Chicken Tamale Pie A TexMex Twist on Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hug in a bowl, luv? This Chicken Tamale Pie recipe Easy is proper comfort food. The savoury chicken filling and the sweet cornbread topping make this a dish you will have on repeat.

Brief Overview

This Tex-Mex casserole has roots in both American and Mexican cuisines. It’s a super easy bake, ready in under an hour! This recipe makes six generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or even meal prepping.

Main Benefits

It's packed with protein and a good source of fiber thanks to those black beans. Serve this at your next casual gathering.

The best thing? It feels special without needing loads of effort. It's a great way to use up that rotisserie chicken .

Craving some serious comfort food recipes ? Let's get started!

Chicken Tamale Pie A TexMex Twist on Comfort Food Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup or 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 teaspoon or 5g)
• 2 cups (approx. 300g) cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels
• 1 packet taco seasoning (approx. 2 tablespoons/30g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and taco seasoning.
• Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, combine milk, oil (or melted butter), and egg.
• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
• Grease a baking dish.
• Pour the chicken filling into the baking dish.
• Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the filling.
• Sprinkle cheese over the batter (if using).
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-30g

Fiber:5-8g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Tex-Mex

What Makes This Chicken Tamale Pie So Special?

Alright, you know I'm all about quick dinners. This easy tamale pie recipe ticks all the boxes. Think of it as a cornbread topped chicken casserole .

But honestly, it’s so much more .

It reminds me of my nan's one-pot chicken casserole , but with a Southwestern twist!

A Taste of Tex-Mex

This is a Southwestern chicken bake with a spicy soul. The filling has those classic Tex-Mex flavors that you can't help but to love.

It's all about making a dish that's flavourful and simple.

Ditching the Disasters: My Chicken Tamale Pie Story

I had to bake this chicken tamale pie a few times before I mastered it. My first attempt, the cornbread was rock solid.

I learned quickly not to overmix the batter! Now, it's a family favourite and a go-to for quick chicken dinner ideas .

Time to gather those ingredients. We're making some magic in the kitchen! Let's not forget that tamale pie variations are endless. Get creative with your favourite veggies and cheeses!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chicken Tamale Pie Adventure

Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs for this champion chicken tamale pie recipe easy . Honestly, it's so straightforward, even a bloke who can't boil an egg could manage it! Let's dive into the ingredients and tools you'll need to create this glorious Tex-Mex casserole .

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

This isn't rocket science, love. Get these bits, and you are sorted.

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Any will do, really.
• Onion: 1 medium one, chopped (about 1 cup/150g ). Brown or white, up to you.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (that’s about 1 teaspoon/5g ).
• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (300g) shredded. I nick a rotisserie chicken recipes easy from the supermarket, it's faster.
• Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz/425g) , drained.
• Diced Tomatoes & Chilies: 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) , undrained.
• Frozen Corn: 1 cup (150g) .
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (2 tablespoons/30g) . Or mix your own!
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, innit?
• Cornmeal: 1 cup (120g) .
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g) .
• Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) .
• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
• Milk: 1 cup (240 ml) .
• Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml) .
• Egg: 1 large.
• Cheese: 1 cup (100g) shredded, cheddar or a Mexican blend.

Chicken Quality: Now, the chicken is key. If you're using a rotisserie chicken recipes easy , make sure it looks plump and juicy.

Nobody wants dry chicken in their chicken tamale pie !

Seasoning Notes: Get That Tex-Mex Vibe

The taco seasoning is your shortcut to Tex-Mex heaven. But... don't be shy. A little smoked paprika? Ground cumin? Lovely! If you want tamale pie variations , experiment! This easy tamale pie recipe depends on good seasoning, so taste as you go!.

Equipment: Keep it Simple

Don't stress about fancy gadgets. This is a comfort food recipes , not Masterchef!

• Skillet: A big one, for the filling.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium size.
• Whisk: To mix the cornbread.
• Baking Dish: 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) . Or similar.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Of course!

You could absolutely use a wooden spoon instead of a whisk. And if you don't have a 9x9 pan, any similar sized one-pot chicken casserole dish will do the trick.

Don't sweat the small stuff! This is about a quick chicken dinner ideas, not perfection!. Now we just need to preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C) !

Whacking Up A Cracking Chicken Tamale Pie recipe Easy !

Honestly, you know? Sometimes you just need some proper comfort food recipes . I've been there, craving something hearty and Tex-Mex.

That's where this chicken tamale pie recipe easy comes in. It's like a big, warm hug in a dish, and it's easy enough even I can't mess it up.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Right, first things first. Let's get our ducks in a row. Chop your one medium onion (about 1 cup). Mince two cloves of garlic, about 1 teaspoon, and grab your two cups of shredded rotisserie chicken recipes easy .

Trust me, using pre-cooked chicken will save you a mountain of time. Drain and rinse one can of black beans.

Have one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies ready too! Organisation is key to a quick chicken dinner ideas , innit?

How To Craft A Bangin' Chicken Tamale Pie

1. Preheat: Crank that oven up to 375° F ( 190° C) . Get it nice and toasty.
2. Sauté the Goodness: Fry chopped onion and minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, until softened.
3. Add the Filling: Toss in 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of drained black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of corn, and 1 packet of taco seasoning. Simmer until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes .
4. Cornbread Magic: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of oil, and 1 egg . Pour the wet stuff into the dry and stir until just combined.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the chicken tamale filling into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Spread the cornbread batter over the top, and sprinkle with cheese, if you like. Bake for 30- 35 minutes , or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tips For A Cracking Tamale Pie

Don't overmix the cornbread batter, yeah? Overmixing will make the crust as tough as old boots. And honestly, using rotisserie chicken is a game-changer for time-saving.

Want to get fancy? Mix some cheddar cheese directly into your cornbread for that extra oomph . You can also make the southwestern chicken bake filling a day ahead and keep it in the fridge.

It's a fantastic Tex-Mex casserole and even better the next day! Remember this easy tamale pie recipe , it's one of my favorite tamale pie variations .

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Chicken Tamale Pie

Right then, let's talk about making this chicken tamale pie recipe Easy even better! Honestly, cooking is all about tweaking things to your liking, innit? Think of these notes as your cheat sheet to comfort food recipes bliss.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look and Taste Amazing

Presentation matters, love! For a southwestern chicken bake , a sprinkle of fresh coriander and a dollop of sour cream make all the difference.

How about adding a few sliced jalapeños for a bit of a kick? I personally love serving this easy tamale pie recipe with a simple green salad.

It balances out the richness perfectly. Grab a bottle of your favourite Tex-Mex beer!

Storage Tips: Saving Leftovers Like a Pro

Leftovers? If there are any! But seriously, this chicken tamale pie keeps well. Pop it in the fridge (covered, of course) for up to three days.

Wanna freeze it? Go for it! Just make sure it’s properly cooled first, wrap it tightly, and it'll be grand for up to two months.

Reheating? A gentle oven bake is best, but a microwave works in a pinch if you're proper knackered. Ensure pie reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) when reheating.

Variations: Putting Your Own Spin On It

Fancy a change? This cornbread topped chicken casserole is super versatile. If you're avoiding gluten, just swap the flour in the cornbread topping for a gluten-free blend. Job done!

Vegetarian? Chuck in some extra veggies like bell peppers and courgettes. It would also be amazing with chorizo! Or, if you're feeling really adventurous, try swapping out some of the chicken for cooked chorizo for a spicy chorizo tamale pie .

Oh my gosh, it’s divine!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body Right

Okay, let's not pretend this is a health food, but it's not all bad! Roughly speaking, you're looking at around 450-550 calories per serving.

It's packed with protein from the chicken, and you get some fiber from the black beans.

One thing I love about is how great it is for quick weeknight meal ideas - especially if you are using rotisserie chicken recipes easy .

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a hearty meal on the table in under an hour. This one-pot chicken casserole is also ideal for meal prepping.

So there you have it! Your ultimate guide to making the most of your chicken tamale pie recipe Easy . Don't be afraid to experiment, have some fun, and remember, cooking should be a laugh.

Bon appétit, my friend!