Cozy Comfort: Hearty Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe for the Soul

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty chicken tamale pie that blends traditional Mexican flavors into a delightful one-dish meal.

Layers of shredded chicken, vibrant spices, and a golden cornbread topping create a mouthwatering experience.

The casserole combines tender meat with zesty seasonings and a rich, satisfying texture.

Bubbling with warmth and packed with protein, this dish promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory chicken and crisp cornbread crust.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing comfort classic.

Tamale Pie—How to Bake It Up Right

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick grease-up to prevent any sticky situations.

• Craft the Cornbread Foundation

Whip together your dry and wet ingredients for a dreamy cornbread base. Toss in some zesty green chiles and sweet corn kernels for an extra flavor punch. Mix until just combined – no over-stirring allowed!

• Bake the Base Layer

Pour that gorgeous batter into your prepped dish. Slide it into the oven and let it bake until it’s golden and set – about 20 minutes of pure anticipation.

• Create the Chicken Magic

Pull out your perfectly baked cornbread and go wild with a fork, poking little holes everywhere. Drench shredded chicken in spicy enchilada sauce and spread it generously across the surface. Shower the entire creation with a blizzard of melty cheese.

• Final Sizzle

Send the dish back into the oven for another 15-20 minutes. Watch the cheese transform into a bubbly, irresistible blanket of deliciousness.

• Serve and Celebrate

Let your masterpiece rest briefly. Top with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or creamy avocado if you’re feeling fancy. Slice, serve, and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Fun Flavor Upgrades You Can Try

• Let the cornbread base cool slightly before adding chicken topping to prevent soggy bottom and maintain crisp texture.
• Prepare cornbread base and chicken topping separately, then assemble and bake just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor intensity.
• Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive guests. Use shredded turkey or plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian version.
• Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce. Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for extra kick, or remove them completely for milder palate.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, queso fresco, or Mexican blend to create unique regional taste profiles and add personal culinary flair.

Best Ways to Plate This Comfort Classic

• Fiesta Family Feast: Serve this tamale pie as the star of a festive dinner gathering with friends and family.
• Tex-Mex Brunch Delight: Pair with a fresh mimosa or cold margarita for a weekend brunch that brings southwestern flavors to life.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller squares for an easy-to-share appetizer during sports watching parties or potluck events.
• Comfort Food Makeover: Top with extra toppings like diced jalapeños, fresh pico de gallo, or a drizzle of hot sauce for personalized heat and flavor.

Making It Work for Future Meals

• Store leftover chicken tamale pie in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigeration keeps the dish fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap individual portions or entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen tamale pie stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pie in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Add fresh cheese on top for extra moisture and flavor boost.
• Prepare cornbread base and chicken topping separately earlier in the week. Assemble and bake just before serving for quick weeknight dinner. Components stay fresh in separate containers for easy assembly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Inside the Dish: What Makes Tamale Pie Tick

• Cornmeal: Provides hearty texture and authentic southwestern foundation for the dish. Look for fresh, fine-ground cornmeal for best results.
• Flour: Helps bind the cornbread and create a tender crumb. Choose all-purpose flour for consistent performance.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements and enhances golden browning. Use white granulated sugar for clean sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Creates lift and ensures light, fluffy cornbread base. Check freshness for maximum rising power.
• Salt: Amplifies overall flavor profile and complements other ingredients. Use fine kosher or sea salt.

• Milk: Adds richness and helps create smooth cornbread texture. Whole milk works best for creamy consistency.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the base. Choose fresh, room temperature eggs.
• Butter: Delivers rich flavor and helps create tender crumb. Use unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.

• Green Chiles: Introduces subtle heat and southwestern character. Opt for fresh or canned roasted green chiles.
• Corn: Adds sweet bursts of texture and additional corn flavor. Fresh or frozen kernels work wonderfully.
• Shredded Chicken: Provides protein-rich main component. Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
• Enchilada Sauce: Infuses bold, spicy flavor to chicken. Choose red or green sauce based on preference.
• Cheese: Creates melty, golden topping for final delicious layer. Monterey Jack or cheddar are excellent choices.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh.

Everything You Need to Get It in the Oven

• 8×8 or 9-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for creating the tamale pie's base and final bake.
• Medium Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending cornmeal mixture and creating smooth batters.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Fork: Helps create holes in cornbread base for sauce absorption.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing and serving the pie.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading batter and mixing ingredients.

Hearty Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired “chicken tamale pie” brings zesty comfort straight from home kitchens. Creamy cornbread layers mingle with spiced chicken, delivering a soul-satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) canned cream-style corn (or regular corn kernels)
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps melted butter or neutral oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 (4 oz / 113 g) can diced green chiles, drained
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced green onions, avocado

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Instructions

1. Cornbread Foundation: Blend cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing vessel. Whisk milk, egg, and melted butter separately, then gently fold into dry ingredients. Incorporate green chiles and corn kernels until just combined.
2. Initial Baking Cycle: Transfer batter to a greased 8-inch or 9-inch round baking dish. Slide into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and roast for approximately 20 minutes until the surface turns golden and the base sets firmly.
3. Protein and Sauce Layer: Extract the partially baked cornbread and perforate the surface with a fork. Toss shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, spreading the mixture evenly across the cornbread foundation. Generously sprinkle cheese over the chicken layer.
4. Final Culinary Transformation: Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a luxurious, bubbly texture.
5. Presentation and Serving: Allow the tamale pie to rest for 5-10 minutes. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado. Slice and serve while warm, revealing the harmonious layers of flavor.

Notes

• Mix wet and dry ingredients minimally to prevent dense, tough cornbread base. Stir just until combined to maintain light, tender texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better cornbread absorption. Avoid overmixing to keep the base from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Swap shredded chicken with ground turkey, pulled pork, or black beans for dietary preferences or vegetarian adaptation. Ensure protein is pre-cooked and seasoned well.
• Adjust enchilada sauce and green chiles based on heat tolerance. Choose mild or medium sauce for family-friendly version, or add jalapeños for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg