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

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 5

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

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 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.