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Cozy BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole: Easy One-Pan Recipe

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This cozy BBQ chicken cornbread casserole is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a dish. It’s smoky, sweet, savory, and has that perfect contrast of tender chicken and fluffy cornbread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (I prefer Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or sweet onion)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color; red for sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended)
  • 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (I use Jiffy)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk (whole milk gives the best texture)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top after baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13 baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the pepper has softened. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir for another 30 seconds.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and the cooked veggies. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. If using cheese in the filling, fold it in now.
  4. Pour the chicken mixture into the greased dish and spread it into an even layer.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Stir until just combined (a few lumps are fine).
  6. Spoon the cornbread batter over the chicken mixture, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.
  8. As soon as the casserole comes out of the oven, brush the top with melted butter.
  9. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overmix the cornbread batter. Use room temperature ingredients for the cornbread. Don’t skip the chicken broth in the filling. Shred your own cheese. Let the casserole rest before serving. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken cornbread casserole, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, rotisserie chicken recipe

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/cozy-bbq-chicken-cornbread-casserole-easy-one-pan-recipe/