Chicken Tamale Pie: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Mexican Dish

If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors, look no further than Chicken Tamale Pie. This savory dish brings together the best of Mexican cuisine, featuring tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a cornbread-inspired crust, all topped with gooey cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this Chicken Tamale Pie is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—made with a few pantry staples like corn muffin mix, taco seasoning, and canned green chiles—but the flavor is anything but basic. With layers of seasoned chicken, rich cream-style corn, and a crunchy, cheesy topping, each bite is a comforting blend of savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness. It’s a perfect marriage of tamales and a casserole, without the need for hours of preparation or complicated techniques.

Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or bringing it to a potluck, this Chicken Tamale Pie is versatile and adaptable to many dietary preferences. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy and Quick to Make – With minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
2. Flavor-Packed – The combination of taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and green chiles gives it a punch of flavor.
3. One-Pot Meal – It’s a complete meal with protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish.
4. Customizable – You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to fit dietary needs.
5. Kid-Friendly – The cheesy, cornbread topping and mild heat make it a hit with younger eaters.

Ingredients

• Fat-free milk
• Egg substitute
• Taco seasoning
• Ground red pepper
• Cream-style corn
• Corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
• Chopped green chiles (drained)
• Red enchilada sauce
• Shredded cooked chicken breast
• Shredded white cheese (like Raclette, or your preferred cheese)
• Cilantro
• Crumbled Cotija cheese (for topping)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for black beans or roasted vegetables for a meat-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Add more ground red pepper or a diced jalapeño to heat things up.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• Corn-Free Option: Use a different type of muffin mix or substitute cornmeal for a different texture.
• Low-Carb: Replace the cornbread topping with a cauliflower mash or skip the muffin mix entirely.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the fat-free milk, egg substitute, taco seasoning, ground red pepper, cream-style corn, and corn muffin mix. Stir in the drained chopped green chiles.

Step 2: Layer the Dish

Spread the cornbread mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with the shredded chicken breast.

Step 3: Add Enchilada Sauce

Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the chicken and cornbread layers.

Step 4: Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the enchilada sauce and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is cooked through.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Once baked, remove from the oven and top with fresh cilantro and crumbled Cotija cheese. Serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For a more authentic taste, use an authentic Mexican brand of red enchilada sauce.
• You can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
• Add more taco seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce to adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving so the layers set properly.
• You can substitute the egg substitute with 2 eggs if you’re not avoiding eggs.

How to Serve

Serve your Chicken Tamale Pie with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad. It’s also great paired with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for added richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble the pie, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of fat-free milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk or any milk substitute if you prefer.

2. What can I use instead of egg substitute?

You can use 2 regular eggs in place of the egg substitute.

3. Can I use fresh chicken?

Yes, fresh, cooked chicken breast works perfectly in this recipe. Simply shred it before adding.

4. How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more red pepper or jalapeños.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for black beans, tofu, or roasted veggies.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, any melty cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack would work well.

7. Can I use homemade cornbread mix?

Yes, you can use your own homemade cornbread mix in place of the boxed mix.

8. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The casserole should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.

9. Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish, just make sure to adjust the baking time.

10. Can I serve this dish with something else?

This pie is great with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a simple avocado salad.

Conclusion

Chicken Tamale Pie is the perfect balance of comfort food and bold flavors. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, and the leftovers (if there are any) taste just as good the next day. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

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