Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

BBQ Chicken & Cornbread Casserole (Sweet, Smoky & Easy Dinner)

Sarah Smith
Nov 25, 2025
3 min read

A slice of cheesy cornbread pie with pulled meat and corn lifted from a skillet. Garnished with barbecue sauce and herbs, set on a table.

This BBQ Chicken & Cornbread Casserole is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and cozy comfort. Tender shredded chicken is mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce, corn, and a little red onion, then topped with a rich, cheesy cornbread batter that bakes into a golden, fluffy crust. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and very little cleanup — ideal for busy weeknights or potluck-style gatherings.

To balance the heartiness, this casserole pairs well with fresh, simple sides like Creamy Coleslaw or a chilled Broccoli Bacon Salad for extra crunch and freshness. And if you love finishing the meal with something warm and homemade, try serving it alongside no-bake Oreo Truffles or a cozy Classic Apple Crisp for the perfect sweet ending.

It’s a hearty, comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special without being complicated, a true Cozy Home Recipes favorite.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 28–35 minutes Total Time: 40–45 minutes Servings: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Layer

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
½ cup black beans, drained & rinsed (optional)
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Cornbread Topping

1 box Jiffy cornbread mix (8.5 oz)
1 large egg
⅓ cup milk
¼ cup sour cream
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: 1–2 tbsp honey for a sweet cornbread crust

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken layer

Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a mixing bowl, stir together: shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, black beans (optional), and red onion.
Spread evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.

2. Mix the cornbread topping

In another bowl, whisk together: cornbread mix, egg, milk, sour cream, melted butter, and honey (optional).
Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

3. Assemble & bake

Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the chicken layer.
Bake for 28–35 minutes, until the cornbread is golden, risen, and fully set in the center.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.

4. Serve

Spoon into bowls or cut into squares. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and top with green onions or jalapeños.

FAQ — BBQ Chicken & Cornbread Casserole

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s tender, flavorful, and ready to use.

2. Can I swap the boxed mix for homemade cornbread?

Absolutely — any cornbread batter will work. Just keep the quantity similar to one boxed mix.

3. Does this casserole freeze well?

Yes. Bake it fully, let it cool, then wrap it tightly. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Reheat at 350°F covered with foil.

4. Can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or use a spicy BBQ sauce. Pepper jack cheese also adds a kick.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble the chicken layer and cornbread topping separately, refrigerate, then pour the batter on top right before baking.

6. How do I prevent the cornbread from getting soggy?

Make sure the chicken mixture isn’t overly saucy. If you're using a very thin BBQ sauce, reduce the amount by 2–3 tablespoons.

7. What size pan works best?

A 9×13 baking dish gives the best ratio of chicken to cornbread. You can also use a deep 9×9 for a thicker cornbread crust.

8. What can I add for extra flavor?

Smoked paprika
Crispy bacon
Diced green chiles
A drizzle of honey or extra cheese on top

9. How long do leftovers last?

Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F.