Cornbread and Chicken Thigh Casserole

Boneless chicken thighs and fresh vegetables are baked with a cheesy cornbread topping in this easy, family-friendly casserole recipe.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 319 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• cooking spray
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (8.5 ounce) package cornbread mix
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced, white parts and tops separated
• 1 ounce shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 (8 ounce) package carrots, sliced
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced, or to taste
• 0.25 cup water
• 0.5 cup water, or as needed
• 0.5 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bake in the preheated oven until browned and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 2

Transfer chicken and vegetable filling to the prepared casserole dish. Top with cornbread batter and smooth with a spatula. Don't worry if layer is thin.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2- to 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 4

Set aside 2 tablespoons cornbread mix and white portions of green onions for the filling.

Step 5

Make cornbread topping: Combine remaining cornbread mix with 1/2 cup water, Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese, and green portions of green onions in a large bowl; stir to combine. Add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until fully combined and a thick, spreadable batter forms. Set aside.

Step 6

Make chicken and vegetable filling: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, carrots, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, reserved white portions of green onions, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until chicken is no longer pink, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in reserved cornbread mix. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.