use about a pound, stirring it in with the sautéed onion and bell pepper. Skip ahead to adding the sauces and simmering—it’s a fabulous shortcut and a great way to reduce food waste.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the cornbread batter. Double-check that your baking powder and barbecue sauce are also gluten-free, and you’ll be set.

What barbecue sauce flavor works best?

Go with your favorite—sweet, smoky, spicy, or even honey mustard BBQ sauce all bring their own flair to BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole. If you love a little kick, feel free to experiment with chipotle or habanero-infused sauces.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Corn kernels, black beans, or diced tomatoes are all scrumptious additions. Just be careful not to overload the filling, as you want the cornbread to stay light and fluffy on top.

Is this BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole good for meal prep?

It’s fantastic for meal prep. Bake the casserole, slice it up, and portion the pieces into airtight containers for effortless lunches or weeknight dinners. It holds up well in both the fridge and freezer, making it a busy cook’s dream.

Final Thoughts

Make tonight a little extra special by baking up this BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole. It’s simple, hearty, and so full of flavor, you’ll want to put it on regular rotation. Gather your ingredients and get ready to share smiles—this cozy casserole is bound to become a new favorite at your table!

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