If you are craving comfort food with a bold twist, this Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe is your new go-to dish. It perfectly combines the warmth of classic cornbread with the rich, spicy flavors of a chicken tamale filling, all topped with melted cheese that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe’s creamy texture and zesty kick make every bite a celebration of Tex-Mex goodness that’s both simple and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of those comforting classics you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list—each one essential for building those wonderful layers of flavor and texture. From the sweet softness of cornbread to the savory, spiced chicken filling, every element plays a key role in creating an unforgettable dish.
- Cornbread mix (1 box, 8.5 ounces): The base of the tamale pie, giving you that tender, golden crust.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the cornbread mixture for perfect structure.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Adds moisture, ensuring the cornbread stays soft and not dry.
- Creamed corn (1 can, 15 ounces): Contributes creamy sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Diced green chiles (1 can, 4 ounces): Brings a gentle heat and a touch of smoky flavor.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and depth to the spice mix.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides the essential warm spice note that awakens your palate.
- Shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): The hearty protein that makes this pie filling irresistible.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives the filling a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Enchilada sauce (1 cup, red or green): Binds the chicken mixture together and infuses bold Mexican flavors.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese (1 1/2 cups): Creates a beautifully melty, golden topping.
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions (optional): Fresh, vibrant garnishes that brighten every bite.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix the cornbread mix, egg, milk, creamed corn, diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder just until combined. This batter will be delightfully thick with pockets of sweet corn and a mild kick from those green chiles. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes, until the top feels set but still has a slight give—this will make sure the cornbread isn’t overcooked before layering the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
While the cornbread bakes, combine the shredded cooked chicken with sour cream and enchilada sauce in a bowl. This blend creates the creamy, spicy heart of your tamale pie. The enchilada sauce lends that classic, tangy heat, while the sour cream softens the spices, resulting in a perfectly balanced filling that’s both rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Layer the Filling and Cheese
Once the cornbread base is ready, remove it from the oven and gently pierce the surface all over with a fork—this helps the chicken mixture sink in and meld with the cornbread beneath. Spread your prepared chicken filling evenly over the cornbread layer. Then, sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese generously on top, promising that delicious melty finish that crowning a perfect tamale pie.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Return your assembled pie to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots. This final bake melds all the layers together, creating a creamy, spicy, cheesy delicacy that’s just waiting to be devoured. Let the pie rest for about 5 to 10 minutes to firm up slightly before slicing—this makes serving easier and lets those flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this creamy chicken tamale pie from delicious to next-level delightful. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of herby freshness, while sliced green onions contribute a mild bite and vibrant color. These little touches don’t just make the dish look pretty—they provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy pie beneath.
Side Dishes
This hearty tamale pie pairs wonderfully with simple, light sides to balance its richness. Consider serving it alongside a cool avocado salad, some zesty salsa, or even a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides refresh your palate and complement the complex layers of flavor without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try baking the tamale pie in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personal servings that are charming and practical. Another idea is to serve slices topped with dollops of guacamole or a drizzle of sour cream for a creamy finish. You could also offer a variety of hot sauces on the side, letting everyone spice their slices just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store leftover pieces in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture. The flavors even deepen a bit after resting overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze the tamale pie whole or in portions. Wrap the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place pieces in freezer-safe containers, then store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing this dish is a great way to have a comforting meal ready any time without extra fuss.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is soft and melty again – usually around 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but reheating gently helps preserve the pie’s creamy texture and keeps the cornbread from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of creamed corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will add a lovely texture and a natural sweetness, but you may want to add a little cream or milk to keep the mixture moist since fresh corn does not have the same creaminess as canned creamed corn.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the shredded chicken for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use seasoned beans such as black beans or pinto beans for a protein-rich vegetarian version.
Can I use regular cheddar cheese instead of Mexican blend?
Regular cheddar will work just fine; it melts well and offers a sharp flavor. However, the Mexican blend typically includes a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Queso Quesadilla, which gives a more authentic taste and creamier texture.
What’s a good substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, adding creaminess with a slight tang while being a bit lighter. Just use the same amount and taste to adjust if needed.
How spicy is the Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe?
The dish offers a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the diced green chiles and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice by choosing hot or mild enchilada sauce or adding extra chili powder or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe is truly one of those comforting dishes that makes any meal feel special. Its perfect balance of creamy textures, bold spices, and cheesy goodness is sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s straightforward, delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around the table!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie is a comforting Tex-Mex casserole featuring a moist cornbread base topped with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, sour cream, enchilada sauce, and melted Mexican blend cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines the hearty flavors of tamales with the convenience of a casserole, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Cornbread Mixture
- 1 (8.5-ounce) box cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Chicken Topping
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Make the Cornbread Base: In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, milk, creamed corn, diced green chiles, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Partially Bake the Cornbread: Bake the cornbread mixture for 20 minutes, or until the top has set but is not fully cooked through. This creates a sturdy base to hold the chicken topping.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: While the cornbread is baking, mix the shredded cooked chicken with sour cream and enchilada sauce in a bowl until well combined.
- Add Chicken Layer Over Cornbread: Remove the partially baked cornbread from the oven and pierce it all over with a fork to allow steam to escape. Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the cornbread base.
- Top with Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chicken layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the tamale pie to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter alternative.
- Adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce or using a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Serve with sides like avocado slices, fresh salsa, or a crisp green salad to complement the dish.
