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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for effortless release.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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