The Foolish Chicken Cornbread Recipe
This Foolish Chicken Cornbread is a moist, buttery Southern classic with a hint of sweetness and a touch of creamed corn—perfect paired with crispy fried chicken or your favorite comfort meal.
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Category: Bread, Comfort Food
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 250 CALORIES
Foolish Chicken Cornbread
The Foolish Chicken Cornbread is exactly what it sounds like—a down-home, soul-food inspired cornbread that pairs beautifully with juicy, crispy chicken. If you’ve ever been to Foolish Chicken in Ottawa, you know this isn’t your grandma’s plain cornbread. It’s a little richer, a little sweeter, and a whole lot more comforting, reflecting Southern and soul food traditions with a modern twist that’s become a local favorite.
At its heart, this cornbread gets its magic from simple yet bold ingredients. Cornmeal forms the base, giving that familiar golden color and subtle corn flavor. What sets it apart is the addition of buttermilk, which keeps it moist and tender, and a touch of brown sugar to lend a gentle sweetness that balances perfectly against savory dishes. Sometimes, creamed corn or green chilies sneak in to add bursts of texture and a slight kick, making every bite a little more interesting. Butter isn’t just for flavor—it helps create that luscious, slightly crumbly crumb that feels like a warm hug.
When you dig into Foolish Chicken Cornbread, you notice immediately how it holds moisture without being heavy. It’s soft, but with a slight crusty edge if baked right—golden and inviting. The sweetness isn’t overpowering; it’s just enough to highlight the corn’s natural flavor and contrast with the salty, crispy chicken you usually enjoy alongside it. The warmth of the cornbread soaks up any juices or sauces, creating that melt-in-your-mouth moment that keeps you reaching for more.
People typically enjoy this cornbread alongside fried or rotisserie chicken—both of which Foolish Chicken is famous for. It’s the perfect companion to hearty BBQ ribs or even a tangy slaw on the side, making it a staple of family-style, comfort-driven meals. It’s the kind of dish that brings folks together around the table, where everyone can dig in and savor that satisfying mix of sweet and savory.
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare), store the cornbread wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a little butter to bring back that fresh-baked softness. Nutritionally, it’s a satisfying carb source with a bit of richness from butter and eggs, plus a hit of calcium and probiotics if buttermilk is used. Pair it with some protein-rich chicken, and you’ve got a meal that’s comforting without being over the top.
Some variations add jalapeños or swap creamed corn for whole kernels, giving the cornbread a little personality and spice. Others might go heavier on the butter or brown sugar, turning it into more of a sweet cornbread cake that’s excellent for breakfast or brunch.
From my experience, the trick is not to overmix the batter—you want just enough to bring everything together so it stays light and tender. Also, don’t skip the butter in the pan; it’s what makes the edges crisp up beautifully, adding that addictive contrast to the soft middle.
All in all, Foolish Chicken Cornbread is a dish that feels both familiar and special—a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something soulful and memorable. It’s a little bit Southern comfort, a little bit Canadian local charm, and a whole lot delicious.
If you’re ready to taste this magic at home, check out the recipe below and make your own Foolish Chicken Cornbread. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a fan favorite!
Recipe
This Foolish Chicken Cornbread is a moist, buttery, and subtly sweet Southern-style cornbread, perfect alongside crispy fried chicken or hearty BBQ dishes. With a tender crumb and a hint of creamed corn, it brings warmth and comfort to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium grind)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/2 cup creamed corn (optional, for moisture and sweetness)
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (optional, for a subtle kick)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously butter a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk and melted butter, mixing well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined; lumps are okay—avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the creamed corn and diced green chilies if using, mixing lightly to distribute.
- Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and optionally brush the top with a little melted butter for a shiny, rich finish. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Rated 4.9 by 173 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: Foolish Chicken Cornbread, southern cornbread recipe, cornbread with creamed corn, easy cornbread, buttery cornbread, comfort food, soul food bread, cornbread with green chilies, classic cornbread, baked cornbread
Published by: Crisprecipe
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Recipe Video
This is a video about Foolish Chicken Cornbread.
Servings
Serving Foolish Chicken Cornbread is all about complementing its buttery, slightly sweet richness with savory, bold flavors that bring the whole meal to life.
The classic way? Serve it hot and fresh alongside crispy fried chicken—the star of the show. The cornbread acts like a sponge soaking up the chicken’s juicy goodness, making each bite a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
For sides, think traditional Southern comfort vibes:
- Tangy coleslaw for crunch and brightness
- Creamy mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for extra indulgence
- Slow-cooked greens like collards or kale for a bit of earthiness
- Pickles or pickled jalapeños for a sharp, acidic contrast
- And a drizzle of hot sauce or a side of BBQ sauce to kick up the flavor
If you want to switch it up, the cornbread is also fantastic with rotisserie chicken or BBQ ribs. It’s versatile enough to pair well with stews or chili too, soaking up rich, spicy sauces like a dream.
For drinks, a cold glass of sweet iced tea or lemonade complements the meal beautifully, balancing the savory richness with refreshing sweetness.
In short, serve Foolish Chicken Cornbread warm, pair it with hearty, savory mains and fresh or pickled sides, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying, crowd-pleasing feast.
Tips
Here are some solid tips and recommendations from my kitchen experience that’ll help you nail this Foolish Chicken Cornbread every time:
Don’t overmix the batter. Cornbread batter should be mixed just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing can make it dense and tough, which kills that tender, buttery vibe you want.
Use buttermilk or a good substitute. The tang and acidity from buttermilk tenderizes the cornbread and adds depth. If you don’t have buttermilk, a mix of milk and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar works just fine.
Butter your pan generously. Especially if you’re using a cast-iron skillet, butter not only prevents sticking but also crisps up the edges beautifully, giving you that coveted crunchy crust.
Try adding creamed corn or corn kernels. It’s a game changer for moisture and adds little sweet bursts that make each bite more interesting.
Optional: toss in green chilies or jalapeños if you want a gentle heat. It balances sweetness nicely and adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
Bake until golden but don’t overbake. Cornbread keeps cooking once out of the oven, so pull it when a toothpick comes out clean but the top still looks soft and inviting.
Serve warm, and if reheating, add a dab of butter to keep it moist. Microwaving wrapped in a damp paper towel or reheating in a low oven works well.
Don’t skip the sugar entirely! A little bit of sweetness in cornbread is key to balancing savory sides like fried chicken or BBQ.
Finally, experiment a bit! Sometimes adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of honey can elevate the flavor. But always keep it simple and true to that moist, buttery core.
Try these out, and you’ll be serving Foolish Chicken Cornbread that people will keep asking for. Trust me, it’s worth the fuss.
Ingredient Substitutes
Ingredient swaps can come in handy if you’re missing something or want to tweak the recipe a bit. Here’s what you can do without losing that Foolish Chicken Cornbread magic:
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use it like buttermilk. Yogurt (plain, unsweetened) thinned with a bit of water or milk also works well.
Cornmeal: If you only have fine cornmeal, it’s okay to use that; just expect a slightly different texture — smoother and less crumbly. Polenta can substitute but will make the cornbread a bit coarser.
Brown sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, white granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses (or maple syrup) can mimic that rich sweetness.
Creamed corn: You can skip it if you want, or use whole corn kernels for texture instead. Canned or fresh both work. If unavailable, a bit of corn syrup (just a tablespoon) can add sweetness but won’t provide texture.
Butter: Margarine or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works, but butter adds the best flavor and richness.
Green chilies: If you want heat but don’t have green chilies, jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can substitute nicely.
Eggs: For an egg substitute, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, rested 5 minutes) or chia egg works in a pinch but might slightly change the texture.
All-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat flour, but expect a denser cornbread. For a gluten-free option, a gluten-free all-purpose blend works but might need a little extra moisture.
These swaps help keep your cornbread tasty and close to the original feel, so you’re not stuck if your pantry’s a bit bare!
Remarks
Foolish Chicken Cornbread strikes the perfect balance of moistness, buttery richness, and subtle sweetness—making it the ideal companion to any savory chicken dish. Follow the recipe closely, avoid overmixing, and bake until just golden for the best results every time.