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Chicken Lunch Dinner One Pot Casseroles Mexican Pies
4.6 from 173 votes

Chicken Tamale Casserole

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •11/5/22 75 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Chicken Tamale Casserole in a Skillet made from scratch! Delicious cornbread crust topped with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce and loads of cheese, and clocking in at under 300 calories per serving!

chicken tamale casserole in a black skillet.
Table of Contents Open
  • Easy Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe
  • What Is A Tamale?
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Cornbread
    • Casserole
    • Toppings
  • How To Make Chicken Tamale Casserole
    • Make The Cornbread Batter
    • Bake The Cornbread
    • Assemble The Casserole
    • Bake The Casserole
  • Want To Make Your Own Enchilada Sauce?
  • What Else Can I Use In Beef Tamale Casserole?
  • Want To Make This Dish Ahead?
    • Freezer
  • More Must Try Delicious Recipes
  • Chicken Tamale Casserole
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Easy Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe

I love love this chicken tamale casserole or pie or whatever you want to call it. I really do think that cornmeal is underrated. We need to cook more with cornmeal because look at the wonderful dishes you can create with it. Trust me when I tell you that this is a true comfort food. I’m talking lots of chicken, cheese and sauce, and lots of yumminess.

To top it all off, it’s really easy to make. I don’t think I need to tell you too much more because this casserole speaks for itself.

What Is A Tamale?

Tamale is a Mexican dish of seasoned meat wrapped in cornmeal dough and then steamed or baked in corn husks. You can then discard of the corn husks or use them as an all natural plate to eat the delicious tamales off of. Yep, pretty cool!

Now my dish here is not authentic by any means, it’s a casserole version with some of the same flavors, a cornbread crust topped with enchilada sauce, chicken and lots of cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cornbread

ingredients needed to make chicken tamale casserole.
  • Dry ingredients – Cornmeal, salt, baking powder, sugar.
  • Wet ingredients – Buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, 1 egg, 1 can of creamed corn, and 1 can of diced green chilis.

Casserole

ingredients needed to make chicken tamale casserole.
  • Cooked Chicken – I usually just buy a rotisserie chicken, shred it and use both white and dark meat.
  • Enchilada sauce – 1 can, if you’d prefer to make it fresh please refer to my recipe listed down below.
  • Cheese – I used freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese today. You can substitute this for cheddar or any kind of cheese that melts down well.

Toppings

ingredients needed to make chicken tamale casserole.
  • Cilantro – Chopped up fine and sprinkled liberally over top, totally optional if you’re not a cilantro fan.
  • Avocado – This will add a nice buttery texture to your finished dish.
  • Jalapeno –for a little bit of heat.
  • Pomegranate seeds – for garnish.

How To Make Chicken Tamale Casserole

Make The Cornbread Batter

Start by turning on your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it nice and hot.

process shots showing how to make chicken tamale casserole.

Next, you’ll want to mix the dry ingredients together. To do this, add the cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder to a medium size bowl, then whisk together well.

process shots showing how to make chicken tamale casserole.

Then add in the egg, buttermilk and buttermilk and whisk well. Finally, you’ll need to stir in the creamed corn and green chiles.

Bake The Cornbread

process shots showing how to make chicken tamale casserole.

Pour the cornbread mixture into a large skillet or a 9×9-inch baking pan. Then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edge are golden and the cornbread is done. When a clean toothpick inserted in the center of the cornbread comes out clean, it’s done.

Assemble The Casserole

process shots showing how to make chicken tamale casserole.

In a small bowl combine the shredded chicken with half the enchilada sauce well, making sure all the chicken is coated in sauce.

process shots showing how to make chicken tamale casserole.

When the cornbread is done, poke holes into it with a fork, or I used the end of a wooden spoon. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the cornbread and spread. Top with shredded chicken and all the cheese.

Bake The Casserole

process shots showing how to make chicken tamale casserole.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and has started to lightly brown on top. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then top the casserole with cilantro and your favorite toppings and you’re done!

Want To Make Your Own Enchilada Sauce?

Making your own homemade enchilada sauce will really take this dish to the next level, believe me. I chose to use store bought today because I wanted to showcase how to achieve great flavor with relative ease. I have a recipe here on the blog for making this sauce yourself, it’s easy and super tasty!

chicken tamale casserole in a black skillet.

What Else Can I Use In Beef Tamale Casserole?

There’s lots you can add or tweak in this dish, while I think the recipe described above is an absolute knock out any way you slice it, don’t be afraid to play around with your new favorite casserole.

Ground beefCheddar cheeseBell peppers
Ground porkMozzarellaSweet potato
Ground vealQueso FrescoBlack Beans
SausageProvolonePeas
A combination of above meatsTex Mex CheesePotatoes
chicken tamale casserole in a black skillet.

Want To Make This Dish Ahead?

You can store this dish in the fridge for 3 – 4 days as long as it’s stored in an airtight container or otherwise tightly sealed.

Freezer

This entire chicken tamale casserole can be popped in the freezer, as long as it’s tightly sealed. It can be stored this way for up to 6 months and just needs to thaw out overnight in the fridge when ready to eat. Just pop it in the oven set at 350 F degrees for 30 minutes when ready to enjoy!

a serving of chicken tamale casserole on a white plate.

More Must Try Delicious Recipes

  • Beef Tamale Recipe
  • One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo
  • Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
  • Fiesta Chicken Skillet Cobbler
  • Skillet Lasagna
  • Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
  • Skillet Chicken Satay
  • Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

chicken tamale casserole in a black skillet.
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4.57 from 173 votes

Chicken Tamale Casserole

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 35 minutes
Total 45 minutes
Rate Recipe
Chicken Tamale Casserole in a Skillet made from scratch! Delicious cornbread crust topped with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce and loads of cheese, and clocking in at under 300 calories per serving!
8

Ingredients

For Cornbread

  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoon butter (unsalted, melted)
  • ⅓ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup creamed corn
  • 4.5 ounces diced green chiles (1 can)

Tamale Casserole

  • 2 cups chicken (cooked, shredded white or dark meat)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Tex Mex cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 10 ounces enchilada sauce

Optional Toppings

  • cilantro
  • avocado
  • green onions
  • pomegranate seeds
  • sour cream

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Add the cornmeal, sugar, salt, baking powder to a medium size bowl and whisk together. Add the egg, butter, and buttermilk and whisk well. Stir in the creamed corn and the green chiles. Pour the cornbread mixture into a 12 inch skillet or a 9×9 inch baking pan.
  • Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. To make sure the cornbread is done, insert a toothpick in the center of the cornbread and if it comes out clean, it’s done.
  • When the cornbread is done, poke holes into it with a fork, or I used the end of a wooden spoon.
  • Mix half of the enchilada sauce with the shredded chicken. Pour the other half of the enchilada sauce over the top the cornbread. Top with shredded chicken and all the cheese.
  • Bake the casserole for about 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and has started to brown on top.
  • Let cool for about 5 minutes then top the casserole with any of the optional toppings listed before serving.

Equipment

  • 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Notes

  1. This dish can be stored in the fridge for 3 – 4 days as long as it’s stored in an airtight container or otherwise tightly sealed.
  2. This entire casserole can be popped in the freezer, as long as it’s tightly sealed. It can be stored this way for up to 6 months and just needs to thaw out overnight in the fridge when ready to eat. Just pop it in the oven set at 350 F degrees for 30 minutes when ready to enjoy!
  3. Nutritional information does not include any of the optional toppings. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 295kcal (15%)Carbohydrates: 21g (7%)Protein: 13g (26%)Fat: 18g (28%)Saturated Fat: 10g (63%)Cholesterol: 74mg (25%)Sodium: 739mg (32%)Potassium: 328mg (9%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 8g (9%)Vitamin A: 771IU (15%)Vitamin C: 4mg (5%)Calcium: 295mg (30%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

chicken tamale casserole in a black skillet.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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75 Comments
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Shaina
Shaina
Posted: 1 month ago

5 stars
So good! A new family favorite!

0
Reply
Elena
Elena
Posted: 2 months ago

This dish looks amazing! And my sister and I are looking to get rid of our rotisserie chicken. The only problem is we dont have enchilada sauce😭 is there a substitute we can use like taco sauce or something else?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Elena
Posted: 2 months ago

You can easily make your own using my recipe here: https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/enchilada-sauce/

0
Reply
Sarah
Sarah
Posted: 3 months ago

We’ve made this recipe multiple times and it’s always amazing! Easy to make especially with left over chicken!

0
Reply
Chris W.
Chris W.
Posted: 4 months ago

We really enjoyed this recipe. The only thing we did different was to add our chosen hot sauce over the top. I like the green Tabasco and my husband likes fresh medium salsa. The cornbread portion was very tasty.

0
Reply
Chris W.
Chris W.
Posted: 4 months ago

Like I do every Sunday, I’m sitting here and deciding what to make this week for dinners. This will be making the cut for sure. I love using cast iron for so many recipes and this one sounds like a keeper. Can’t wait to try it.

0
Reply
Jamie Jarvis
Jamie Jarvis
Posted: 5 months ago

In many recipes, especially desserts, I have substituted evaporated milk mixed with some vinegar for a buttermilk substitute. Do you think that would work here, or some lite sour cream? I never have buttermilk in the house.
I am going to saute some onions and red bell peppers and add it to the chicken before baking.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Jamie Jarvis
Posted: 5 months ago

Yeah that should be fine. Let me know how it turns out for you. 🙂

0
Reply
Karen Patterson
Karen Patterson
Posted: 5 months ago

5 stars
This was absolutely delicious! I doubled the recipe and used a 9 x 13 pan. Will be making this for many meals and pot lucks!! Thumbs up from my family!

0
Reply
Sam Hensley
Sam Hensley
Posted: 6 months ago

5 stars
Do I need to let the cornbread cool before adding the toppings?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Sam Hensley
Posted: 6 months ago

No, you don’t have to.

0
Reply
Steffunny
Steffunny
Posted: 6 months ago

4 stars
This was delicious, filling and satisfying. And not as much work as I thought it would be, given the scratch cornbread. Bonus! I considered buying a mix but am glad I didn’t. Used a baking egg substitute in the mix for an allergy and that worked fine. This was a great use of leftover chicken and everyone loved it. I used a 12 oz pouch of sauce which worked out fine. We will try green enchilada sauce next time. It was a nice change from our typical leftover chicken enchiladas. Thanks Jo!

0
Reply
Coral
Coral
Posted: 9 months ago

5 stars
I wanted it saucier, so I used a 20 ounce can of enchilada sauce. It was delicious and this is a keeper!

0
Reply
sherry
sherry
Posted: 11 months ago

This is one of our favorite recipes. Delicious just this way. Sometimes I use pork for a change!

0
Reply
Gayle
Gayle
Posted: 1 year ago

I have not made the recipe, but was curious about the cornbread. I didn’t see any flour in the ingredient list. I am used to flour added to the cornmeal. You do not add flour to yours?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Gayle
Posted: 1 year ago

In this recipe there’s not cornbread, but my usual cornbread recipe definitely has flour in it.

0
Reply
PAULA D KIMMEL
PAULA D KIMMEL
Posted: 1 year ago

4 stars
Nice recipe, great “pseudo tamale” flavor. Will have to double next time, my crew gobbled it up.

0
Reply
Lori Poulsen
Lori Poulsen
Posted: 2 years ago

Trying for the first time. Very excited. What do omit if using a cornbread mix? Just the dry ingredients? Thanks!

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Lori Poulsen
Posted: 2 years ago

Yes!

0
Reply
Lana P
Lana P
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
And yet another amazing recipe from Jo! Made with Jo’s delicious enchilada sauce which is so much better than canned and worth the extra few minutes. Couldn’t find creamed corn so I made my own from defrosted frozen corn (1/2 cup pureed kernels + 1/2 cup whole kernels). Thank you again Jo!

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Lana P
Posted: 2 years ago

You are so welcome! Happy you loved the recipes 🙂

0
Reply

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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