Pin it
Easy & Gooey Chicken Tamale Casserole turns classic tamale tastes into a no-fuss family meal. This filling dish mixes juicy chicken and sweet cornbread topped with tangy enchilada sauce and stretchy cheese for a cozy dinner that'll bring the whole family running.
I first whipped this up when my kid wanted tamales on a hectic weeknight. This speedy version was such a success that the family now asks for it more than the traditional version.
Key Components
- Cornbread mix: forms the tasty tamale-inspired foundation
- Creamed corn: brings wetness and natural corn sweetness
- Green chiles: add gentle spice and authentic taste
- Rotisserie chicken: cuts prep work but keeps the flavor intact
- Enchilada sauce: soaks the cornbread with Mexican zest
- Sharp cheddar: makes a mouthwatering melty topping
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1:
- Combine the cornbread mix with creamed corn, green chiles, and a bit of honey. The honey works to cool the spice and boost the corn's natural sweetness.
- Step 2:
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and cook until barely done. You want a slightly golden top that's still soft enough to poke.
- Step 3:
- Use a fork to make holes all over the warm cornbread. Then pour enchilada sauce across the top so it can sink into those holes.
- Step 4:
- Spread the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the sauce-filled cornbread. Make sure it's spread out well so each bite has chicken.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle lots of cheese on top and bake again until it's all bubbly and melted. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting.
Pin it
My neighbor from Mexico told me adding a tiny bit of cumin to the chicken makes it taste more like real tamales. Now I can't make it without this little trick.
Great Side Dishes
Try it with a side of Mexican rice, warm refried beans, or a fresh Southwest-style salad to round out your meal.
Prep-Ahead Options
You can get the cornbread base ready and pull apart the chicken a day early. Just put it all together and bake when you're ready to eat.
Add-On Suggestions
Create a DIY topping station with chunks of avocado, chopped cilantro, fresh lime slices, and cool Mexican crema.
Ways To Switch It Up
Swap in different meats or go meatless with black beans and corn kernels instead.
Pin it
This dish has become my crowd-pleaser for sharing at gatherings and family dinners. It strikes the perfect balance between old-school tamale taste and modern-day ease, making it a trusted standby for any get-together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Should the cornbread stay moist?
- Yes, it’s meant to stay soft and pudding-like, almost like traditional masa.
- → Can I swap the chicken?
- Absolutely, use black beans, pulled pork, or cooked ground beef if you'd like.
- → What’s the exact bake time?
- Bake the cornbread for 20-25 minutes. Add toppings, then bake 15 more minutes.
- → What are some topping ideas?
- Use things like sour cream, salsa, cilantro, or anything Tex-Mex you love.
- → Why poke holes into the cornbread?
- It lets the sauce seep into the cornbread, adding flavor to every bite.