Description
This hearty Cornbread Casserole combines tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with a fluffy cornbread crust. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks, blending savory flavors with the sweet, crumbly goodness of cornbread.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes OR 2 cups cooked chicken in bite-size pieces
Vegetable Base
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables (about 12-16 oz)
- 1/3 cup butter
Sauce
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 box cornbread mix (1 large or 2 small), prepared according to directions on the box
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully done, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set the cooked chicken aside.
- Prepare the Vegetable Base: In the same large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and continue cooking until they are warmed through.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, followed by the milk. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a creamy sauce. Stir in the cooked chicken, combining evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions, then spread it evenly over the top of the savory mixture as the topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C). Bake for 22-26 minutes or until the cornbread topping is cooked through and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set slightly for easier serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts to save time.
- Feel free to substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh ones or your preferred mix of vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans.
- To add more flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme or parsley to the vegetable base.
- If you want a cheesier casserole, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cornbread before baking.
- Make sure not to over-bake the cornbread topping to keep it moist and tender.
