This Cornbread Casserole Recipe wraps up everything you crave in cozy comfort food! Creamy chicken, colorful veggies, and a buttery golden cornbread topping—it’s like chicken pot pie meets cornbread, and every slice is loaded with old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort: The combo of tender chicken, creamy sauce, veggies, and that fluffy cornbread crust is the definition of cozy, feel-good food.
- Easy Pantry Staples: This Cornbread Casserole Recipe relies on affordable, everyday ingredients—most are probably already in your kitchen!
- Family-Friendly & Filling: Kids and adults alike dive into this dish—one casserole easily serves a hungry crowd.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: The casserole comes together quickly and reheats beautifully, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how simple these ingredients are, yet they each play a superstar role in this Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Every scoop brings a cozy mix of creamy, buttery, and golden flavors you just can’t duplicate any other way!
- Chicken breasts or cooked chicken: Use raw boneless skinless chicken breasts to sauté for extra flavor, or grab cooked rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Diced onions: These tiny gems add savoriness and depth to the filling.
- Butter: Nothing beats the richness of real butter for creating a luscious, velvety sauce.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A quick bag of peas, carrots, beans, and corn brings vibrant color and nutrition to every bite.
- Flour: It helps thicken the creamy base—don’t skip this or you’ll lose that comforting texture.
- Milk: Adds silkiness and body to your sauce, keeping things creamy but not heavy.
- Chicken broth: Essential for that savory, chicken-pot-pie flavor (use low sodium if you like to control the salt).
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings to pull everything together—you can always adjust to your taste!
- Cornbread mix: The hero topping! Use your favorite boxed mix and prepare it according to the package for an irresistibly golden, fluffy crown.
Variations
The magic of this Cornbread Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to mix-and-match flavors to make it truly yours. Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or cooking for special diets, this is one casserole you’ll never get bored with!
- Spicy Southwest: Add drained canned green chiles, a sprinkle of chili powder, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and double up on mixed veggies; sub vegetable broth for chicken broth for a fully meatless casserole.
- Mushroom & Herb: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and toss in a tablespoon of fresh thyme for an earthy twist.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack directly into the filling or batter for gooey richness.
How to Make Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken, heat a couple tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or pot. Cook the chicken cubes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for about 10 minutes, until juicy and no longer pink inside. Drain and set aside. Using leftover rotisserie chicken? Just chop it up into bite-sized pieces and move on!
Step 2: Sauté & Soften the Veggies
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add your diced onions and let them get soft and fragrant for about two minutes. Then toss in your bag of frozen vegetables—no need to thaw!—and cook until everything is warmed through and vibrant.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about two minutes. This simple step keeps your filling from being runny and ensures every scoop holds its shape beneath the cornbread.
Step 4: Whisk, Simmer, and Fold
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, about half a cup at a time, to prevent those pesky lumps. Once it’s silky smooth, stir in the milk. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens, then return your chicken to the pot and cook so everything is hot and creamy. Take off the heat—you’re ready for assembling!
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Pour the hot filling into a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar in size). Prepare your cornbread batter as directed on the box. Pour it evenly over the filling, smoothing with a spatula so you get that gorgeous golden crust. Bake following your cornbread box instructions—typically about 22-26 minutes at 400°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers settle into perfection!
Pro Tips for Making Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Savory Filling Consistency: Let the filling simmer until it’s thick but spoonable—if it’s too runny, the cornbread can get soggy underneath.
- Golden Cornbread Topping: Bake until the very center of the cornbread is firm and golden, not just the edges—test with a toothpick for best results!
- Shortcut Chicken: Save serious prep time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken—no one will ever know.
- Customize Your Mix-In’s: Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite frozen veggies, or stir a little shredded cheese right into the cornbread batter for extra indulgence!
How to Serve Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or even a little extra melted butter across the top gives this casserole the finishing touch it deserves. For cheesy lovers, a shower of shredded cheddar over the baked cornbread is always a hit!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cornbread Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or even simple roasted sweet potatoes. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but bright vegetable sides help balance the richness for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for charming, personal servings. Or, use cookie cutters once cooled to cut fun shapes—especially popular with kids! Rustic spoonfuls straight from the baking dish are perfect for potlucks or cozy family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Your Cornbread Casserole Recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for a cozy lunch or a quick weeknight heat-and-eat option!
Freezing
This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe dish with a lid. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot all the way through (about 15-20 minutes). For a crisper top, uncover during the last few minutes in the oven. Individual slices can be microwaved for a quick, satisfying lunch!
FAQs
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Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is a wonderful swap for chicken in this Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces and fold it in as you would the chicken—the flavor is deliciously cozy and perfect for holiday leftovers.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes—use olive oil or a plant-based butter for sautéing, your favorite non-dairy milk, and ensure your cornbread mix is dairy-free. The final texture remains creamy, and the filling is every bit as satisfying.
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Why is my bottom cornbread layer soggy?
If your filling is too runny or the casserole is underbaked, the cornbread can soak up too much moisture. Thicken the filling well on the stovetop, and don’t remove from the oven until the cornbread is set in the center. Letting the casserole rest for several minutes before serving helps too!
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. You may need to add a few extra minutes of bake time—check for doneness by making sure the cornbread topping is cooked through in the very center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a warm, one-dish wonder to gather everyone at the table, this Cornbread Casserole Recipe is the perfect answer. I hope it brings your kitchen as much comfort, happiness, and repeat requests as it does mine—enjoy every bite!
Print
Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Cornbread Casserole Recipe combines tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy base topped with a golden layer of cornbread. A delicious and hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes OR 2 cups cooked chicken in bite-size pieces
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 box cornbread mix (1 large or 2 small), prepared according to directions on the box
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: If cooking chicken, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until done, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetable Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add frozen vegetables and cook until warmed through.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in chicken broth gradually, then add milk. Cook until thickened. Stir in cooked chicken.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with prepared cornbread mix, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Follow the cornbread mix baking directions. Bake at 400°F for 22-26 minutes or until the cornbread is cooked through.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
