Chicken Tamale Pie: A Comforting Casserole Everyone Will Love
If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying, Chicken Tamale Pie might just become your new favorite dinner recipe. This dish is currently trending all over Facebook—and for good reason! It’s a cozy casserole that combines classic Mexican flavors with an American twist, all baked into one easy-to-make meal.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With simple pantry staples and leftover chicken (or rotisserie chicken), this recipe comes together fast—and tastes like something from your favorite restaurant.
What Is Chicken Tamale Pie?
Chicken Tamale Pie is a baked dish that mimics the flavors of a tamale but skips the labor-intensive wrapping and steaming process. It has a moist, cornbread-like base made with cornmeal or cornbread mix, topped with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Once baked, it turns into a golden, cheesy, and slightly spicy pie you can scoop out and enjoy with a spoon or fork.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box of cornbread mix (like Jiffy)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of creamed corn
- 1 (4 oz) can of diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, green onions
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, milk, creamed corn, and green chilies. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until just set and golden on top.
- While it’s baking, mix the shredded chicken with half of the enchilada sauce.
- Once the cornbread base is done, poke a few holes in it using a fork. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top so it soaks in.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the cornbread layer, then sprinkle cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly, then serve with your favorite toppings!
Tips & Ideas
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add cooked black beans or corn kernels for extra texture.
- Spice it up with chipotle or hot sauce if you like heat.
Why It’s So Popular
People love Chicken Tamale Pie because it’s easy, budget-friendly, and customizable. It’s also great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal—less mess, more flavor!
FAQs
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cornbread base and topping separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Tamale Pie?
Absolutely. Cool it fully, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.
Q: What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work great.
Q: Is it spicy?
Not too spicy, but you can control the heat by adjusting the enchilada sauce or chilies.
