Quick & Tasty Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe to Wow Your Family

Chicken tamale casserole blends hearty Mexican-inspired flavors into a comforting one-dish meal that changes traditional ingredients.

Families adore this satisfying recipe for its rich, warming qualities and easy preparation method.

Home cooks appreciate how seamlessly the components integrate into a delectable ensemble of textures and spices.

Layers of tender chicken, soft cornmeal, and zesty seasonings create a harmonious culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Creamy cheese and vibrant sauce elevate this casserole beyond standard weeknight dinner fare, making it a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings.

The dish represents a perfect balance between convenience and gourmet sensibilities, offering maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Passionate food lovers will find this recipe irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to master.

Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe Highlights

• Revolutionize Comfort Food: This chicken tamale casserole transforms traditional tamales into an easy, one-pan meal that delivers authentic Mexican flavors without complex preparation, making homemade comfort food accessible for busy home cooks.
• Layered Flavor Explosion: The recipe builds incredible depth through strategic ingredient placement – masa base, cheesy chicken filling, and chile verde sauce create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate with every single bite.
• Quick and Customizable Weeknight Winner: Requiring just 40 minutes total cooking time, this casserole offers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort, allowing quick customization with extra toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños to match personal preferences.

What Goes into Chicken Tamale Casserole

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein base for the casserole, best when using shredded or diced chicken breast.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the chicken and tamale mixture.

• Masa: Corn flour that creates the traditional tamale texture, essential for authentic Mexican flavor.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide texture and natural sweetness to the casserole.
• Poblano Peppers: Mild, slightly spicy peppers that add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the masa mixture together.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a lighter, more tender texture in the masa.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a classic, aromatic flavor to the chicken and masa.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright, herbal note to the casserole.
• Chile Verde Sauce: Tangy and slightly spicy sauce that adds moisture and authentic Mexican flavor.

• Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess and richness to the casserole.

How to Cook Chicken Tamale Casserole at Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook Chicken Filling

• Chicken
• Broth
• Sauce
• Cilantro
• Garlic powder

Heat while stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Create Tamale Dough

• Masa
• Salt
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Pepper
• Butter
• Corn
• Poblano peppers

Process until a coarse meal forms. Add chicken broth and process until reaching a thick peanut butter consistency. Fold in remaining of corn.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Press half the tamale mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over the layer. Add chicken filling. Top with another cheese.

Step 5: Add Final Layers

Press remaining tamale dough on top. Pour chile verde sauce over the dough. Sprinkle remaining 1 cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chicken tamale casserole!

Tips That Make Chicken Tamale Casserole Better

• Maximize Moisture: Use fresh, high-quality chicken broth to ensure the casserole remains juicy and flavorful throughout baking.
• Blend with Precision: Process the masa mixture until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency, similar to peanut butter, for the perfect tamale texture.
• Layer Like a Pro: Spread each layer evenly to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every bite of the casserole.
• Cheese Distribution Trick: Sprinkle cheese between layers and on top to create melty pockets of deliciousness and enhance overall taste.
• Sauce Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality chile verde sauce to elevate the authentic Mexican flavor profile of the dish.

Store and Heat Up Chicken Tamale Casserole Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness. Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Freeze completely cooled casserole for up to 3 months, wrapping securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

What Matches with Chicken Tamale Casserole

• Sip Mexican Fiesta Margarita: Blend a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the spicy and rich flavors of the chicken tamale casserole. The citrusy and tangy notes will cut through the richness of the dish.
• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to refresh your palate between bites. The light, clean beer will balance the robust and spicy elements of the casserole.
• Serve with Zesty Lime Slaw: Create a simple cabbage slaw with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of salt to add a bright, crunchy side that contrasts the creamy casserole. This will provide a refreshing texture and flavor counterpoint.
• Drizzle with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Whip up a quick avocado crema with sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice to add a cool, smooth element that enhances the overall taste of the dish and provides a cooling effect to the spices.

Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe Alternatives

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Fusion: Replace poblano peppers with diced jalapeños and add chipotle powder for extra heat. Mix in black beans and corn kernels to enhance the southwestern flavor profile.
• Green Chile Chicken Alternative: Swap chile verde sauce with a homemade roasted green chile sauce. Incorporate shredded pork instead of chicken for a different protein option. Sprinkle queso fresco on top for authentic Mexican flair.
• Vegetarian Corn Tamale Remix: Substitute chicken with roasted butternut squash and sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone and extra protein.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Casserole: Replace traditional seasonings with oregano, basil, and feta cheese. Incorporate diced sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. Use ground lamb as a protein alternative for a Mediterranean twist.

Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chicken tamale casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one hearty dish. Cheesy corn mixture topped with tender chicken creates a delightful meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Base:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (454 grams)
• 2 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (14.75 ounces / 418 grams) cream-style corn
• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine chicken, broth, sauce, cilantro, and garlic powder, stirring periodically until ingredients are heated through.
3. Utilize a food processor to blend masa, salt, sugar, baking powder, pepper, butter, of corn, and poblano peppers into a coarse meal texture.
4. Gradually introduce chicken broth to the mixture, processing until it reaches a thick, peanut butter-like consistency, adding extra liquid if necessary.
5. Gently fold the remaining of corn into the tamale dough mixture.
6. Distribute half of the tamale dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
7. Sprinkle ¾ cup of cheese over the initial dough layer, then carefully spread the prepared chicken filling on top.
8. Add another ¾ cup of cheese atop the chicken filling for enhanced flavor.
9. Carefully press the remaining tamale dough over the cheese and chicken layer, creating a complete top covering.
10. Pour of chile verde sauce across the surface and distribute the remaining 1½ cups of cheese evenly.
11. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
13. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
14. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving to help it set.

Notes

• Master the art of creating a hearty Mexican-inspired casserole that combines the rich flavors of tamales with tender chicken in one easy-to-prepare dish.
• Ensure your masa mixture reaches a thick, peanut butter-like consistency by gradually adding chicken broth, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
• Layering is key: create a solid base with half the tamale mixture, add a generous cheese sprinkle, spread the chicken filling, and top with remaining dough for maximum flavor integration.
• Covering the casserole with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking helps retain moisture and prevents the top from burning while allowing the ingredients to meld together.
• Customize your dish by adjusting the heat level with different types of chile verde sauce or adding extra poblano peppers for a more intense, smoky flavor profile.
• Prep ahead by cooking the chicken filling and making the masa mixture in advance, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 348 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 76 mg