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Delicious Chicken Tamale Casserole

Featured in Chicken & Turkey Done Right.

This quick Tex-Mex-inspired casserole layers cornbread, chicken, and enchilada sauce. Perfect for a no-fuss dinner, ready in only 50 minutes!
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:25:37 GMT
Baked casserole with chicken and cheese on top Pin it
Baked casserole with chicken and cheese on top | thefamilycooks.com

Experience the rich flavors of Mexico in this delicious Chicken Tamale Casserole. A family-friendly dinner that transforms classic tamale ingredients into an easy-to-make casserole, featuring sweet cornbread, seasoned chicken, spicy enchilada sauce and plenty of melted cheese.

This recipe was developed during a busy season when traditional tamale-making wasn't practical. The simplified version quickly became a family favorite.

Key Ingredients

  • Cornbread mix: forms the tamale-inspired foundation
  • Creamed corn: provides natural sweetness and moisture
  • Green chiles: adds authentic Mexican flavor
  • Rotisserie chicken: convenient protein option
  • Enchilada sauce: delivers traditional Mexican spices
  • Sharp cheddar: creates golden melted topping

Preparation Steps

Step 1:
Combine cornbread mix with creamed corn, diced chiles and honey until well blended.
Step 2:
Transfer batter to baking dish and bake until surface is lightly golden.
Step 3:
Pierce cornbread surface with fork tines and pour enchilada sauce evenly.
Step 4:
Spread shredded seasoned chicken in an even layer over sauce-infused bread.
Step 5:
Add cheese layer and bake until melted. Rest before serving.
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Chicken Tamale Casserole | thefamilycooks.com

Adding ground cumin to the chicken mixture enhances the authentic flavor profile - a tip from a Mexican cooking expert.

Serving Suggestions

Complement with traditional sides like Mexican rice, seasoned black beans, or fresh garden salad.

Advance Preparation

Prepare cornbread base and chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Complete final assembly before serving.

Garnish Options

Offer fresh avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges and Mexican crema as toppings.

Recipe Variations

Substitute chicken with beans and roasted vegetables for a meatless version.

Chicken Tamale Casserole Pin it
Chicken Tamale Casserole | thefamilycooks.com

This tamale-inspired casserole brings together traditional flavors in a modern format, perfect for casual dinners or special gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is the base supposed to be soft or firm?
It’s meant to be soft like corn pudding or tamale masa, not a sturdy cornbread.
→ Can I use something else besides chicken?
Of course! You could swap in black beans, pork, or even ground beef for a different spin.
→ How long do I need to bake it?
The cornbread bakes 20-25 minutes by itself, then another 15 minutes once topped.
→ What are good toppings for this dish?
You could add sour cream, fresh cilantro, a drizzle of salsa, or any other Tex-Mex extras you love.
→ What’s the point of poking holes in the cornbread layer?
This lets the sauce sink in, flavoring the cornbread layer beautifully.

Chicken Casserole Dish

A simple layered casserole made with cornbread, chicken, cheese, and Tex-Mex spices. All the great tamale taste but much faster to make.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Tex Mex

Yield: 9 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base layer

01 A 16-ounce pack of cornbread mix
02 3/4 cup of milk
03 One large egg
04 One 7-ounce can of green chiles, drained
05 A 14.5-ounce can of creamed corn, with the liquid

→ Topping and filling

06 3 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken
07 A 10-ounce can of green enchilada sauce
08 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, split into two portions
09 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
10 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Turn on your oven and spray a 9x13-inch dish with non-stick spray to prepare it.

Step 02

Grab a big bowl and stir together the cornbread mix, milk, egg, green chiles, 1/2 tablespoon of taco seasoning, and creamed corn. Spread this mixture evenly in the baking dish you prepped.

Step 03

Pop it into the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, until the cornbread is just firm and lightly golden on top.

Step 04

While you wait, take the chopped chicken and toss it in a bowl with the rest of the taco seasoning until everything's coated.

Step 05

Once the cornbread's done, poke holes all over it using a wooden skewer. Pour the green enchilada sauce on top so it soaks in, then add the seasoned chicken and both cheeses as the final topping.

Step 06

Put the dish back in the oven at 400°F for another 15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and turning golden brown around the edges. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before you slice it up and serve.

Notes

  1. The cornbread layer is meant to have a soft consistency, kind of like tamale dough.
  2. You can swap the chicken for black beans, ground beef, or even shredded pork.
  3. Tastes amazing with extras like fresh cilantro, salsa, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish (9x13-inch size)
  • A large bowl for mixing
  • A wooden skewer
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • A spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (like milk and cheese)
  • Includes eggs
  • The cornbread mix might have gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 502
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49 g
  • Protein: 33 g