If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the best of smoky BBQ chicken and the sweet, tender crumb of cornbread, then this BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. This dish layers savory BBQ-spiced chicken over a rich, creamy cornbread base that’s packed with sweet corn and a hint of tangy sour cream, all topped with gooey melted cheddar. It’s the perfect mix of textures and tastes that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate—ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake Recipe. Each component here is simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors.
- Frozen corn kernels (1 cup, thawed): Adds sweet bursts of texture and freshness that contrast beautifully with the tender cornbread.
- Creamed corn (1 15-oz can): Provides creamy moisture that keeps the cornbread base irresistibly soft.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tang and richness, tenderizing the cornbread and adding depth to the overall flavor.
- Cornbread mix (1 box, 8.5-oz): The classic base giving the dish its iconic crumb and slight sweetness.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together for structure and fluffiness.
- Cooked chopped chicken (3 cups): The hearty protein star of the dish, perfect for soaking up that smoky-sweet BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce (1 cup): Imparts bold flavor and juiciness, tying chicken and cornbread together with a finger-licking finish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts to form a golden, savory topping that adds richness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF so it’s ready for the first bake. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your cornbread bake won’t stick—and this sets the stage for that beautifully baked crust we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Cornbread Base
In a large bowl, combine the thawed frozen corn kernels, creamed corn, sour cream, cornbread mix, and eggs. Stir until all the ingredients are just combined to create a rich and moist batter filled with sweet kernels. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared dish—it’s the comforting base that will soak up all those delicious BBQ flavors.
Step 3: First Bake
Bake the cornbread mixture for 40 minutes. This initial baking step sets and firms up the base so it can support the wonderful topping you’ll add next without getting soggy.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in BBQ Sauce
While your cornbread base is baking, toss your cooked chopped chicken with the tangy, smoky BBQ sauce. Make sure every bite of chicken is coated for maximum flavor that’ll meld perfectly with the mild cornbread underneath.
Step 5: Layer and Top
Once the initial bake is done, remove the pan from the oven. Spread the BBQ-coated chicken evenly over the cornbread. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top—this will create a melty, golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Final Bake
Pop the dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese to perfection and finishes cooking the cornbread, blending all the flavors into a delicious, cohesive dish.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake Recipe to a whole new level. Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the top to add a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the dish’s richness. A dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeño slices can add extra creaminess and a lovely tangy kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides. A fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw provides refreshing texture contrasts. For a heartier meal, serve alongside baked beans or roasted veggies—both complement the BBQ flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bake in individual ramekins for personalized portions at your next gathering. Alternatively, scoop it into soft dinner rolls for a handheld BBQ cornbread sandwich that’s perfect for picnics or casual parties. Either way, the gooey cheese and saucy chicken make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to keep the cornbread moist and the toppings fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave single servings for convenience, but reheating in the oven helps maintain the dish’s original texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just chop it up and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce before layering it on the cornbread.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Use a BBQ sauce you love, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. Classic smoky BBQ sauces work especially well to complement the mild corn and cheese, but feel free to experiment with your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with black beans or a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms and use a vegetarian BBQ sauce to keep the flavors hearty and satisfying.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
You can make this gluten-free by using a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensuring your BBQ sauce and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. This way, you keep all the flavors without sacrificing dietary needs.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the cornbread base and chicken topping separately. Bake the cornbread base ahead, then add the chicken and cheese topping right before finishing the bake to keep it fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake Recipe with friends and family is like bringing a little extra warmth and comfort into the kitchen. This dish combines the best of creamy cornbread and tangy BBQ chicken in a way that’s both easy and satisfying. I really encourage you to try this recipe—it’s a guaranteed winner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines creamy cornbread with tender BBQ chicken, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and smoky, tangy flavors baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Cornbread Mixture
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (thawed)
- 1 (15-oz) can creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (8.5-oz) box cornbread mix
- 2 large eggs
Chicken Topping
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Cornbread Batter: In a large bowl, combine the thawed corn kernels, creamed corn, sour cream, cornbread mix, and eggs. Stir until well blended to create a smooth batter. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Cornbread Base: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. This allows the cornbread base to set and begin cooking through.
- Prepare BBQ Chicken: While the cornbread bakes, toss the chopped cooked chicken with BBQ sauce in a separate bowl so the chicken is fully coated and flavorful.
- Add Chicken and Cheese Topping: Remove the cornbread from the oven carefully. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the top of the cornbread. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken layer.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the cornbread is fully cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This casserole is great on its own or paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to reduce preparation time; shredded rotisserie chicken works great.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your preferred level of tanginess and sweetness.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack or smoked gouda for different flavors.
- To make the cornbread gluten-free, use a gluten-free cornbread mix.
- Ensure the cornbread is fully set before adding the chicken topping to avoid sogginess.
