Chicken Cornbread Casserole

8 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 45 m Total: 1 h 5 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Quick chicken cornbread casserole with tender chicken, savory cornbread, the Cajun trinity (onions, celery, bell pepper), and creamy chicken soup. Perfect weeknight comfort food that combines two Louisiana favorites - cornbread and casserole - in one easy dish.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 4 cups crumbled corn bread (I use two boxes of Jiffy)
  • chopped onions, celery, bell pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped chicken
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated cheese of choice (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl - the crumbled cornbread, chopped onions, celery, bell pepper, chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and cheese if using.
  3. Pour into a greased 13x9 baking dish and set aside for 20 minutes to let the cornbread absorb the liquid.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Q: My casserole turned out too dry, what happened?

A: The cornbread may have absorbed too much liquid. Next time, increase the chicken broth to 2 cups or add an extra can of cream of chicken soup. Make sure to let it rest the full 20 minutes before baking.

Tips and Techniques

You can use leftover chicken from a rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken. If you don’t have leftover cornbread, two boxes of Jiffy mix work perfectly - just bake according to package directions, cool, and crumble.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • cream of chicken soup: cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
  • chicken: turkey or pork
  • cornbread: cornbread muffins or cornbread dressing mix

Equipment Needed

  • 13x9 inch baking dish
  • large mixing bowl

Historical Context

Cornbread casseroles are a Southern tradition that makes use of leftover cornbread, transforming it into a hearty main dish with the addition of chicken and vegetables.