Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

If you’re craving cosy comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist, this chicken tamale pie recipe is precisely what you need! It’s a delightful fusion of classic tamale flavours packed into an easy-to-make casserole. Tender shredded chicken is nestled in a savoury, slightly sweet cornbread crust and smothered with enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings. The result? This a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to bring the bold flavours of Mexican-inspired cooking to your table.

What makes this chicken tamale pie recipe so great is its ease and adaptability. There’s no reason to spend hours wrapping individual tamales; this pie contains all the best flavours in a straightforward bake. You can go for convenience with rotisserie chicken, spice it up with jalapeños or make it mild for the whole family to enjoy. You can personalize the toppings with sour cream, avocado, salsa, or fresh cilantro and claim them as yours. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints!

Not only is this chicken tamale pie recipe delicious and fulfilling, but it is also great for meal prep. It reheats well, so leftovers are also delicious the next day. This recipe does everything if you need something comforting for a weeknight dinner or something festive enough for a crowd. Prepare to dig into layers of cornbread, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce, baked until golden!

Origins of the Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

The chicken tamale pie recipe is just the kind of genius hybrid dish that combines the vibrant flavours of authentic Mexican tamales with the convenience of a simple, satisfying casserole. Tamales have existed for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, who would lovingly wrap corn masa and fillings (including meats) in husks. Still, tamale pie is a modern American creation. Though it was popularized in early 20th-century Southwestern kitchens, this dish was born from the desire to capture the essence of tamales without the labour-intensive process. By baking a flavorful cornbread base and topping it with savoury fillings like shredded chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce, this recipe delivers all the comfort of tamales in a convenient, bake-and-serve format.

Why Chicken Tamale Pie is a Must-Try Comfort Classic

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bubbling, golden-brown casserole that’s just come out of the oven, and this chicken tamale pie recipe is no exception. It’s filling, soothing, and complex in flavour. The base is a lightly sweet, fluffy cornbread, contrasting nicely with the rich enchilada sauce and seasoned chicken. The dish is topped with a mound of melted cheese, making each mouthful gooey and flavorful. It’s the peak of family dinner that has a party vibe any night of the week.
A third reason this dish excels is its versatility. It welcomes your creativity! You could add jalapeños for heat, corn kernels for sweetness or black beans for additional protein and fibre. Serve it alongside guacamole, fresh salsa, or a sour cream and chicken tamale pie drizzle. This can also suit any occasion: weeknight meals, potlucks, game days and casual get-togethers.

Keys for Perfecting Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

To make your chicken tamale pie irresistible every time, follow these essential tips:

• Use Shredded Cooked Chicken:
  Rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time, but you can also poach or roast chicken breasts or thighs for a homemade touch.
• Flavor Your Cornbread Base:
  Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika to your cornbread batter for extra depth of flavor.
• Choose a Good Enchilada Sauce:
  A rich, smoky red enchilada sauce enhances the flavor tremendously. Homemade or high-quality store-bought options work great.
• Don’t Skimp on Cheese:
  Use a generous amount of melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for the perfect gooey topping.
• Rest Before Serving:
  Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set the layers and make serving easier.

Health Benefits of Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

While comfort food often gets a bad reputation, this chicken tamale pie recipe can be surprisingly balanced, especially when made with wholesome ingredients:

When you build your tamale pie with quality ingredients, you create a comforting meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

Chicken Tamale Pie: Comfort Food Made Easy

The beauty of this chicken tamale pie recipe is that it packs comfort, flavour, and ease into one glorious dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or laid-back gatherings with friends, with the savoury warm layers also open to your taste preferences. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead and makes terrific leftovers, reheating beautifully.
So, get out your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a dish as fun to make as it is to eat. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself repeatedly craving this hearty, cheesy, flavour-packed pie!

Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe From OoohDelish!

Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

A hearty and flavorful chicken tamale pie layered with fluffy cornbread, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course chicken

Cuisine Mexican-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Bowl — for preparing the cornbread batter
• 1 Whisk — for mixing batter smoothly
• 1 9×13 Baking Dish — to bake the tamale pie
• 1 Skillet — to prepare the chicken filling
• 1 Spatula — for spreading batter and filling
• 1 Oven — preheated to 375°F (190°C)

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup cornmeal — for the base layer
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour — for structure
• 1 tablespoon sugar — optional to balance flavors
• 1 tablespoon baking powder — for rise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — to taste
• 1 cup milk — for moisture
• 1 egg — for binding
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil — for moisture
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken — rotisserie or homemade
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce — homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup shredded cheese — cheddar Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
• 1/4 cup sour cream — for garnish
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro — chopped for garnish
• Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels — for extra texture
• Optional: 1/4 cup diced jalapeños — for spice

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, and salt.
• Add milk, egg, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
• Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the top is set but not fully cooked through.
• Meanwhile, in a skillet, warm the shredded chicken with half of the enchilada sauce. Stir to coat and heat through.
• Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the cornbread base.
• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
• Spoon the chicken mixture over the sauce, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the chicken layer.
• Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and optional toppings like jalapeños or avocado. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
• Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the filling.
• This dish freezes well! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Serve with fresh lime wedges, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Dig into every warm, cheesy, and comforting bite of this chicken tamale pie — a dish that brings family and flavor to the table. Bon appétit!

Keyword easy tamale casserole, Family Dinner Recipe, Mexican casserole

Delicious Variations of Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

One of the best things about the chicken tamale pie recipe is how versatile it is! Try these creative variations:

• Spicy Chicken Tamale Pie:
  Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo for extra heat.
• Vegetable-Packed Tamale Pie:
  Stir in black beans, sweet corn, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Cheesy Overload:
  Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella for ultimate gooeyness.
• Green Enchilada Version:
  Swap red enchilada sauce for tangy green sauce for a fresh twist.
• Mini Tamale Pies:
  Bake in muffin tins for individual servings—great for parties or meal prep!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Tamale Pie

To make your chicken tamale pie recipe absolutely foolproof, keep these pro tips in mind:

• Preheat the Oven Properly:
  A hot oven ensures the cornbread base bakes evenly and develops a nice golden crust.
• Spread Batter Evenly:
  Make sure the cornbread batter is spread smoothly to avoid uneven baking.
• Cover for Moisture:
  Cover the dish loosely with foil for the first half of baking to keep it moist, then uncover for a golden finish.
• Add Fresh Toppings:
  Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or avocado for fresh flavor and color.
• Serve with Lime Wedges:
  A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the rich flavors of the dish beautifully!

Conclusion

The chicken tamale pie recipe is the epitome of easy comfort food. With its crusty, golden cornbread base, flavorful shredded chicken, tart enchilada sauce and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to the table. It preserves the traditional character of tamales but serves it in a fraction of the time, which means it’s ideal for busy families or anyone who wants a belly-warming, heart-stopping dish.
The best part about this recipe is how much it can be adapted to your taste and what you have on hand. You can kick up the heat with jalapeños, pile it with veggies like corn or beans for even more nutrition, and load it with cheeses of various types. The sky’s the limit. It’s also an excellent make-ahead dish: It reheats beautifully and makes leftovers that taste as good as straight out of the oven.
Add this chicken tamale pie to your meal rotation, and you’ll never be without a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser on hand. Whether throwing a little dinner, bringing a side to a potluck, or just wanting to give your family a comforting homemade meal, this recipe never disappoints. So, preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, and relish each mouthful of this hearty, comforting classic!

FAQs : Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

Share Your Twist!

Have you tried making this chicken tamale pie recipe your own special way? Maybe you added sweet corn for extra texture, spiced it up with jalapeños , or made it extra cheesy for gooey perfection? We’d love to see how you bring your unique flair to this cozy, comforting dish!

Snap a photo of your homemade chicken tamale pie and share it in the comments!
Tell us about your favorite toppings, secret spice blends, or creative variations!
Tag us on social media and use #OoohDelishTamalePie for a chance to be featured on Oooh Delish!

Let’s share the warmth and creativity of this dish together and inspire tamale pie lovers everywhere! #ComfortFood #OoohDelish

References

Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe