- Corn tortillas (traditional, adds authenticity to the recipe)
- Diced tomatoes (rich in flavor and vitamins, essential for moisture)
- Green chilies (spicy and flavorful, adds a kick of heat)
- Chicken broth (keeps it moist and enhances the chicken's taste)
- Cheddar cheese (tasty and melty, great for topping or mixing)
- Corn kernels (sweet and crunchy, provides texture contrast)
- Canned black beans (provides fiber and protein, adds substance)
- Sour cream (for a creamy texture; also great as an alternative for vegan options)
- Seasonings:
+ Salt
+ Black pepper
+ Chili powder (optional but recommended for flavor)
+ Garlic powder (adds depth of taste)
+ Onion powder (improves the savory aspect of the dish)
- Optional Additions:
- Bell peppers (for color and extra nutrition)
- Jalapeño peppers (for an additional spicy kick)
This list includes all necessary ingredients for a delicious chicken tamale pie casserole, with SEO-friendly formatting to help with search engine optimization.
Steps
## Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe
Looking for a delicious and hearty dish that your family will love? Try this Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole! This recipe combines the rich flavors of traditional tamale filling with tender chicken in a creamy sauce, all topped off with a crunchy crust. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or any casual dinner.
### Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 cup cooked and shredded corn (canned or frozen)
- 2 cups tamale filling
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup chopped cooked chicken, reserved from the first step
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted (divided)
- 2 cups milk
### Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1. **Cook Chicken**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken strips until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.
2. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the corn, tamale filling, green chilies, diced tomatoes, sour cream, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, and the reserved chopped cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix well.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Crust
1. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. **Blend Wet Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter and milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing well.
3. **Combine All Ingredients**: Stir in 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese into the batter for extra flavor.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
1. **Preheat Baking Dish**: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and preheat it in your oven.
2. **Layer Filling**: Spoon half of the chicken tamale filling mixture into the greased dish, spreading evenly.
3. **Add Crust**: Pour the batter over the filling and smooth out the surface.
4. **Top with Cheese**: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese on top of the crust layer.
5. **Bake**: Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
#### Step 4: Serve
Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy this comforting casserole!
### Tips for Success
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before using it to avoid any foodborne illness.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven for perfect golden-brown results.
This Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole is not only delicious but also easy to make. Perfect for any gathering or as part of your weekly meal plan, this casserole will surely become a family favorite!