Go Back
- Chicken and Sauce Components - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - Cornbread Batter Components - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup cornmeal - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 cup milk - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor) Gather these ingredients before you start. You will need cooked chicken and BBQ sauce for the main flavors. Corn kernels and cheese add texture and taste to the cornbread. All-purpose flour and cornmeal form the base of the batter. Baking powder helps it rise, while salt and sugar balance the flavors. Eggs, milk, and oil create the perfect batter. Smoked paprika adds a nice twist if you want a smoky taste. Using good quality ingredients makes the dish better. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor. 1. Preheating and Sheet Pan Preparation Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. 2. Mixing Chicken and BBQ Sauce In a medium bowl, take 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Add 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix until the chicken is well-coated. Set this aside for later. 3. Combining Dry Ingredients Grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika if you want a smoky flavor. This blend creates a tasty base for your cornbread. 4. Mixing Wet Ingredients In another bowl, mix 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to the cornbread. 5. Assembling the Dish Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in 1 cup of corn kernels and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the cornbread batter evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Use a spatula to create a slight well in the center. 6. Baking Time and Doneness Check Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture over the cornbread batter. Spread it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cornbread. It should come out clean when done. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy your delicious Sheet-Pan BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake! Avoiding Overmixing the Cornbread Batter When making cornbread, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing makes the bread tough. You want a light and fluffy texture. Stir until you see no dry flour. Then stop mixing. Ensuring Even Baking of the Cornbread To bake evenly, spread the batter flat on the pan. Use a spatula to make a slight well in the center. This helps the cornbread rise evenly and cook through without burning on the edges. Adjusting BBQ Sauce to Taste Your BBQ sauce can change the dish's flavor. Taste it before using. If it is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar. If too tangy, a little honey can help. Make it your own! Garnishing Ideas Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley. This adds color and freshness. You can also drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the top for a tasty finish. Serving Suggestions Serve this bake warm. Cut it into squares and place on plates. Pair it with a simple salad or coleslaw for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite! {{image_2}} You can easily change the proteins in this dish. Try using pulled pork instead of chicken. It adds a nice twist. For a vegetarian option, swap in tofu. Just make sure to press it to remove extra moisture. Another fun change is the BBQ sauce. You can pick from sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces. This lets you match the dish to your taste. A chipotle BBQ sauce can add a smoky kick, while a honey BBQ sauce brings sweetness. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. There are many good brands available. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and skip the cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. To keep your Sheet-Pan BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake fresh, follow these tips: - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Let the dish cool down before storing. Cut it into squares and place them in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing Options: You can freeze leftovers too! Wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them: - Oven vs. Microwave Tips: For the best taste, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the squares on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place a square on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking to see if it’s warm throughout. These methods will keep your meal tasty and enjoyable! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can make the cornbread batter and the BBQ chicken mix a day before. Just store them in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, spread the cornbread batter on the pan and add the chicken mixture. Bake as directed. You can check the cornbread by using a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the cornbread part. If it comes out clean, the cornbread is done. You should also see a nice golden brown color on top. Absolutely! If you have a homemade cornbread mix, go ahead and use it. Just follow the instructions for mixing. Then, add the corn and cheese as directed. This will give a lovely twist to the dish. This dish goes well with a simple salad. You can also serve it with coleslaw or baked beans. These sides add freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the bake. Enjoy your meal with your favorite drink too! This blog post covers the tasty Sheet-Pan BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake. I shared the key ingredients and each step to prepare this dish. You learned tips to get the best cornbread and ways to serve it nicely. We also explored ingredient swaps and storage tips, so leftovers stay fresh. Try this recipe to delight your friends and family. With these simple steps, you can make a dish that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!

Sheet-Pan BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake

Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner? Try this Sheet-Pan BBQ Chicken Cornbread Bake! Combining savory BBQ chicken with fluffy cornbread, this recipe is perfect for family meals or gatherings. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that pleases everyone. Click to explore this easy recipe and impress your loved ones with a delightful twist on comfort food!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornmeal

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

    In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, and smoked paprika (if using) until well combined.

        In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth.

          Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

            Fold in the corn kernels and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the batter.

              Spread the cornbread batter evenly onto the prepared sheet pan. Using a spatula, create a slight well in the center to help contain the BBQ chicken.

                Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture over the cornbread batter, spreading it evenly across the top.

                  Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

                    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.

                      Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

                        Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 8

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. You can also drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over each serving for added flavor.