This moist, hearty cornbread casserole can be made with chicken for a main dish or without for a delicious side dish!
I happen to be a big fan of corn casserole. It’s a lot like cornbread, which I love, but there is even more corn in it, so that’s clearly a win. This week, I wondered if I could turn cornbread casserole into a main dish because this would (1) save time, and (2) allow me to eat a bigger portion! I decided that adding chicken would be enough to make it into an entree, so I set out to do just that. 
I considered stirring in more ingredients to fancy it up a bit more like diced jalapeños, green onions, or a more nutritious vegetable than corn. Then I remembered my sweet, wonderful, angelic children, the precious children who don’t eat most foods. I decided if I wanted to stand a chance of getting them to eat this dish, I had best keep it simple. 
This easy cornbread casserole is moist, hearty, and delicious. To be honest, the chicken didn’t add a whole lot except protein. I certainly didn’t mind it being in there, but this casserole would be just as great as a traditional corn casserole side dish. The recipe is a winner, but the chicken is very optional!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | -5 |
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 c. sour cream or plain yogurt reduced fat is fine
- 14 oz. can creamed corn
- 11 oz. can Mexicorn drained
- 8.5 oz. box cornbread mix
- 1/2 c. shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Ingredients
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- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a square baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add diced chicken, sprinkle with chili powder and salt, and sauté until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, whisk together egg and yogurt in a medium bowl. Stir in creamed corn, Mexicorn, cornbread mix, and cheese until just combined. Stir in cooked chicken.
- Spread cornbread mixture into prepared baking dish, and bake in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until center is set.
If you would like a cheesier casserole, sprinkle another 1/2 c. cheese over the top for the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Glenda says
I was wondering what size of pan to use? You mention a square dish—-so do you mean an 8 X 8? If you double the recipe could you use a 9 X 13? Thanks for the info!!!
Andi says
Hi, Glenda! Yes, I used an 8×8 dish, but doubling it in a 9 x 13 would be perfect. Thanks!
Cari says
I plan to make this for my church banquet and was wonder how many servings does this recipe make?
Andi says
Hi, Cari! I’m so sorry I missed this question earlier, and I hope I’m not too late. I would double or triple the recipe to take to a potluck. It makes about four dinner-sized servings. Thank you!
Kelly says
This casserole looks great Andi! I love the idea of adding chicken to make this into a complete meal – sounds delicious – pinning:)
Andi says
Thanks, Kelly!
Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
My mom had a wonderful recipe for corn casserole! It’s one of my favorites – and usually makes an appearance at a holiday or two! We all love it! It’s quite different from yours – so I’m looking forward to trying this one!
I wish I had come up with the idea of adding the chicken! Mmm … and I think some peppers and onions would be fantastic! YUM!!! :)
Andi says
What is your mom’s like? It is probably fancier and doesn’t use cornbread mix, but you can’t beat shortcuts like that for a quick weeknight dinner sometimes! Peppers and onions would be really good. There’s a lot that could be added to this basic version, but I wanted to make it as kid friendly as possible :)
Cate @ Chez CateyLou says
This looks delicious! I loooove corn casserole around Thanksgiving – I don’t know why I forget about it the rest of the year! I need to try this recipe – the chicken makes this a perfect dinner!
Andi says
Thanks so much, Cate! I’m the same way with forgetting about corn casserole. I hope you like it with the chicken addition. Thanks so much for stopping by :)
Zainab @ Blahik Baker says
What a great idea!! Adding chicken definitely makes this a wonderful dinner. Love it! Pinned :)
Andi says
Thank you, Zainab! I’m so glad you like it!
Liz says
Thanks Andi. All your recipes are so nice. Have a Happy Weekend!
Andi says
Your comments always brighten my day, Liz. Thank you!