Chicken Tamale Casserole is like a mash up between tamales and a casserole it’s more easy to make cause you dont have to spend hours wrapping husks. It has shredded chicken, cornmeal, and spicy enchilada sauce all baked in one pan so it tastes amazing and you dont need a big mess in the kitchen. Its great for family dinners or for chill get togethers and you still get the tamale flavor but without all the hard work.
Casseroles have been on dinner tables forever theyre famous cuz you just toss stuff in a pan and bake its kind of magic. You can mix meats, veggies and sauces any way you want and clean up is easy with only one baking dish. People love casseroles cause they feel warm and cozy and they feed lots of folks at once. With Chicken Tamale Casserole you get the best of both worlds its simple but full of taste.
In this write up we gonna give you the full recipe for Chicken Tamale Casserole from the list of stuffs you need to the step by step do this dont do that and some smart hacks so it turns out just right. We will also show you how to switch things up if your picky or have special diet needs and what to serve with it and drink too. Even if you never cooked much before this guide will help you make a tasty casserole that people will love.
What is a Chicken Tamale Casserole?
Chicken Tamale Casserole is a cool dish that takes the idea of tamales made from masa and changes it so you bake it in a dish instead. You mix cooked chicken chunks with cornmeal or masa, add some tangy enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake it till its all warm and melty. All the flavors come together neatly, perfect for a easy weeknight dinner or a party with friends.
This dish comes from Mexican cooking where tamales are made with masa dough and different fillings wrapped in corn husks then steamed for hours. The casserole way skips the wrapping step and saves loads of time but still gives you that classic tamale taste. You dont have to sweat over husks just bake it.
Unlike the regular tamale form this casserole has same texture all the way thru and you can slice it nice for plates so serving is a breeze. Its also easy to tweak by swapping ingredients but still maintains that warm, comforting feel that casseroles are known for. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish is a delightful way to bring people together around the table.
Ingredients for Chicken Tamale Casserole
To make a solid Chicken Tamale Casserole youll need main things and some extra flavor boosts. Below is what to grab before you start.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken this is your protein.
- Cornmeal or masa: This makes up the doughy base like tamales.
- Enchilada sauce: Adds that zesty kick that holds everything together.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or a mix melts super good.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, cilantro or olives are nice adds.
Additional Flavorings
- Spices: Like cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder for extra taste.
- Vegetables: Diced onions, bell peppers, sweet corn to up the flavor and texture.
- Chicken broth or stock: To moisten the cornmeal and give more depth to the taste.
Cooking Directions
Putting together Chicken Tamale Casserole is pretty straight forward just follow these steps from start to finish and you wont mess it up.
Preparation Steps
- Step 1: Gather all your ingredients so you dont forget anything mid bake.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) make sure its nice and hot.
- Step 3: Cook and shred the chicken then season it with cumin and chilli powder or your fav spices.
- Step 4: Mix cornmeal or masa with chicken broth, eggs and spices till you got a smooth batter.
- Step 5: Layer the casserole: start with the masa mix in a greased pan, add chicken, pour enchilada sauce and sprinkle cheese, repeat and end with cheese on top.
Cooking Steps
- Step 6: Carefully put in layers so its all even or youll get a lopsided casserole.
- Step 7: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or till the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
- Step 8: Let it sit a bit after you take it out so it firms up then slice and serve with sour cream or cilantro.
Tips for Success
- To keep it moist you can cover with foil for the first half of baking.
- Change bake time if your dish is deeper or bigger or smaller for proper cooking.
- Marinate chicken a few hours first if you wanna really pump up the flavor.
Variations of Chicken Tamale Casserole
There are tons of ways to switch up your Chicken Tamale Casserole so it fits diets or tastes.
Vegetarian Options
If you want a veggie version swap chicken with black beans, pinto beans or quinoa add diced zucchini, mushrooms and spinach for more veggies.
Different Flavor Profiles
Add jalapenos or hot sauce if you like it spicy or put in sweet corn or bell peppers for a mild sweet side.
Dietary Accommodations
For gluten free pick cornmeal thats labeled gluten free you can also cut calories or go vegan style by using dairy free cheese and veggie broth.
chicken tamale casserole
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 casserole dish (3-quart)
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 grater (optional for cheese)
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken About 1 pound cooked chicken.
- 1 cup corn Frozen or canned.
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese Like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- optional sliced jalapeños
- optional avocado
- optional sour cream
- optional cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, corn, and enchilada sauce. Stir and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cumin. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the milk and egg mixture to form a batter.
- Pour the batter evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice into squares for serving. Optional: garnish with jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, or cilantro as desired.
