Description
This Cornbread Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with a fluffy cornbread crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection, delivering a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
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
Cornbread Topping
- 1 box cornbread mix (1 large or 2 small), prepared according to directions on the box (usually includes egg, milk, and butter/oil)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken breasts, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside, 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 they start to soften. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook until they are warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add the milk. Continue to cook while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces and combine well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package directions and evenly spread it over the top of the mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C). Bake for 22-26 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and fully cooked through, testing with a toothpick to ensure it’s done.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm as a delicious, filling main dish.
Notes
- You can use precooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh seasonal vegetables if desired.
- For creamier texture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
