Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken tamale pie! This dish is a savory delight, bursting with layers of flavor and texture that just make my heart sing. Imagine a warm, golden cornbread crust enveloping tender, shredded chicken, ooey-gooey cheese, and a medley of spices that dance together in perfect harmony. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and I can’t get enough of it!
What I love the most about chicken tamale pie is how it perfectly balances that sweet cornbread with the savory filling. It’s like a fiesta for your taste buds! Whether I’m whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it a regular in your meal rotation!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience!)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade if you have it, for that extra depth of flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a kick!)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Chicken Tamale Pie
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your chicken tamale pie bakes evenly and rises perfectly. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference in achieving that beautiful golden crust!
Prepare the Cornbread Base
Now, let’s get our cornbread base ready. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s well mixed. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. When you mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones, do it gently! You want to combine them just until they’re moistened—don’t worry if there are a few lumps. That’s what keeps the cornbread light and fluffy!
Assemble the Layers
Now for the fun part—layering! Grease a pie dish with a little cooking spray or butter, and then spread half of your cornbread mixture into the bottom. Make sure to spread it out evenly! Next, layer on the shredded chicken and sprinkle the cheese over it. I like to use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor, but feel free to stick with your favorite! Pour the remaining cornbread mixture over the top, spreading it gently to cover all the delicious chicken and cheese. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every bite is just as tasty!
Bake to Perfection
Pop your pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary! The smell wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible, so be prepared to get a little excited as it bakes. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve!
Tips for Success
Oh, let’s talk about how to make your chicken tamale pie truly shine! Here are some of my favorite pro tips that I swear by to elevate this dish to the next level.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your pie will taste! If you can, opt for organic chicken and fresh spices. Homemade chicken broth really boosts the flavor, too! Learn more about the benefits of homemade chicken broth.
- Cheese Choices: Don’t be afraid to get adventurous with your cheese! While cheddar is a classic, mixing in pepper jack adds a delightful kick. You could also try crumbled queso fresco for a unique twist.
- Texture Matters: To get that perfect cornbread texture, avoid overmixing your batter. A few lumps are totally fine! This will help keep it light and fluffy, which is exactly what you want.
- Layering is Key: Make sure your chicken and cheese layers are evenly distributed. This ensures that every slice has the right balance of flavors. You can even sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking for a gooey finish!
- Spice It Up: If you like things spicy, feel free to add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken layer. It really amps up the flavor and gives it that authentic tamale vibe.
- Rest Before Serving: Patience is a virtue! Allowing your pie to rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps it set and makes it easier to slice. Plus, it’ll still be warm and comforting when you serve it!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the process of making your chicken tamale pie—it’s all part of the fun! Happy cooking!
Variations on Chicken Tamale Pie
One of the best things about chicken tamale pie is how versatile it can be! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting and cater to different tastes. Here are some fun variations that I absolutely love!
- Beef Tamale Pie: Swap the shredded chicken for cooked ground beef or shredded beef. Just season it with the same spices to keep that delicious flavor profile. It’s hearty and satisfying!
- Vegetarian Delight: For a veggie-packed version, replace the chicken with black beans or pinto beans and add in some sautéed bell peppers, corn, and zucchini. It’s a colorful and nutritious twist!
- Spicy Chicken Tamale Pie: If you’re a fan of heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the chicken mixture. It’ll give your pie a nice kick!
- Cheesy Mexican Corn Tamale Pie: Add some sweet corn kernels into the cornbread mixture for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. You can also mix in cream cheese or sour cream for added creaminess!
- Southwestern Chicken Tamale Pie: Mix in some roasted red peppers, green chiles, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning into the chicken. Top it off with a dollop of guacamole or salsa when serving for a fresh touch!
- Breakfast Tamale Pie: Why not make it a breakfast dish? Use scrambled eggs, cooked chorizo, and diced potatoes as the filling. It’s a fun way to enjoy this dish in the morning!
Feel free to experiment with your own ideas! The beauty of chicken tamale pie is that you can personalize it to match your cravings or what you have on hand. So, get creative and have fun with it—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve indulged in the warm, comforting goodness of chicken tamale pie, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing and reheating them properly is key to enjoying every last bite without sacrificing flavor or texture.
To store, allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days—though I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s just too good!
When it’s time to reheat, the best way to do so is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your slice of chicken tamale pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melty again. Wow, it smells so good!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual slices in the microwave. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it moist), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until it’s hot. Keep in mind, though, that the microwave might make the crust a tad softer than the oven method.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your chicken tamale pie for days to come, savoring those delicious layers of flavor like it’s the first bite all over again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note before you dig into this delicious chicken tamale pie! The nutritional information provided is a general estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like the type of chicken, cheese, and even the chicken broth can all impact the final nutritional profile. So, while I do my best to give you a good idea of what to expect, keep in mind that these numbers are not set in stone. Always feel free to adjust based on your preferences and dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken works great. Just make sure to thaw it first, either overnight in the fridge or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once it’s shredded, you’re good to go!
What can I substitute for the cornmeal if I don’t have any?
If you’re out of cornmeal, you can use a combination of all-purpose flour and some ground oats or almond flour for a gluten-free option. It will slightly change the texture, but it’ll still be delicious!
How can I make chicken tamale pie spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the chicken filling. You can also use spicy pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheese to amp up the flavor!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken tamale pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What should I serve with chicken tamale pie?
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or some zesty salsa. You could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that extra pop of flavor!
Chicken Tamale Pie for Savory Culinary Satisfaction
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory chicken tamale pie featuring a cornbread crust, layered with shredded chicken, cheese, and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vegetable oil.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spread half of the cornbread mixture in a greased pie dish.
- Layer the shredded chicken and cheese over the cornbread base.
- Pour the remaining cornbread mixture over the chicken and cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for added spice.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with black beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken tamale pie, tamale pie recipe, baked chicken pie
