Oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat with this chicken tamale pie! This dish is like a warm hug wrapped in the comforting flavors of tamales but in a super easy pie form. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even if you’re just starting out! I love how effortlessly it comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. The combination of tender chicken, zesty salsa, and cheesy goodness topped with a fluffy cornmeal crust is simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this pie is sure to impress. So, let’s dive in and whip up this delightful dish together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned (drained if using canned)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (this adds a nice texture and flavor)
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind, feel free to spice it up!)
- 1 cup cheese, shredded (cheddar or a Mexican blend is delicious)
- 1 cup cornmeal (this gives the pie its delightful crust)
- 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat will do)
- 2 large eggs (these help bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to make the topping nice and fluffy)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for that warm, earthy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!)
How to Prepare Chicken Tamale Pie
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want to set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key because it helps your pie cook evenly and gives that lovely golden-brown crust we all crave. While it’s warming up, you can get everything else ready—multitasking is where the magic happens!
Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and salsa. I like to use a spatula or a big spoon to mix everything together gently. You want to make sure all those delicious flavors are evenly distributed, so don’t rush this step! It’s like throwing a little party in your bowl! Once it’s all mixed up, spread the mixture evenly in a greased pie dish. This is the hearty base of your tamale pie, and trust me, it’s going to be so good!
Prepare the Cornmeal Topping
In another bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, milk, eggs, baking powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. You want to mix until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps! This topping is what gives your pie that fantastic fluffy texture. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too runny, just a bit more cornmeal will do. You’re looking for a pourable consistency that holds together nicely!
Assemble the Pie
Now it’s time to layer it all up! Pour that lovely cornmeal mixture over the chicken filling in the pie dish, making sure it covers everything evenly. I usually start from the center and work my way out to the edges. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top—this is where the magic happens! It’ll melt and bubble, creating a cheesy, golden crown for your pie.
Baking Time
Pop your assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help everything set up nicely, and you won’t burn your tongue on that delicious, cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each slice of this scrumptious chicken tamale pie! You can expect about 320 calories, with 12 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein. It also has around 40 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so feel free to adjust based on your specific choices. Enjoy this hearty meal knowing it’s packed with flavor and goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously combines the flavors of tamales in a comforting pie form.
- Hearty and filling, making it a great family meal.
- Great for using up leftover chicken, minimizing waste.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices for added flair.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please everyone at the table!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken tamale pie turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip greasing your pie dish; this prevents any sticking disasters. Also, make sure your chicken is shredded finely so it mixes well with the other ingredients—big chunks can throw off the texture. When mixing the cornmeal topping, whisk it until smooth to avoid lumpy bits that could ruin that fluffy crust we’re aiming for. It’s also a good idea to check the pie at the 25-minute mark; ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overbake it! Lastly, let the pie cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set up so you can cut neat slices. Trust me, these little tips will make a big difference in your results!
Variations
One of the best things about this chicken tamale pie is how adaptable it is! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider trying different proteins like shredded beef or even ground turkey. For a vegetarian twist, black beans alone can do the job, or you might add some sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for extra color and nutrition. Feeling adventurous? Spice it up with some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to bring some heat! You could also swap out the cheese for a dairy-free version if you’re looking for a lighter option. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all about what you love, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken tamale pie is delightful on its own, but why not take it to the next level with some tasty sides? I love serving it with a refreshing side salad—think crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and maybe a zesty lime vinaigrette to brighten things up. You could also whip up some Mexican-style rice or black beans for a filling and hearty addition. And let’s not forget toppings! A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add that extra pop of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, some sliced avocados or a scoop of guacamole would be a fantastic way to elevate your pie experience. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover chicken tamale pie can be stored easily, making it a great option for meal prep! Just cover the pie dish with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to store it for longer, you can freeze the pie! Make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, and it should stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier topping, you can also warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy those delicious flavors all over again!
Quick chicken dinner ideas can help you find more recipes like this one!
Chicken Tamale Pie: A Simple 5-Step Comfort Recipe!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious chicken tamale pie that combines the flavors of tamales in a simple pie form.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, corn, black beans, and salsa.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased pie dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together cornmeal, milk, eggs, baking powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the cornmeal mixture over the chicken mixture in the pie dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quick preparation.
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies.
- Check the pie after 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken tamale pie, easy chicken recipe, tamale pie
