Can I Make Chicken Tamale Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the tamale pie up to 24 hours in advance , cover, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake as directed , adding 5-10 extra minutes if needed.

What to Serve with Chicken Tamale Pie?

This cheesy chicken tamale pie pairs well with: Mexican rice Fresh guacamole A crisp green salad Sour cream & extra cheese on top

Cheesy Chicken Tamale Pie – A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Name: Cheesy Chicken Tamale Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 box cornbread mix (plus ingredients called for on the box); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked); 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green); 1 cup black beans (optional); 1 cup corn kernels (optional); 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend); 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the pan); Fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)

Description

Cheesy Chicken Tamale Pie is a hearty, Mexican-inspired comfort food casserole featuring a sweet cornbread base topped with juicy shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, gooey melted cheese, and bold Mexican spices. This easy tamale pie with chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box cornbread mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked)
1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
1 cup black beans (optional)
1 cup corn kernels (optional)
1–2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, prepare cornbread batter according to package instructions. Stir in chili powder and cumin for extra flavor.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the cornbread batter into the dish and spread evenly.
Evenly layer the shredded chicken over the cornbread batter.
Pour enchilada sauce over the chicken layer and spread gently.
Add black beans, corn, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cornbread is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For extra heat, use spicy enchilada sauce or additional jalapeños.
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly; freshly grated cheese is best.
Make it ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of recipe)
Calories: 425 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: cheesy chicken tamale pie, chicken tamale casserole, easy tamale pie with chicken, Mexican comfort food