Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole

Featured in: Family Dinners

This comforting southern casserole combines shredded chicken, sweet corn, and a creamy, cheesy filling seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder. The dish is topped with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust made from cornmeal, buttermilk, and butter, baked until perfectly crisp. The balance of creamy texture and crunchy topping makes it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. Simple to prepare and hearty, it pairs well with fresh salads or steamed vegetables.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:41:00 GMT
Golden Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole with a crispy, flavorful cornbread topping baked to perfection. Save
Golden Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole with a crispy, flavorful cornbread topping baked to perfection. | griddleglory.com

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

My family loves when I make this cornbread chicken casserole on chilly nights. It reminds me of Sunday suppers in my grandmother's kitchen where comfort food was always at the center of our table.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Veggies:
In a skillet melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery and sauté until softened about 4 minutes.
Mix Chicken Filling:
In a large bowl combine cooked chicken sautéed onions and celery corn cream of chicken soup sour cream cheddar cheese garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper. Mix well.
Layer Filling:
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Mix Dry for Cornbread:
In another bowl whisk together cornmeal flour sugar baking powder and salt.
Mix Wet for Cornbread:
In a separate bowl whisk buttermilk egg and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just to combine (do not overmix).
Add Cornbread Topping:
Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the chicken mixture spreading gently to cover.
Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden and cooked through.
Rest and Serve:
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This image shows a freshly baked Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole; imagine the tender chicken and sweet corn filling. Save
This image shows a freshly baked Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole; imagine the tender chicken and sweet corn filling. | griddleglory.com

Everyone goes back for seconds when I bring this to a family potluck. It's one of those recipes that always sparks happy memories around the table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal. For a special touch, serve with a glass of lightly oaked Chardonnay.

Variations

Add 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives for extra color and flavor. Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 410 calories, 19 g total fat, 37 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.

A bubbling 9x13 dish of Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole, with a rich and savory chicken filling beneath. Save
A bubbling 9x13 dish of Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole, with a rich and savory chicken filling beneath. | griddleglory.com

This casserole brings comfort to any table and leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Cooking Questions

What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Shredded rotisserie or poached chicken provides tender, flavorful meat that blends well with the creamy filling.

Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?

Yes, adding diced roasted red peppers or chopped fresh chives enhances the flavor and texture.

What makes the cornbread topping golden and moist?

A mix of cornmeal, buttermilk, and melted butter creates a moist, golden crust when baked.

How do I avoid overmixing the cornbread batter?

Combine wet and dry ingredients gently and stir just until incorporated to keep the topping light and tender.

What side dishes complement this casserole?

Crisp green salads or steamed green beans pair well, balancing the richness of the casserole.

Is this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities?

Check the labels of cornmeal and baking powder for gluten content; use gluten-free alternatives if needed.

Southern Cornbread Chicken Casserole

Comforting southern casserole featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, and golden cornbread topping.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage Southern American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition specifications None specified

Components

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 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 melted unsalted butter

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Combine filling ingredients: 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.

Phase 04

Assemble filling: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Phase 05

Prepare dry topping mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Phase 06

Combine wet topping ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.

Phase 07

Make cornbread batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Phase 08

Top filling with batter: Spoon the cornbread batter over the chicken mixture and spread gently to cover evenly.

Phase 09

Bake casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.

Phase 10

Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Necessary tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (flour), milk (cheese, buttermilk, sour cream, butter), eggs, and poultry. May contain gluten depending on ingredient labels. Check canned soup for soy or other allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 23 g