Chicken Fiesta Tamale Pie

Recipe Introduction: Let's Talk Chicken Fiesta Tamale Pie

Fancy a bit of Southwestern comfort food? Ever had that craving for something warm, hearty, and just a little bit different? Honestly, this chicken tamale pie recipe is exactly what you need.

It’s like a shepherd's pie decided to spice things up and head south of the border.

What is Chicken Tamale Pie Anyway?

This beauty is a Mexican inspired pie , a dish that blends the best of both worlds. It takes inspiration from traditional tamales.

But, instead of individually wrapping them, we layer a flavourful chicken cornbread casserole base with a dreamy cornbread topping. Think of it as a deconstructed tamale way easier than wrestling with corn husks.

A Quick Look: Easy Tamale Pie

This recipe is what I call "medium easy". Prep takes around 30 minutes. Baking it to golden perfection? That is about 45- 50 minutes.

All in, you're looking at around an hour and fifteen minutes for a meal that feeds 6-8 hungry souls. A proper weeknight tamale pie , if you ask me.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Tamale Pie

Beyond the amazing taste, this chicken tamale pie with cornbread packs a nutritional punch. Chicken is lean protein, beans are full of fibre, and tomatoes? Well, they're bursting with vitamins!

This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a potluck. What makes this particularly special is its flexibility.

Plus, you get to sneak in loads of veg without the kids noticing. Winner, winner chicken tamale pie dinner!

Alright, love! Fancy making some proper southwestern comfort food? Let's dive into the ingredients for this cracking chicken tamale pie recipe .

It’s like chicken cornbread casserole taken to the next level total winner for a weeknight tamale pie , trust me!

Get Your Kit On: Ingredients & Equipment

First things first, grab your bits and bobs. You won't need fancy gadgets, just the basics. One pot chicken tamale pie is totally achievable!

Main Ingredients for The Best Chicken Tamale Pie

Here's what you'll need to conjure up this Mexican inspired pie .

Chicken Filling Fun:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml). Good quality extra virgin, you know?
• 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup or 150g ) go for brown onions, the standard ones, yeah?
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6g ). The fresher the better, honestly.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup or 120g )
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup or 120g )
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (5 ml)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) (1.25 ml) - Careful with this one!
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained ( 411g )
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained ( 425g )
• 1 (11 ounce) can corn, drained ( 311g )
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 300g ). Rotisserie is your friend here!.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth ( 120 ml )
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro ( 15g )
• Salt and black pepper to taste.

Cornbread Crown Jewels:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour ( 125g )
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal ( 160g ) medium grind works a treat.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar ( 50g )
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (15 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup milk ( 240 ml )
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil ( 60 ml )
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping) (about 50g )

Seasoning Notes that elevate our Tamale Pie Recipe

Right, about seasoning. It's the soul of this chicken tamale pie with cornbread , isn’t it? Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are your trifecta.

The cayenne? Optional but adds a nice kick! For flavor enhancers, think about adding a bay leaf to the chicken broth while simmering magic! No smoked paprika? Regular paprika and a tiny drop of liquid smoke will do!

Kit You Need: Equipment Essentials

Okay, the must haves. Large skillet or Dutch oven is for the filling. A 9 inch oven safe skillet (cast iron is best!).

Mixing bowls and measuring bits, obviously. If you don't have a skillet, a baking dish will do in a pinch.

Honestly, anything that can go from hob to oven is your best mate.

Remember that time I tried to make this in a frying pan with a detachable handle? Oh my gosh, total disaster! The handle popped off in the oven and nearly took out my eyebrows.

Lesson learned use proper oven safe dishes! Let’s avoid that, eh? Now you are set to cook a great Chicken fiesta tamale pie variations .

Let's Make Chicken Tamale Pie, Yeah?

Fancy some proper southwestern comfort food that's a bit different? This chicken tamale pie recipe is just the ticket. It's basically a chicken cornbread casserole that's Mexican inspired , super easy, and perfect for a weeknight treat.

Honestly, this recipe is a real crowd pleaser. It's so simple to throw together, it could easily become your new favourite weeknight tamale pie .

Think of it as a hug in a dish. Plus, you can customize with different tamale pie variations !

Prep Like a Pro for Chicken Tamale Pie

Getting your act together before you start is key. Mise en place is proper fancy talk for having all your ingredients prepped.

Chop your onions, peppers, and measure out your spices. Saves time and reduces stress, innit? Time saving tip: Buy pre-shredded chicken, or even better, a rotisserie chicken.

It’s an absolute winner! Safety wise, just remember the basics. Wash your hands, use a clean chopping board, and don’t lick the spoon twice (though we’ve all been there, right?).

Easy Peasy step-by-step Tamale Pie Recipe

Here’s how to knock up this easy tamale pie :

1. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Chuck in diced bell peppers and cook until slightly tender.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if you're feeling brave) cook for 1 minute to release the flavours.
4. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded chicken, and chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes , stirring occasionally.
5. Mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, and oil. Add wet to dry and mix until just combined.
6. Pour chicken filling into your oven safe dish.
7. Pour cornbread batter over the filling. Sprinkle with cheddar if you like.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 35- 40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tips for a Cracking Chicken Tamale Pie With Cornbread

Want to take your one pot chicken tamale pie to the next level? Here are a couple of tricks.

Firstly, don’t overmix the cornbread batter. That’s a big no-no. Overmixing leads to tough cornbread. Secondly, a sneaky bit of sour cream instead of milk in the batter makes it extra lush.

Finally, keep an eye out. It's easy to burn the top, so watch it like a hawk during the last few minutes of baking.

Honestly, burning the top has happened to me more times than I care to admit. But don't you worry! you got this!

Recipe Notes for Your Chicken Tamale Pie Masterpiece

Right, so you're ready to tackle this chicken tamale pie recipe . Excellent choice! Honestly, it's proper southwestern comfort food , and I know you'll nail it.

But before you get started, a few quick notes based on my own adventures in the kitchen. You know, I’ve burned the odd thing or two in my time, and I want you to avoid those pitfalls!

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, innit? Think about this chicken cornbread casserole like a blank canvas. For a proper rustic vibe, serve your easy tamale pie straight from a cast iron skillet.

Alternatively, slice it up neatly and arrange it on plates. Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for coolness.

A side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad brings balance. And because we're fancy, a margarita or a cold Mexican beer is the perfect drink.

Keeping It Fresh: Storage Tips

Right, leftovers. If you’ve actually got any chicken tamale pie with cornbread remaining (unlikely!), get it into the fridge pronto.

Store it in an airtight container and it will happily last for 3-4 days . Fancy freezing? That's an option too.

Portion it out into freezer safe containers and it will be good for up to 2 months . When you're ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C ) until it's piping hot.

A quick blast in the microwave works too if you're in a rush, just watch it doesn't go rubbery.

Playing Around: Tamale Pie Variations

The best thing about this Mexican inspired pie is that it’s ripe for customization! Fancy a bit more heat? Add some chopped jalapeños to the filling.

For a veggie version, swap the chicken for black beans or mushrooms. Want a weeknight tamale pie ? Use pre-shredded chicken and store-bought cornbread mix.

Oh my gosh! so many options. This one pot chicken tamale pie can be a dish for all seasons, you know? Try adding roasted butternut squash in autumn or sweetcorn in summer.

What's Inside? Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. This chicken tamale pie is packed with protein thanks to the chicken and beans.

It also gives you a good dose of fiber from the veggies and corn. It’s also got a decent amount of carbs, so it’s great for a filling meal.

As with anything, portion control is key. This is comfort food , after all! Just remember, balance is everything, right?

I hope these notes are useful! Now go on and create your own version of this chicken tamale pie . You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken tamale pie ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can! Preparing the chicken filling a day in advance is a great time saver. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, prepare the cornbread topping and assemble as directed. Think of it like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday gets the job done quicker!

How do I store leftover chicken tamale pie?

Leftover chicken tamale pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

It's just like saving a bit of Christmas pudding for later!

Is there a vegetarian version of this chicken tamale pie recipe?

You bet! To make a vegetarian tamale pie, simply substitute the chicken with plant based alternatives like 1 (15 ounce) can of pinto beans and 1 cup of chopped mushrooms or use a vegetarian ground "beef" substitute. You could also add some extra veggies like zucchini or butternut squash for a heartier filling.

It’s all about keeping it flavourful, like a good veggie burger!

How can I adjust the spice level in my chicken tamale pie?

Spice is nice, but not for everyone! To control the heat, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper, then taste and adjust as needed. A pinch of chipotle powder adds a lovely smoky depth without too much heat.

Alternatively, if you want more kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the filling. It’s like adding a bit of wasabi to your sushi use sparingly!

Can I freeze chicken tamale pie for later?

Yes, you can freeze it, although the texture of the cornbread may change slightly. Let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It's best to freeze before baking the cornbread topping, so you can bake it fresh when ready to eat.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Consider it your emergency supply, like having a stash of crumpets in the freezer!

What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken tamale pie?

Chicken tamale pie is a hearty dish, so lighter sides work best. A refreshing Southwestern salad with mixed greens, black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette is a great choice. Alternatively, you could serve it with a dollop of guacamole and sour cream, or a simple side of Spanish rice.

It’s all about balance, like pairing a rich cheese with a crisp apple!