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Test Kitchen Approved

Chicken Tamale Bake

Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

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About

Chicken Tamale Bake transforms one of the most beloved traditional Mexican dishes into a simple and delicious casserole that you can make in 45 minutes or less. The base is a cheesy, spicy, and rich golden cornbread, and the topping is a flavorful, savory, and tangy chicken spread with even more cheese for good measure. Chicken Tamale Bake is a hot and hearty dinner that will make winter seem like a distant memory. Once you see the cheese stretch on this dish, you'll be stretching to get more!

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Ingredients

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 (14.75-ounce) can cream-style corn
  • 1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread/muffin mix
  • 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles, chopped
  • 1/3 cup milk, not skim
  • 1/4 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • For topping:
  • 2 cups chicken, coarsely shredded and cooked
  • 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 3/4 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • Optional garnishes:
  • green onions
  • tomatoes, chopped
  • avocado, chopped

Directions

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2 -Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 3 -In a large bowl combine the egg, corn, cornbread mix, green chiles, milk, and 1/4 cup of the Mexican cheese blend. Stir until the dry ingredients are just moistened.

Step 4 -Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5 -Bake until the mixture turns a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 15-18 minutes.

Step 6 -In a large skillet on the stove-top over medium heat, combine the chicken, enchilada sauce, cumin, and onion powder.

Step 7 -Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 8 -Spread the chicken topping over the cornbread.

Step 9 -Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 3/4 cups of Mexican cheese.

Step 10 -Bake until the cheese is melted, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 11 -Let the tamale bake stand for 10 minutes to cool.

Step 12 -Top with green onions, tomatoes, avocado, and serve hot!

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