BBQ Chicken Cornbread Dinner

This BBQ chicken cornbread casserole combines tangy barbecue flavors with a sweet, golden cornbread topping for the ultimate comfort food dinner. My family requests this dish at least once a month, especially during cooler months when we crave something hearty and satisfying.

I first made this recipe when I needed a crowd pleaser for a neighborhood potluck. It disappeared within minutes and three neighbors asked for the recipe before I even made it back home.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Creates a lighter base than beef while still providing plenty of protein
• Yellow onion and green bell pepper: Add essential aromatic flavors and veggie nutrition
• Barbecue sauce: Gives that signature tangy sweetness use your favorite brand for personalized flavor
• Tomato sauce: Balances the sweetness of the BBQ and adds rich tomato undertones
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible melty layer between the meat and cornbread
• Yellow cornmeal: Provides authentic cornbread texture and flavor look for stone ground for best results
• Whole milk: Adds richness to the cornbread topping
• All purpose flour: Works with the cornmeal for the perfect texture
• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and creates a beautiful golden crust
• Baking powder: Ensures your cornbread rises properly check that yours is fresh
• Egg: Binds the cornbread mixture and adds structure
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the cornbread use real butter not margarine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Dish:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and generously spray a 9x9 baking dish with cooking spray. The high temperature helps achieve that perfect golden cornbread crust.

Cook the Meat Mixture:

In a large skillet over medium heat combine the ground chicken with chopped onion and bell pepper. Break up the chicken into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened slightly.

Create the BBQ Base:

Pour the barbecue sauce and tomato sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken mixture. Stir well to combine bringing everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Prepare the Cornbread Topping:

In a large bowl whisk together the cornmeal milk flour sugar salt baking powder egg and melted butter. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter without lumps. The texture should be pourable but not overly thin more like a thick pancake batter.

Assemble the Casserole:

Pour the chicken BBQ mixture into your prepared baking dish spreading it evenly. Next sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer over the meat. Finally pour the cornbread batter over everything carefully spreading it to cover the entire surface.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know it is done when the cornbread topping has risen and turned a beautiful golden brown. The edges will pull away slightly from the sides of the dish.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set and makes for cleaner more attractive servings.

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The combination of sweet cornbread with tangy barbecue sauce creates a flavor experience that reminds me of summer cookouts. My daughter who normally avoids casseroles always asks for seconds of this dish calling it pizza cornbread which I think is adorably accurate.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prepare components ahead of time. The meat mixture can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat the meat mixture spread it in your baking dish and prepare the fresh cornbread topping. This cuts your active cooking time almost in half on busy evenings.

Customizing Your Casserole

Feel free to make this recipe your own by customizing the flavors. Spicy BBQ sauce creates a dish with more kick while honey BBQ sauce makes it sweeter and more kid friendly. You can also add corn kernels to the meat mixture for added texture and sweetness. For a Mexican inspired version add a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the meat and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal serve with coleslaw or roasted vegetables. A dollop of sour cream on top of each serving adds a pleasant tangy coolness that complements the sweet cornbread and savory filling perfectly.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat individual portions microwave covered for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. For best results when reheating a larger portion cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top again.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken?

Yes, you can substitute about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for the ground chicken. Simply skip the browning step and combine the shredded chicken with the sautéed onions and peppers before adding the sauces.

→ What type of barbecue sauce works best for this dish?

Any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work well. For a sweeter dish, use a honey or maple BBQ sauce. For more tang, try a vinegar-based sauce. Smoky varieties add depth, while spicy versions bring heat. Choose based on your family's preference.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. The cornbread batter should be made fresh before baking. When ready to serve, warm the meat mixture, top with cheese and fresh batter, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting with cold filling.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Also ensure your barbecue sauce and baking powder are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat-based ingredients.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this BBQ chicken cornbread dinner?

Yes, leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then portion into airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes), or microwave individual portions on medium power.

→ What sides pair well with this BBQ chicken cornbread dinner?

This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with simple sides like a green salad, steamed vegetables, or coleslaw. The tanginess of coleslaw particularly complements the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.