Description
A bold, comforting twist on traditional tamales—without the wrapping or hours of steaming. This Chicken Tamale Pie layers cheesy green chile cornbread, tangy enchilada sauce, juicy shredded chicken, and melty cheese into a one-dish Southwestern favorite. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
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1 box cornbread mix (e.g. Jiffy, ~8.5 oz)
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1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
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1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (divided)
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1 egg
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⅓ cup milk (or per mix instructions)
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp chili powder
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1½ cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
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1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
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Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder
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Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, scallions, diced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: To 375°F (190°C).
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Mix Cornbread Batter: In a bowl, combine cornbread mix, egg, milk, green chiles, ½ cup cheese, and spices. Stir just until combined.
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Bake Cornbread Base: Pour into a greased 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until set but not fully browned.
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Poke & Sauce: Use a fork to poke holes all over the baked cornbread. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over top.
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Layer Chicken: Spread shredded chicken on top of the sauced base. Optional: toss chicken in a bit more sauce for added moisture.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese over chicken layer.
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Final Bake: Return to oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish & Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with cilantro, scallions, sour cream, or avocado as desired.
Notes
Don’t overbake the initial cornbread; it should stay soft to absorb the sauce.
Adjust spice level by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce.
Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with black beans, corn, and sautéed peppers.
Use different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for variation.
ahead: assemble fully, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Casserole
- Method: Baking / Casserole
- Cuisine: Southwestern / Tex-Mex