Easy BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe (With Cornbread)

BBQ Chicken Casserole is an easy dinner with shredded chicken, bbq sauce, corn, and green chiles topped with a simple boxed cornbread topping and a cheesy bbq swirl on top. This easy recipe uses simple, ready-to-use ingredients like canned items, boxed mixes, and already cooked chicken. 

For another family favorite BBQ recipe be sure and try this Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken – serve it like a sloppy joe on a bun for a yummy, easy dinner idea.

BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe With Cornbread Topping

This yummy casserole bakes up in one casserole dish in a 9×9-inch pan. With layers of bbq chicken, corn, green chiles, red onion, cornbread, and a bbq swirl it’s full of delicious flavor that is mild and something the whole family can enjoy. 

I love grabbing a rotisserie chicken and making this casserole for dinner – most the other ingredients are things that can easily be kept in the pantry, such as canned items and mixes, so it’s simple to make and an inexpensive dinner idea. 

How To Make Barbecue Chicken Casserole (Printable Recipe Card)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 

In a large mixing bowl, mix the shredded chicken with 1 cup of the bbq sauce, corn, diced green chiles, red onion, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. 

Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. 

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the Jiffy cornbread mix, whole milk, and large egg until combined. Spread the cornbread batter over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. 

Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup bbq sauce over the cornbread batter and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter. 

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top of the bbq swirled cornbread batter. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving it warm. 

How To Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator : Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
• Reheat Leftovers : If there is lots of leftovers, bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. 
• Freeze : Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, and then again in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. 

Substitutions and Ingredient Notes

• Chicken : Use up leftover chicken, a rotisserie chicken, or buy some ready-to-eat cooked chicken from the grocery store. The chicken can be shredded or chunked. 
• Red Onion : Any onion can be used such as yellow onion, sweet onion, or white onion. Red onion typically goes with the bbq flavors, but I actually usually prefer cooking with sweet onions; which is what I use in this recipe. 
• Corn : Use yellow corn, white corn, a gold n’ white corn mix, fire roasted corn, or even southwestern corn. There are lots of ways to switch it up if wanted. 
• Cheddar Cheese : Any variety of cheese can be used such as Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or any cheddar cheese such as mild, medium, or sharp. 
• BBQ Sauce : Use your favorite bbq sauce in this recipe because the flavor will really shine through in the casserole. If you prefer sweeter then choose a honey or brown sugar bbq sauce. If you want some spice then try using a spicy one, or use regular bbq sauce for that classic bbq flavor profile. 

Recipe FAQs

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time? 

Yes, you can prepare the casserole as directed and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Or you can set the casserole out at room temperature about 30 minutes before baking it to help it come closer to room temperature. 

​Are There Any Add-Ins?

Yes, you could add some finely diced bell peppers (any color works) into the chicken mixture. Another idea is to add a can of drained & rinsed beans; such as black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans are all good options. 

What Should I Add To Make It Spicy?

Use a can of chopped jalapeños instead of the diced green chiles, or you could use both of them! Pick out a medium or hot heat level of diced green chiles, use shredded Pepper Jack cheese, add some hot sauce in with the bbq sauce (in the chicken mixture and/or the bbq swirl on top). 

Serving Suggestions

• Salad : A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette, or use your favorite salad dressing, adds a refreshing side. 
• Vegetables : Steamed broccoli or green beans pair well with the flavors of the casserole and make for a more balanced meal. 
• Coleslaw : A tangy coleslaw complements the BBQ flavors and adds a crunchy texture. 
• Toppings & Garnishes : A dollop of sour cream is a good compliment to the bbq and cornbread flavors. Sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or sliced fresh jalapeños are other garnish ideas. 

More Casserole Recipes To Make For Dinner

• Easy Lazy Enchiladas Casserole
• Corn Dog Casserole
• Meatball Sub Casserole
• Ground Beef Tortellini Casserole
• Bubble Up Pizza Casserole