Spring break is over but this just means that it’s the final stretch before I graduate!
I had a great time in Charleston, which is my favorite city in America, and it just inspired me from all of the Southern culture and food. For the record, it took me a long time to accept being southern because I am a born Northerner. Of course being raised by my small-town southern debutante mother has always caused me to be a bit southern. Despite being prideful of my Detroit heritage, I’ve come to accept the inevitable– I am southern. With a double name like Sara Ann, you had to know it was coming.
So maybe it’s the southern in me but I love me some good ‘ol cornbread.
When I got in my inbox from Betty Crocker a recipe for Southern Cornbread Casserole, so you know I had to try it. I think we ALL could use some more chicken recipes (it’s cheap and my favorite protein)!
To lighten this up, I took out the butter and egg all together in the cornbread topping. It may sound drastic but the creamed corn mixed with the cornbread mix (Jiffy Cornbread Mix is a must) is enough. I promise it’s good!
I also cut out a bit more of the sour cream and added some frrozen peas to make this casserole a nearly complete meal. Just serve it along side a small side salad and dinner will be ready to go!
Lighter Chicken Cornbread Casserole
adapted from Betty Crocker
serves 8
3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup light sour cream
1 cup skim milk
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper
1 and 1/4 cups chredded cheddar cheese
For the cornbread topping:
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn
1 tablespoon minced jalenpeno
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together chicken, garlic powder, sour cream, cheese, peas, and milk. Season well with salt and pepper. Por Mixture into the dish.
3. Make the cornbread topping in a seperate bowl by mixing together Jiffy, creamed corn, and minced jaleno until just incorperated.
4. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in center of topping and come out clean.
