Easy Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe: Family-Favorite Fiesta

Chicken tamale casserole brings comfort and excitement to dinner tables across many households.

Home cooks treasure this delightful dish for its rich, satisfying flavors and simple preparation method.

Mexican-inspired cuisines often feature complex layered meals that spark culinary creativity.

Warm, hearty ingredients combine to enhance ordinary weeknight meals into memorable dining experiences.

Skilled kitchen enthusiasts appreciate how easily this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Families love how quickly they can assemble these mouthwatering layers of goodness.

The blend of traditional and modern cooking techniques makes this casserole both nostalgic and innovative.

Chicken Tamale Casserole That Brings Big Flavor

• Savor Authentic Mexican Comfort: This casserole delivers a hearty, homemade twist on traditional tamales with layers of rich flavors and textures that transport you straight to a cozy Mexican kitchen.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for busy families, this one-dish wonder combines convenience with deliciousness, requiring minimal prep time and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: The recipe offers flexibility with potential variations like adding different peppers, adjusting spice levels, or swapping proteins to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Textural Delight in Every Bite: Experience a mouthwatering combination of creamy corn dough, tender pulled chicken, melted cheese, and a slightly crispy top that creates an irresistible sensory experience.

Ingredients That Make Chicken Tamale Casserole Stand Out

• Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked meat providing rich flavor and easy shredding.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the chicken's savory profile.

• Chile Verde Enchilada Sauce: Provides tangy, mild green chile flavor and moisture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb adding bright, citrusy notes and traditional Mexican garnish.
• Roasted Poblanos: Mild chile peppers with smoky undertones, adjustable for heat preference.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, concentrated garlic essence without fresh garlic texture.

• Masa Harina: Traditional corn flour essential for authentic tamale texture.
• Kosher Sea Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances other flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness to balance savory elements.
• Baking Powder: Helps dough rise and creates lighter, fluffier texture.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild, warm spiciness to the dough.

• Unsalted Butter: Cold butter creates flaky, rich texture in tamale dough.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that adds creamy richness.

• Frozen Corn: Sweet kernels providing texture and traditional tamale ingredient.

Step-by-Step Method for Chicken Tamale Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

• Crank your oven to 400°F
• Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish
• Coat the dish with cooking spray or butter

Step 2: Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken

• Shredded chicken
• Chicken broth
• Enchilada sauce
• Chopped cilantro
• Garlic powder

Cook over medium-low heat

Stir until everything blends and warms up

Step 3: Create Magical Tamale Dough

• Masa harina
• Salt
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Black pepper
• Cold butter
• Thawed corn
• Roasted poblano peppers
• Chicken broth

Add butter, corn, and peppers

Pulse until mixture looks coarse

Slowly add chicken broth

Mix until texture resembles thick peanut butter

Fold in remaining corn

Step 4: Build Layer By Layer

Press half the dough into baking dish

Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese

Add chicken mixture

Top with more cheese

Cover with remaining dough

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour remaining enchilada sauce over top

Sprinkle final cheese layer

Cover with foil

Bake 30 minutes

Remove foil

Bake additional 10 minutes until golden

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let casserole rest for few minutes

Garnish with fresh cilantro

Slice and enjoy your creation

Cooking Tips for a Great Chicken Tamale Bake

• Master the Masa: Ensure your masa dough isn't too dry or wet by checking its consistency- it should resemble thick peanut butter that holds together but isn't runny.
• Shred Like a Pro: Use two forks to pull chicken apart for the most tender, evenly distributed meat that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let cheese reach room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more evenly and create a gorgeous golden-brown top layer.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Roast poblano peppers beforehand to intensify their smoky flavor and add depth to the entire casserole.
• Moisture Matters: Cover the casserole with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then uncover to achieve a crispy, slightly golden top.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tamale Casserole Smoothly

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Best Pairings for Chicken Tamale Casserole Nights

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the rich, spicy flavors of the chicken tamale casserole with a classic margarita. The citrusy lime and tequila will cut through the richness of the dish, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican Slaw: Create a light, tangy side salad with shredded cabbage, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño. This crunchy accompaniment will balance the creamy texture of the casserole and add a fresh, vibrant element to the meal.
• Cool Down with Mexican Crema: Drizzle homemade or store-bought Mexican crema over the top of the casserole. Its smooth, slightly tangy flavor will provide a cooling contrast to the spicy and hearty dish, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Enjoy with Chilled Cerveza: Grab a cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Dos Equis to wash down the rich, cheesy casserole. The light, crisp beer will help cleanse the palate and complement the bold flavors of the dish.

Switch It Up with These Chicken Tamale Casserole Ideas

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace poblanos with chipotle peppers and add diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat. Mix in some cayenne pepper to intensify the spice level and create a bold, fiery version of the classic casserole.
• Vegetarian Mexican Comfort: Swap chicken with black beans and roasted sweet potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. Incorporate crumbled queso fresco for a protein-packed meat-free alternative.
• Green Chile Chicken Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles into the chicken mixture and sprinkle roasted green chile powder throughout the dough. Top with additional green chile sauce before baking to enhance the southwestern flavor profile and add a vibrant green color to the dish.
• Creamy Cheese Lover's Edition: Blend cream cheese into the chicken mixture and use a combination of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and pepper jack cheeses. Add a dollop of sour cream on top after baking to create an extra rich and indulgent casserole experience.

Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken tamale casserole blends rich, comforting flavors in one hearty dish. Layers of spicy chicken, creamy sauce, and tender cornbread create a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Protein and Base):

• 1 rotisserie chicken, pulled (about 4 cups)
• 3 cups masa harina
• 3 cups frozen corn, thawed, divided

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher sea salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 2–4 tablespoons roasted poblanos
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth, more if needed
• 1 cup chile verde enchilada sauce
• 3 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons cilantro for garnish
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Transform the chicken into a savory filling by simmering it with chicken broth, enchilada sauce, minced cilantro, and garlic powder over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed and harmoniously blended.
3. Create the tamale dough by combining masa harina, seasonings, and cold butter in a food processor, then pulse in roasted poblanos and corn until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually incorporate chicken broth into the dough, mixing until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency similar to peanut butter.
5. Construct the casserole’s foundation by spreading half the tamale dough evenly across the prepared baking dish.
6. Distribute a generous layer of Monterey Jack cheese over the initial dough layer, followed by the prepared chicken mixture.
7. Add another blanket of cheese, then carefully spread the remaining tamale dough on top to create a complete seal.
8. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the final dough layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle the last portion of cheese across the surface for a golden, melted finish.
10. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns slightly crisp and bubbly.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Embrace the ultimate comfort food that transforms traditional tamale ingredients into a hassle-free casserole.
• Adaptable recipe welcomes creative tweaks like adding jalapeños or swapping chicken for shredded beef.
• Freezer-friendly dish keeps well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic and aluminum foil.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg