Contents

Flavorful & Easy Chicken Enchilada Cornbread Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Weeknight Dinner

4.50 from 2 votes

Chicken Enchilada Cornbread Casserole

By:

Julia Pacheco

This Chicken Enchilada Cornbread Casserole is a fantastic fusion dish that combines the zesty, savory flavors of traditional chicken enchiladas with the comforting, slightly sweet crunch of cornbread. It’s an incredibly easy weeknight dinner solution that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor, making it a favorite for busy families. The rich, creamy chicken filling, packed with beans and corn, is beautifully topped with a golden, fluffy cornbread crust, offering a delightful texture contrast in every bite.

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

30 minutes

Total:

40 minutes

Servings:

5
servings

Save Recipe
Saved Recipe

Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Gathering all your ingredients before you start cooking is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious casserole:

▢

1
tbsp
olive oil – A good quality olive oil will add a subtle richness to your chicken.
▢

1.5
lbs
cubed chicken breast – Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep time.
▢

2
tbsp
taco seasoning – Your favorite brand will work perfectly. Adjust to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
▢

1
can tomato sauce – This forms the base of our rich enchilada-style sauce.
▢

¼
cup
water – To help create the perfect sauce consistency.
▢

4
oz
cream cheese ,
softened – Crucial for that creamy, luscious texture in the filling. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy blending.
▢

1
can
drained and rinsed black beans – Adds fiber and a hearty texture. Rinsing helps remove excess sodium.
▢

1
can
drained corn – For a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Frozen corn can also be used; thaw and drain thoroughly.
▢

1
cup
shredded Mexican style cheese – A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses works best for flavor and melt.
▢

1
box
jiffy corn muffin mix – The secret to our easy, delicious cornbread topping!
▢

⅓
cup
milk – Any kind of milk will work here.
▢

1
egg – Helps bind the cornbread topping and gives it structure.

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful Chicken Enchilada Cornbread Casserole that your family will adore. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious meal even on the busiest evenings.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and the cornbread topping achieves that perfect golden-brown crust right from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cubed chicken breast. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is almost completely cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Next, stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, water, and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure the chicken finishes cooking and absorbs all those delicious flavors. The sauce should thicken slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Base. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Carefully pour the flavorful chicken sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to form the base layer of your casserole.
Step 4: Add Beans, Corn, and Cheese. Evenly distribute the drained and rinsed black beans and drained corn over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. These add great texture, flavor, and nutrition. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Mexican-style cheese generously over the beans and corn. While the casserole bakes, this cheese will melt into a gooey, delicious layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Topping. In a separate, smaller mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, milk, and egg. Stir these ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine for moist cornbread. Carefully spread this cornbread batter over the top of the cheese layer in the casserole dish. Try to spread it as evenly as possible to ensure even cooking and a consistent topping.
Step 6: Bake and Serve. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The filling should be bubbly around the edges. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. Top with your favorite enchilada toppings like sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor!

Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Chicken Enchilada Cornbread Casserole is easier than you think! Keep these tips in mind for a consistently delicious result:

Don’t Skimp on Browning: While you’re cooking the chicken, make sure to get some nice browning on it. This adds an extra layer of flavor through the Maillard reaction, which deepens the overall taste of your casserole filling.
Soften Your Cream Cheese: For a truly smooth and creamy chicken sauce, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and softened before adding it to the pan. Cold cream cheese will clump and be difficult to incorporate smoothly.
Even Cornbread Layer: When spreading the cornbread batter, take your time to ensure it covers the entire top of the casserole as evenly as possible. This prevents some areas from drying out while others remain undercooked, guaranteeing a perfectly golden and fluffy topping.
Check for Doneness: The cornbread topping should be a beautiful golden brown. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread; if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.
Rest Before Serving: It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the cheese and filling to set, making it much easier to cut into neat portions and preventing it from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Enchilada Cornbread Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few complementary sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Classic Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocado or a scoop of guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice are essential for that authentic Tex-Mex feel.
Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, add sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a dash of hot sauce, or a drizzle of your favorite salsa verde.
Fresh Sides: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the casserole, offering a refreshing contrast. A side of Spanish rice or refried beans would also be a fantastic addition to make it a more substantial meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to store it and some tips for preparing it in advance:

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked and cooled casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day of baking, assemble the casserole by adding the beans, corn, cheese, and fresh cornbread topping, then bake as directed. You could also assemble the entire casserole (without baking) and refrigerate it for up day to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about casserole recipes is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize your Chicken Enchilada Cornbread Casserole to your liking:

Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken? You can easily substitute it with ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded pork. Simply cook the meat and season it similarly before adding it to the sauce. For a vegetarian option, use extra beans (pinto or cannellini work well), add some sautéed bell peppers and onions, or incorporate plant-based ground “meat.”
Spicy Kick: If you prefer more heat, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the chicken as it cooks, or mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into your taco seasoning. A can of diced green chiles can also be added to the chicken mixture for a milder warmth.
Cheese, Please: While Mexican-style cheese blend is delicious, feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend with some pepper jack for extra zing. You can also add a sprinkle of cotija cheese after baking for a salty, crumbly finish.
Add Veggies: Boost the vegetable content by stirring in diced bell peppers, onions, or even some zucchini to the chicken mixture during cooking. Make sure to sauté them until tender before adding the sauce.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Factors such as specific brands, exact measurements, and optional ingredients can significantly alter nutritional values.

This Chicken Enchilada Cornbread Casserole is a vibrant, comforting, and incredibly satisfying dish that truly brings the best of Tex-Mex flavors right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or simply a hearty dinner to warm your soul, this recipe delivers. Its combination of tender, seasoned chicken in a creamy sauce, layered with beans and corn, and crowned with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread topping is simply irresistible. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the ease and deliciousness it brings to your table!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!