Saucy Chicken Cornbread Skillet

As we’re setting into our new year groove, I’m looking for meals we love, but haven’t made it onto the weekly menu in a while! Plus it’s a weekend of basketball and football so we were looking for some game day go-to’s! This dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy to assemble, and I can’t resist anything with a cornbread base! And the flavors have just enough spice and just enough sweetness to satisfy all tastes!

Ingredients

Base:

• One box corn muffin mix
• One egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels (or fresh)

Topping:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Colby jack)
• 1/2 cup diced scallions
• 3 tbsp chopped cilantro

Let’s Cook!

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• In a large bowl, mix the corn muffin mix, egg, melted butter, and milk until well combined. Stir in the corn kernels.
• Spread into a cast iron skillet that’s been coated with olive oil and bake in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes (or until golden brown).
• While the cornbread is in the oven, sauté the diced onion and pepper until soft.
• Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder and stir to combine.
• Mix in the chicken, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and brown sugar.
• Simmer until the cornbread layer is finished (about 5-8 minutes). Taste the filling and add salt and pepper to taste.
• When the cornbread is golden brown, remove from the oven and spread the chicken mixture over the top.
• Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven until the cheese is melted.
• Finish by topping the dish with scallions and some fresh, chopped cilantro.
• Cut into squares and enjoy!

I always like a little sour cream on the side in case I get a little heavy handed with the spices (I’m always thinking it just needs a little more). A tossed salad is the perfect side, as is some fresh, sliced tomatoes with a little drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

This comes together in 30 minutes or less and works for game day, busy weeknights, or pretty much any time!

Eat well friends!

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