Chicken and Cornbread Casserole – The Coziest Southern-Inspired Comfort Food
There’s something special about a bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven — golden on top, creamy inside, and irresistibly comforting. This Chicken and Cornbread Casserole captures everything we love about down-home cooking: tender chicken, creamy filling, and a sweet-savory cornbread topping that bakes up light, fluffy, and golden brown.
It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the comfort of Southern kitchens right to your table. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or cozy weekends, this casserole will have everyone going back for seconds.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy prep: Uses cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- One-dish meal: No need for extra sides — it’s complete and satisfying on its own.
- Comforting & creamy: A rich chicken base topped with golden cornbread.
- Budget-friendly: Pantry staples and simple ingredients.
- Family favorite: Mild, cozy flavors that even picky eaters love.
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Creamy Chicken Layer:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, onion (if using), and seasonings. Mix well until creamy and fully combined.
Step 3 – Make the Cornbread Batter
In another bowl, stir together cornbread mix, creamed corn, egg, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix, or your topping can turn dense.
Step 4 – Layer the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. Pour the cornbread mixture over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5 – Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6 – Add Cheese & Serve
Optional: Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Chicken and Cornbread Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, combine cornbread mix, creamed corn, egg, milk, and butter until just mixed.
- Spread chicken mixture in the baking dish and pour cornbread batter on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Optionally, sprinkle cheese on top for the last 5 minutes of baking. Let cool before serving.
Notes
🍗 The Secret to That Southern Flavor
The secret to a truly flavorful Chicken and Cornbread Casserole lies in the balance of creamy and sweet. The chicken layer is savory and seasoned, while the cornbread adds a hint of sweetness that rounds everything out beautifully.
For a more classic Southern touch, you can mix in diced jalapeños, chopped bell pepper, or a handful of crisped bacon bits.
🌽 Recipe Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add diced green chiles or jalapeños to the filling.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Mix in black beans, corn kernels, and taco seasoning.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Stir extra cheese into both the chicken and cornbread layers.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Thanksgiving Style: Mix in leftover turkey instead of chicken.
🧀 What to Serve With Chicken and Cornbread Casserole
While this dish can easily stand on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- Southern-style green beans
- Sweet iced tea or lemonade
⏳ Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
Make Ahead:
Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes if chilled.
To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout.
To Freeze:
Wrap the baked (and cooled) casserole in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use rotisserie chicken for effortless prep.
- Don’t overmix the cornbread batter — it should be just combined.
- Check the center for doneness before removing from the oven.
- Let it rest before serving so the layers hold together.
- Add a drizzle of honey butter over the baked topping for extra Southern charm.
❤️ The Comfort of a Classic Casserole
There’s a reason casseroles like this one have been staples in family kitchens for generations. They’re warm, easy, and made to bring people together.
This Chicken and Cornbread Casserole embodies that same spirit — creamy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re feeding the family or bringing a dish to share, it’s a guaranteed hit that tastes like home.
