Delicious Recipe
A hearty and comforting BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole that combines tender ground chicken simmered in tangy barbecue and tomato sauces, topped with a cheesy layer and a golden, sweet cornbread crust. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Cornbread Topping
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground chicken, chopped yellow onion, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are softened.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the barbecue sauce and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, whole milk, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, egg, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the cooked chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken layer. Finally, pour and spread the cornbread batter evenly on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cornbread is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps the layers remain intact when sliced.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave and often tastes even better the next day.
- Ensure the cornbread topping is spread evenly for consistent baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken casserole, cornbread casserole, ground chicken recipe, comfort food, easy casseroles, baked chicken dishes