Rainy Day Chicken & Kielbasa Skillet with Cornbread Topping
When the rain rolls in, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s smoky, savory, a little spicy, and pure comfort in a skillet. Tender chicken, smoky kielbasa, and colorful veggies simmer together under a golden, honey-kissed cornbread topping. The whole dish bakes in one pan, filling the kitchen with warmth and that unmistakable “something good’s cooking” feeling.
It’s simple, hearty, and totally BombDiggity!
- Author: Jules
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: Casserole
Ingredients
Filling
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½ pound diced chicken
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½ pound sliced kielbasa
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1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
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1 diced onion
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1 diced bell pepper
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon cumin
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
Cornbread Topping
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1 cup cornmeal (freshly milled popcorn cornmeal if you have it)
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½ cup flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon honey or sugar
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1 egg
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¾ cup buttermilk
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2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional: sliced jalapeños for topping, honey or sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
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In a large cast iron skillet, sauté the diced chicken until browned and cooked through. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 2–3 minutes more until lightly browned.
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Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer together for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the filling.
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In a medium bowl, mix the cornbread topping ingredients until just combined. (You can also use half a boxed cornbread mix if you prefer.)
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Pour the batter evenly over the filling, spreading gently to cover. Top with sliced jalapeños if you like a little heat.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cornbread is golden and set.
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Serve warm, drizzled with honey or topped with sour cream if you’re feelin’ fancy.
It’s smoky, savory, just a little spicy, and totally bombdiggity.