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Chicken Tamale Casserole

A cozy layered casserole with cornmeal batter, saucy chicken, and melted cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex - Mex

Ingredients
  

For the Cornmeal Base:
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup creamed corn
For the Filling:
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 10 ounces enchilada sauce
  • 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Tex Mex cheddar cheese shredded

Method
 

  1. Heat the Oven: Start by setting the oven to 375°F. Let it fully warm while you prepare the casserole so the bake starts evenly.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl combine cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir until everything looks evenly mixed with no clumps.
  3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and creamed corn. Stir gently until the batter looks thick, smooth, and well blended.
  4. Prepare the Chicken Filling: Place shredded chicken in a separate bowl. Add enchilada sauce and diced green chiles. Stir until the chicken feels fully coated and saucy.
  5. Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish lightly with butter. Spread half of the cornmeal batter across the bottom. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the top.
  6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the chicken layer. Make sure the edges get cheese too for extra flavor.
  7. Finish with Corn Batter: Carefully spread the remaining cornmeal mixture over the cheese. It does not need to cover perfectly since it spreads as it bakes.
  8. Bake Until Set: Place the dish in the oven and bake for forty to forty five minutes. The top should look golden and feel set in the center.
  9. Rest Before Cutting: Let the casserole sit for ten minutes after baking. This helps the layers hold together when serving.