Quick & Zesty Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this tantalizing chicken tamale casserole that blends Mexican-inspired flavors into one irresistible dish.

Layers of tender shredded chicken mingle with soft cornbread and zesty spices, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory elements that dance across your palate.

The casserole combines classic ingredients with a creative twist that turns ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Melted cheese blankets the top, adding a golden, bubbling finish that beckons hungry diners.

Weeknight meals rarely get this delicious or easy to prepare.

Dive into this recipe and savor a meal that brings warmth and excitement to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

Chicken Tamale Casserole Ingredients Checklist

• Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked meat providing rich flavor and easy shredding for instant protein boost.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and deepens savory essence of the dish, enhancing overall taste profile.

• Masa Harina: Traditional corn flour cornerstone of authentic Mexican tamale texture and authentic flavor.
• Coarse Kosher Sea Salt: Balances and intensifies overall taste, adding critical seasoning dimension.
• Granulated Sugar: Introduces subtle sweetness to complement savory elements.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, fluffy texture in dough structure.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle complexity.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy moisture and luxurious mouthfeel to dough.

• Frozen Corn: Provides natural sweetness and textural contrast, adding rustic authenticity.
• Roasted Poblanos: Introduces smoky heat and depth, adjustable to personal spice preference.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating creamy, stretchy layer with mild, smooth flavor.
• Chile Verde Enchilada Sauce: Adds tangy, zesty Mexican-inspired profile.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb garnish delivering bright, herbal note and visual appeal.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth throughout dish.

What Equipment You Need for Chicken Tamale Casserole

• Food Processor: Essential for blending masa dough and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Skillet: Perfect for cooking and heating chicken mixture evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Key for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like masa harina and broth.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for precise seasoning with salt, sugar, and spices.
• Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping cilantro and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.

Cooking Method for Chicken Tamale Casserole

• Oven Warmup

Set your oven to toasty temperature around 400°F and lightly grease a large baking dish.

• Chicken Magic

Blend shredded chicken with zesty sauce, fragrant herbs, and spices in a skillet. Simmer until everything mingles and warms beautifully.

• Dough Creation

Mix corn flour, seasonings, and cold butter in a food processor. Pulse in roasted peppers and corn kernels. Slowly add liquid until mixture becomes smooth and spreadable.

• Layering Symphony

Spread half the corn dough in baking dish. Sprinkle generous cheese, nestle chicken mixture on top, then cover with remaining dough and more cheese.

• Baking Transformation

Pour extra sauce over casserole and top with cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 10 minutes until edges turn golden and bubbly.

• Final Touch

Allow casserole to rest briefly after removing from oven. Scatter fresh herbs on top before serving hot and delicious.

Variation Ideas for Chicken Tamale Casserole Flavors

• Flavor Boost Technique: Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame or under the broiler to enhance their smoky depth before chopping and adding to the dough.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or sprinkling red pepper flakes over the top before baking. For a milder version, remove the seeds from poblano peppers when preparing.
• Veggie Transformation: Convert this into a vegetarian delight by replacing chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or a plant-based protein alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Leftover Love: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve Chicken Tamale Casserole Hot

• Festive Family Feast: Gather your loved ones around this hearty casserole for a delightful dinner that brings everyone together with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Fiesta Side Kick: Complement the dish with vibrant Mexican-inspired sides like a crisp cabbage slaw, fresh pico de gallo, or a zesty green salad to balance the casserole's richness.
• Creamy Cool Down: Top each serving with a dollop of cool sour cream or smooth Mexican crema to add a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy casserole, cutting through the dish's intense flavors.
• Spice It Up: Offer extra hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side for heat lovers who want to kick the spice level up a notch and personalize their meal.

Storage Advice for Chicken Tamale Casserole Meals

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover chicken tamale casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each bite even more delicious when reheated.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal for busy nights.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For individual servings, microwave 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir for even heating.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, then refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.

Creamy Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chicken tamale casserole delivers comfort and zest in one hearty dish. Creamy layers of seasoned chicken, corn tortillas, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, pulled
• 3 cups masa harina
• 3 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 3 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 ¼ cups (540 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, more if needed
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) chile verde enchilada sauce
• 12 tbsps unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
• 3 tbsps granulated sugar
• 2–4 tbsps roasted poblanos
• 2 tbsps cilantro for garnish
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsps coarse kosher sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for effortless release.
2. Craft Chicken Filling: Gently simmer chicken with broth, enchilada sauce, cilantro, and garlic powder over medium-low heat until flavors meld and the mixture is thoroughly heated.
3. Develop Tamale Dough: Pulse masa harina, seasonings, and cold butter in a food processor, incorporating roasted poblanos and corn until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually introduce chicken broth, blending until the consistency mirrors thick peanut butter.
4. Layer the Foundation: Spread half the tamale dough evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a robust base. Blanket with Monterey Jack cheese, then distribute the seasoned chicken mixture.
5. Complete the Casserole: Top with another layer of cheese, carefully spreading the remaining tamale dough to seal the filling completely. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce for complete coverage and sprinkle the final cheese portion for a golden, bubbling finish.
6. Bake and Rest: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the surface turns crisp and golden. Let the casserole rest briefly before garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving.

Notes

• Optimize Dough Consistency: Achieve a peanut butter-like texture by slowly adding chicken broth, ensuring smooth spreadability for perfect layer formation.
• Master Chicken Preparation: Simmer chicken with enchilada sauce and seasonings on medium-low heat to develop rich, harmonious flavor profiles.
• Prevent Sticking Technique: Lightly spray the baking dish to guarantee easy serving and seamless casserole removal.
• Cheese Layer Strategy: Distribute cheese between dough layers and on top for maximum melting and golden-brown crispy finish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg