Southern Comfort BBQ Chicken Pot Pie with a Cornbread Crown

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience that marries the smoky charm of barbecue chicken with the heartwarming embrace of a classic pot pie, all crowned with a golden, cheesy cornbread topping! This spectacular BBQ Chicken Pot Pie with Cornbread is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that brings the joyous flavors of summer grilling right into your kitchen, no matter the season. Imagine a hearty, savory filling brimming with tender BBQ chicken, robust baked beans, and sweet fire-roasted corn, nestled beneath a deliciously moist and cheesy cornbread crust. It’s a dish designed to delight your taste buds and warm your soul from the inside out, making it an instant family favorite.

For many, barbecue chicken is synonymous with sunny days and backyard gatherings. What if you could capture that irresistible taste and transform it into a cozy, family-friendly casserole perfect for any day of the week, especially when the weather outside is less than inviting? Our Cornbread BBQ Chicken Pot Pie does exactly that. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Say goodbye to cold weather blues and hello to a casserole that feels like a warm hug, full of those comforting, barbecue-inspired notes.

As the mercury drops and we seek solace in warm meals, my kitchen often becomes a haven for hearty baking. While I adore the vibrancy of summer, the chilly months inspire a different kind of culinary creativity. This BBQ Chicken Pot Pie is a perfect example of how to “winterize” a beloved summer classic. Instead of braving the elements to fire up the grill, we bring the barbecue indoors, ensuring that robust, smoky flavor is present without the chill. The addition of cornbread not only makes this dish unique but also adds a delightful southern touch that truly elevates its comfort factor.

Every spoonful of this pot pie is a celebration of contrasting yet harmonious textures and tastes. It begins with perfectly grilled chicken, shredded and lovingly mixed with a medley of flavorful ingredients. The smoky sweetness of baked beans, the delicate char of fire-roasted corn, and the subtle crunch of green bell pepper create a dynamic base. And then, the star of the show: a generous topping of cheesy cornbread that bakes to a golden perfection, sealing in all the goodness beneath. This dish is designed to not just fill your stomach but to also lift your spirits, reminding you of sunnier days with every comforting bite.

Crafting Your Indoor BBQ Chicken: The Heart of the Pot Pie

No need to bundle up and face the cold; this recipe allows you to achieve that irresistible grilled chicken flavor right in your kitchen. We utilize a combination of cooktop searing and oven baking to ensure the chicken is juicy and infused with barbecue goodness. For the best results, start with boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or breasts. A grill pan or an indoor electric grill are fantastic tools for this step, as their ridges help excess fat drip away, mimicking the char and quick cooking of an outdoor grill. If you don’t have either, a regular cast iron skillet will also work wonderfully to get that initial sear and flavor development.

Before grilling, simply brush both sides of your chicken with a touch of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, place it on your preheated grill pan or skillet. The magic truly begins when you start basting. Generously brush each side of the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce as it cooks. We find that a St. Louis-style barbecue sauce, known for its perfect balance of sweet and smoky notes, complements this dish exceptionally well, adding depth and that signature BBQ tang. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside, usually about 5-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

The Delectable Filling: A Symphony of Flavors

Once your BBQ chicken is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and easily shred it using two forks. This creates tender, bite-sized pieces that will meld perfectly with the other ingredients in your pot pie filling. But the chicken is just the beginning of this incredible flavor profile. We then introduce a few key components that elevate the dish from good to extraordinary.

First up are the baked beans. Far from being a mere side dish, a can of barbecue-flavored baked beans brings a wonderful smoky, sweet, and robust base to the pot pie. We particularly enjoy using BUSH’S® Southern Pit Barbecue Grillin’ Beans® for their rich flavor and perfect texture, but any quality barbecue baked beans will do. These beans contribute a satisfying creaminess and an essential “barbecue” authenticity that ties the whole dish together.

Next, fire-roasted corn. This ingredient is a game-changer! While regular canned or fresh corn works, fire-roasted corn adds a subtle char and depth of flavor that complements the barbecue theme beautifully. It infuses a festive, summery sweetness that cuts through the richness of the beans and chicken. Finally, a diced green bell pepper is added, offering a fresh, crisp texture and a mild, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness and smoke. Mix all these ingredients with the shredded BBQ chicken and a generous amount of your remaining barbecue sauce until everything is thoroughly combined and coated in that luscious sauce. This creates a filling that is incredibly flavorful and wonderfully satisfying.

The Golden Crown: Cheesy Cornbread Topping

The crowning glory of this BBQ Chicken Pot Pie is undoubtedly the cheesy cornbread topping. It transforms a simple chicken and bean casserole into something truly special and distinctly southern. The cornbread bakes into a tender, moist crust that perfectly complements the savory filling below. For convenience and speed, we recommend a simple box cornbread mix, which, with a clever hack, can be made extra moist and delicious. Feel free to use your favorite homemade cornbread recipe if you prefer, but the boxed mix ensures a quick and easy weeknight meal.

To enhance the flavor and add an irresistible richness, we incorporate shredded cheddar cheese directly into the cornbread batter. This results in a topping that is not only moist and slightly sweet but also wonderfully savory and cheesy, creating a delightful texture contrast with the filling. Spoon this cornbread mixture evenly over the chicken and bean filling in your prepared baking dish. As it bakes, it will turn a beautiful golden brown, forming a protective and delicious lid over your hearty pie.

Versatility in Baking and Serving

This BBQ Chicken Pot Pie recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While a standard 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for family-sized portions and easy sharing (like giving one to a loved one!), you can also adapt it to suit your needs. For individual servings, bake the pot pie in ramekins – perfect for personalized comfort. Alternatively, if you have a large, deep ovenproof skillet, you can cook your chicken, mix your filling, and then top it with cornbread all in the same pan, minimizing cleanup. This makes it an ideal option for busy evenings or for entertaining guests without a mountain of dishes.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and heartwarming appeal. It’s like all the best parts of comfort food and barbecue have converged into one harmonious, satisfying recipe. This simple casserole proves that dinner doesn’t need to be elaborate to be incredibly pleasing to everyone at the table. It’s a hearty, tummy-filling meal that’s equally suitable for a casual family dinner or for impressing company. The blend of savory chicken, sweet beans, and cheesy cornbread is an undeniable winner, offering a unique twist on a classic pot pie that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ready to try this amazing BBQ Chicken Pot Pie? Here’s everything you need to know to create this incredible dish. This recipe promises a burst of flavor and a warmth that truly hits the spot, especially when you’re yearning for that taste of summer during colder months. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary and utterly delicious.

Recipe originally shared December 14, 2016.