Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Foolish Chicken Cornbread recipe! This dish masterfully combines the savory goodness of chicken with the delightful sweetness of cornbread, creating a comforting and satisfying experience. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even a special occasion. This easy recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, and it's sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
This recipe provides a delicious and healthy meal, easily adaptable to your dietary needs.
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Cornbread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
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For Assembly:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
Making the Cornbread:
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the cornbread batter. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the cooked chicken, corn kernels, and cheddar cheese.
Baking and Serving:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cornbread cool slightly before cutting and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Leftover cooked chicken, including rotisserie chicken, can significantly speed up this quick dinner idea.
- Add chopped jalapenos or green chilies for a zesty flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is a rough estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Foolish Chicken Cornbread recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both simple and satisfying. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and let us know how you liked it!