If you’re craving the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory, this BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole is about to become your new go-to family favorite. It’s everything you love about a classic barbecue dinner—juicy shredded chicken, tangy BBQ beans, and hearty cornbread—all baked together in one warm, satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or need a potluck hit that everyone will love, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
For more one pan meals check out my Smoked Cowboy Casserole, Grilled Pan Pizza or a Classic Grilled Sloppy Joe.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole
This BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole is the Ultimate Comfort Food Twist. It takes the comfort of Southern-style cornbread and gives it a bold BBQ twist. The base starts with tender, juicy shredded chicken mixed with saucy and sweet beans all layered under a fluffy, golden cornbread topping. As it bakes, the flavors meld together into a smoky-sweet masterpiece that’s impossible to resist. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with happy faces.
Even better? It’s simple to throw together. You can use leftover grilled or smoked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even meal-prepped chicken breasts. With a quick mix of pantry staples like corn muffin mix, eggs, milk, and a can of beans, you can have this bubbling in the oven in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients needed to make a BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole
- Chicken: use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken for this recipe.
- Beans: canned sweet baked beans with pieces of jalapeno for a little bite and crunch.
- Cornbread mix: I used a boxed cornbread mix for convenience.
- Cheese: shredded cheddar mix for that extra gooeyness.
- Jalapenos: sliced jalapeno rings for decoration and some heat.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole
- Use flavorful baked beans. A smoky, savory and sweet saucy beans complement the shredded chicken and cornbread perfectly.
- Mix in veggies for extra texture. Corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños add a delicious bite and color.
- Add cheese—always. A layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack makes it extra gooey and rich.
- Make it ahead. This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Prepare the ingredients
This BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole dish is a great way to use up leftovers. Grilled some chicken the night before or running late and need to get something on the table quickly? Get a rotisserie chicken and shred it.
That’s right, start by shredding already cooked, fried or grilled chicken. White meat, dark meat, all meat works.
Next, add a can of baked beans to the chicken, along with some shredded cheese and Dad’s All Purpose seasoning and mix the ingredients together. The saucy beans will add texture and moisture to the day old chicken.
And finally mix the cornbread ingredients. I like using a the boxed Famous Dave’s cornbread mix. It’s corny, sweet and perfect. However, if you have a favorite tried and true recipe, I recommend using that.
Pour the cornbread mix over the chicken and beans covering the top. DO NOT mix together.
Finally, cut up a few thin slices of jalapeno rings and add them on top. This not only serves as a decorative touch, but adds a slight hint of heat with each scoop.
Grill the BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole
One pan meals are a great way to make dinner fast with less mess. And that is exactly what this BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole does.
Preheat the grill to a medium 375 degrees and set the coals or gas for indirect heat. I used my Weber Searwood Pellet Smoker which added hints of smokiness to the dish. You can also make this in the oven at the same temperature.
The only ingredient that needs to cook in this recipe is the cornbread. Close the lid to the grill and let the meal grill or bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the cornbread is a nice golden brown color.
Serving Ideas
Serve your BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole with a side of coleslaw, pickled jalapenos, or a simple garden salad for a complete meal. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but the tangy crunch of slaw or pickles adds a great balance to the smoky sweetness.
And if you’re hosting a barbecue or tailgate, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that travels well—just bake it in a cast iron skillet or casserole dish, wrap it up, and serve it warm on location.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make with everyday ingredients. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, weekend gathering, or leftover BBQ remix, this casserole hits all the right notes: smoky, cheesy, and perfectly cozy.
So grab your skillet, preheat that oven, and bring the flavors of the grill indoors with this irresistible BBQ chicken cornbread bake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this in the oven or stove top? All my recipes can be replicated in the oven, stove top or gas grill. You do not need a big green egg or weber grill to replicate any of my recipes.
Can I use different protein for this a cornbread casserole Yes, any protein will work for this recipe. While chicken is the most common meat, leftover pulled pork is another great alternative. Already savory and smokey, the baked beans and cornbread are a great combo.
If you tried this BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the📝 comments. I love hearing from you!
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BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole
This BBQ Chicken Cornbread Casserole is a smoky, savory, one-pan comfort meal packed with bold flavor. Perfect for weeknights dinners.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword BBQ chicken cornbread casserole, easy BBQ casserole, comfort food recipe, family dinner ideas, Southern cornbread bake, BBQ chicken dinner, smoked chicken casserole, cheesy BBQ cornbread., grillin with dad recipes, grilling with dad recipes, one pan meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 406kcal
- 1 lbs Chicken
- 28 oz Baked beans can
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
- 1 pkg Cornbread mix
- 1 Jalapeno
Shred pre-cooked, leftover chicken and add to a cast iron skillet.
Add a can of baked beans, shredded cheese, all purpose seasoning and a can of baked beans. Mix the ingredients together.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornbread mix and pour it over the chicken and beans covering the top. DO NOT mix together.
Cut up a few thin slices of jalapeno rings and add them on top for decoration.
Preheat the grill to a medium 375 degrees and set it for indirect heat.
Place the one pan meal on the grill, close the lid and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is cooked and golden brown in color.
Scoop out a wedge, serve with some tangy side veggies and enjoy!
Use leftover chicken from the night before, get a store bought rotisserie chicken or grill up some chicken the night before.
For convenience, use a boxed cornbread mix. Quick, simple and saves time.
Add some diced veggies to the chicken and beans mixture for texture.
Don’t have a grill, no problem - bake it in the oven. Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 2165mg | Potassium: 1051mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 259mg | Iron: 4mg
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