Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
- 1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread or muffin mix (e.g., Jiffy)
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
- Green onions, sliced (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick spray. This ensures your tamale pie won’t stick to the dish and makes serving easier.
- Make the cornbread base: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Stir in the cream-style corn, muffin mix, and green chiles until you have a consistent batter. Pour this mixture into the prepared pie plate, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the cornbread layer: Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake until the cornbread sets and becomes lightly golden on top, about 20-30 minutes. The cornbread should be cooked through but still slightly moist.
- Prepare the cornbread for topping: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes randomly across the cornbread surface. These holes will allow the enchilada sauce to soak in, creating a moist and flavorful base.
- Add the first sauce layer: Drizzle about ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the cornbread layer, making sure it seeps into the holes you created. This adds moisture and flavor to the cornbread base.
- Prepare and add the chicken mixture: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, remaining enchilada sauce, and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Spoon this mixture evenly over the cornbread base, creating a uniform layer.
- Add cheese and final bake: Top the chicken layer with the remaining cheese, distributing it evenly. Return the pie to the oven and bake until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Allow the tamale pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, sour cream, or your favorite toppings before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the cornbread mixture or use hot enchilada sauce.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- This dish freezes well – prepare through step 6, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the cheese topping, and bake until hot and bubbly.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with 2 cups of black beans or a mixture of beans and corn.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg