Chicken Tamale Pie is a Mexican-inspired casserole that’s both comforting and convenient, offering the traditional flavors of tamales without the labor-intensive preparation. This dish layers succulent shredded chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, and a fluffy cornbread topping, making it a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Chicken Tamale Pie is a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins, such as black beans, corn, and peppers. It’s a hearty meal that combines the savory taste of tamales with the ease and simplicity of a casserole, sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Ingredients for Chicken Tamale Pie
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8.5-ounce) box cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 (14.75-ounce) can cream-style corn
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Steps for Chicken Tamale Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and green chiles. Spread evenly along the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- In a bowl, mix together the cornbread mix, milk, egg, cream-style corn, chili powder, and cumin until well combined.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the chicken and cheese layers, spreading it out to cover the filling completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the Chicken Tamale Pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired.
In conclusion, Chicken Tamale Pie is a delightful fusion dish that brings together the essence of Mexican tamales with the convenience of a casserole. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients such as cooked and shredded chicken from a roast or rotisserie chicken will provide the best flavor and texture. Combining a variety of cheeses can add depth to the dish, while spices like chili powder and cumin offer an extra kick of flavor. The cornbread topping adds a sweet contrast to the savory filling, making for an irresistible combination. This casserole is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion where comfort food is on the menu.