Zesty Southwestern Chicken & Cornbread Pie
Indulge in the hearty flavors of our Zesty Southwestern Chicken & Cornbread Pie, a delightful fusion of tender chicken and zesty southwestern spices topped with a fluffy cornbread layer. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and is incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. With layers of sautéed chicken, black beans, corn, and rich tomato sauce infused with spices, each bite offers a delicious blend of savory goodness. Accompanied by warm flour tortillas and salsa, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it freezes wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy it later without losing any of its unique flavors. Customize the heat to your preference with jalapeños or substitute with green chilis for a milder version. Whether it's a cozy night or a festive occasion, this dish will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 (lbs, cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Black beans
1 (15 ounce can)
Whole kernel corn
1 (11 ounce can, drained)
Tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce can)
Chili powder
2 (teaspoons)
Ground cumin
1 (teaspoon)
Garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Dried chipotle powder
1/4-1/2 (teaspoon)
Shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
2 (cups, divided)
Corn muffin mix
1 (8 ounce package)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.
3
Stir in the black beans, drained corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and chipotle powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Once boiling, remove the skillet from heat and mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
5
Pour the chicken mixture into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
6
Prepare the corn muffin mix according to package instructions. Using a spoon, drop dollops of the batter evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
8
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Pair with warm flour tortillas spread with butter and a side of your favorite salad or salsa.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwestern Chicken & Cornbread Pie?
It is a hearty fusion dish featuring tender chicken, southwestern spices, black beans, and corn, all topped with a fluffy layer of golden cornbread.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long should I sauté the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed in vegetable oil for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2 1/2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the pie need to bake?
Bake the pie for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish freezes wonderfully, making it easy to enjoy at a later time without losing flavor.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe calls for one 15 ounce can of black beans.
Should the corn be drained?
Yes, you should use one 11 ounce can of whole kernel corn, drained.
What size corn muffin mix package is required?
An 8 ounce package of corn muffin mix is required.
How much cheese is needed in total?
The recipe requires 2 cups of a shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend.
How is the cheese divided in the recipe?
One cup of cheese is mixed into the chicken filling, and the remaining cup is sprinkled on top of the mixture before adding the cornbread.
What spices give the dish its southwestern flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and dried chipotle powder.
What type of oil is used for cooking the chicken?
The recipe suggests using one tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How do I prepare the cornbread topping?
Prepare the corn muffin mix according to its package instructions and drop dollops of batter evenly over the chicken mixture.
What are the suggested serving sides?
It is delicious paired with warm flour tortillas, butter, and a side of salad or salsa.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can customize the heat by adding jalapeños or using more or less chipotle powder.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken breasts should be cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
What type of tomato sauce is used?
Use one 15 ounce can of standard tomato sauce.
How do I know the cornbread is cooked through?
The cornbread is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
Can I substitute chipotle powder for something milder?
Yes, you can use green chilis for a milder version of the dish.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much ground cumin is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much chili powder is included?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chili powder.
When do I add the cheese to the filling?
Add 1 cup of cheese after the chicken mixture has reached a boil and has been removed from the heat.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Can I serve this with tortillas?
Yes, the instructions suggest serving with warm flour tortillas spread with butter.
Does the chicken mixture need to boil?
Yes, bring the chicken, beans, corn, and sauce mixture to a gentle boil to allow flavors to meld.
How should the cornbread batter be applied?
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the prepared batter evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the pie cool slightly after removing it from the oven to let the filling set.