Jenny, Picky Palate, won the National Cornbread Cook-off in 2007 with this yummy recipe. It’s a winner because it’s just the right blend of spicy, crunchy, creamy goodness. I’ve made this several times and am posting my version so that I won’t have to try and remember my changes each time I make it. Be sure and stop by Picky Palate, one of my favorite sites, and checkout all of her fabulous recipes.
If the market doesn’t have cilantro, or if I’m just feeling a bit lazy, I’ll buy freeze dried cilantro. It’s quick and easy and you still get that great cilantro flavor. They usually have it in the produce section.
Chicken Taco Cornbread Wedges
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup salsa verde
- 1 cup tightly packed cilantro leaves or ½ cup freeze dried cilantro
Filling
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves or 2 T. freeze dried cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can 14 ½ oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel Original)
Crust
- 2 cups Marie Calender’s Cornbread Mix
- 1 cup milk
Toppings
- 1 ½ cup Colby & Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 3 cups shredded romaine
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine ranch dressing, salsa and 1 cup cilantro leaves in a small food processor or blender. Process until well blended. Cover and refrigerate.
- In 12-inch cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, and jalapeno pepper; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently.
- Stir in chicken, cilantro, salt, cumin, pepper and tomatoes with green chilies; cook 5 minutes. Remove from skillet. Wipe out skillet with paper towel; grease.
- In large bowl combined cornbread mix and milk. Pour cornbread mixture into skillet. Spoon chicken mixture over cornbread mixture; sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake at 400 degrees F. for 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into wedges. Top with romaine and tomatoes; drizzle with dressing.
Faith
I can absolutely see why this dish was a winner! It looks incredible! The dressing on top sounds so fresh and flavorful.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
That looks fantastic mum and I can definitely see why it won a prize! xxx
Heather
Wow that looks so good Barbara. I've already eaten dinner but just looking at this dish makes me hungry again.
Mags
What a fantastic recipe. It looks absolutely delicious!
Lo & Go
Its like a complete meal all on its own! No need for any sides! I love your photos too!
Cristie
I can see why this could become a family favorite. It sounds delicious, thanks for posting your version.
Barbara
No wonder that was a winner! Look at all the good stuff in it! And on it!
Baking Addict
That is amazing! Yum 🙂
my little expat kitchen
This is very different. I really like this recipe!
Magda
Lynda
Your photos are making me drool Barbara! I've bookmarked this dish as we adore tex mex food.
Barbara Bakes
Krista – I haven't tried it, but I think this recipe would work well in a 9×13 cake pan as well.
Katherine
WOW this sure is a winner! Great post!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
Oh my goodness, I'm dying for a bite of that!! MUST MAKE!
jo oliver
Stumbled and tweeted. This looks great. I can not wait to my next market trip so I can get the ingredients:)
Kim
Wow – this is one fantastic looking meal Barbara! I've had a craving for cornbread lately and I'd say this would definitely fit the bill 🙂 Definitely going to bookmark this one to make.
RecipeGirl
Yum! Everything about it looks great. Jenny has such creative ideas 🙂
The Double Dipped Life
I'm a little confused on these directions: "In large bowl combined cornbread mix and milk. Spoon chicken mixture over cornbread mixture; sprinkle with cheese."
Do we pour the cornbread mix into the skillet, and then top with the chicken and cook it in the skillet in the oven? What if I don't have a skillet? Would a casserole dish work?
THANKS!!
Jessica @ How Sweet
I haven't seen this on Jenny's site yet but it sounds so amazing!
Jenny
How fun Barbara!! I LOVE your pictures, I need to re-do my post for this recipe. Thanks for sharing this with your readers 🙂
Maria
Great meal idea. Extra cilantro for me please:)