1. Main
  2. Dishes
  3. Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole

Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Food

This Southern-inspired casserole features tender shredded chicken mixed with sweet corn, creamy elements, and sautéed vegetables, all topped with a golden cornbread crust. The combination of cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and garlic powder adds a rich, layered flavor. Baked to perfection, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal suitable for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Serve warm with a crisp green side or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.

Save Tell Friends Share via Email Print Recipe Skip to Recipe Card
Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:45:00 GMT
Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole with a crispy golden cornbread topping and creamy chicken filling. Save
Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole with a crispy golden cornbread topping and creamy chicken filling. | dashnosh.com

A comforting, hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, and a golden cornbread topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

This recipe became a favorite at our house after a busy weekday dinner when everyone asked for seconds. The simplicity and comfort make it a go-to for gatherings and cozy evenings alike.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken, shredded: 2 cups (rotisserie or poached)
  • Frozen corn kernels, thawed: 1 cup
  • Canned cream of chicken soup: 1 cup
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup
  • Yellow onion, chopped: 1/2 cup
  • Celery, chopped: 1/2 cup
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded: 1/2 cup
  • Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon (for filling) & 1/4 cup (melted, for topping)
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (filling) & 1/2 teaspoon (topping)
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Yellow cornmeal: 1 cup
  • All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
  • Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
  • Buttermilk: 1 cup
  • Large egg: 1

Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables:
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Mix Chicken Filling:
Combine chicken, sautéed onions and celery, corn, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
Spread Filling:
Evenly spread chicken mixture into prepared baking dish.
Make Cornbread Topping (Dry):
In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Make Cornbread Topping (Wet):
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Combine with dry ingredients; stir just to blend (do not overmix).
Layer & Bake:
Spoon and gently spread cornbread batter over chicken mixture. Bake 35-40 minutes, until topping is golden and cooked through.
Cool & Serve:
Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
Delicious Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole with visible chunks of chicken and sweet corn, a family favorite. Save
Delicious Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole with visible chunks of chicken and sweet corn, a family favorite. | dashnosh.com

This casserole is always the centerpiece at our Sunday get-togethers—it brings everyone running to the table, ready to dig in and share stories over a warm meal.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, skillet, whisk, spatula, and a 9x13-inch baking dish make this recipe a breeze to prepare.

Nutritional Information

Each serving delivers about 410 calories, 19g fat, 37g carbohydrates, and 23g protein.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.

A hearty casserole: imagine the warm, baked texture of the Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole fresh from the oven. Save
A hearty casserole: imagine the warm, baked texture of the Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole fresh from the oven. | dashnosh.com

Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole is delicious straight from the oven and just as good reheated the next day. Make it for your next gathering—it's sure to be a hit!

Kitchen Q&A

→ Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn kernels work well. Just cut them from the cob and lightly steam or sauté before adding to the filling.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt can be used as a tangy alternative to sour cream without altering the texture much.

→ How do I know when the cornbread topping is done?

The topping should be golden brown and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

→ Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate before baking. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

→ What side dishes pair well with this dish?

Crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables complement the casserole nicely.

Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole

A comforting dish combining tender chicken, sweet corn, and a golden cornbread topping for easy family meals.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
40 min
Complete Duration
60 min
Created by Tyler Morgan

Recipe Type Hearty Comfort Food

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Heritage Southern American

Output 6 Portion Size

Nutritional Categories None specified

What You'll Need

Chicken Filling

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
02 1 cup thawed frozen corn kernels
03 1 cup canned cream of chicken soup
04 1/2 cup sour cream
05 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
06 1/2 cup chopped celery
07 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
09 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cornbread Topping

01 1 cup yellow cornmeal
02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 1 tablespoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1 cup buttermilk
07 1 large egg
08 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Method

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Sauté Vegetables: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery; cook until softened, about 4 minutes.

Step 03

Combine Filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, corn, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.

Step 04

Assemble Filling: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Prepare Dry Cornbread Ingredients: Whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 06

Mix Wet Cornbread Ingredients: Whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter in another bowl until blended.

Step 07

Combine Cornbread Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 08

Top Filling: Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the chicken mixture, spreading gently to cover.

Step 09

Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cornbread topping is golden and fully cooked.

Step 10

Rest Before Serving: Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set flavors.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains wheat (flour), milk products (cheese, buttermilk, sour cream, butter), eggs, and chicken.
  • May contain gluten depending on cornmeal and baking powder sourcing.
  • Check canned soup label for possible soy or other allergens.

Nutrition Details (serving size)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 23 g