Best 7 Chicken Tamale Bake Recipes

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Indulge in a tantalizing culinary journey with our delightful Chicken Tamale Bake, a harmonious blend of Mexican and American flavors, perfect for any occasion. This savory casserole combines tender chicken, a flavorful tamale sauce, and a crispy cornbread crust, resulting in a symphony of textures and tastes. The article offers a collection of three distinct recipes, each presenting a unique take on this classic dish. Embark on a culinary adventure with our original Chicken Tamale Bake, featuring a homemade tamale sauce and a fluffy cornbread crust. For a simplified version, try our Easy Chicken Tamale Bake, which utilizes store-bought enchilada sauce and a pre-made cornbread mix, making it a breeze to prepare. If you're seeking a vegetarian alternative, our Vegetarian Tamale Bake swaps chicken for black beans, offering a hearty and protein-packed meal. Explore the diverse world of Chicken Tamale Bake, and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN TAMALES



Chicken Tamales image

I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, but my family wants them more often, so I freeze a big batch. -Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h20m

Yield 20 tamales.

Number Of Ingredients 18

24 dried corn husks
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up
1 medium onion, quartered
2 teaspoons salt
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 quarts water
DOUGH:
1 cup shortening
3 cups masa harina
FILLING:
6 tablespoons canola oil
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
Hot water

Steps:

  • Cover corn husks with cold water; soak until softened, at least 2 hours., Place chicken, onion, salt and garlic in a 6-qt. stockpot. Pour in 3 qt. water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until chicken is tender, 45-60 minutes. Remove chicken from broth. When cool enough to handle, remove bones and skin; discard. Shred chicken. Strain cooking juices; skim fat. Reserve 6 cups stock., For dough, beat shortening until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in small amounts of masa harina alternately with small amounts of reserved stock, using no more than 2 cups stock. Drop a small amount of dough into a cup of cold water; dough should float. If not, continue beating, rechecking every 1-2 minutes., For filling, heat oil in a Dutch oven; stir in flour until blended. Cook and stir over medium heat until lightly browned, 7-9 minutes. Stir in seasonings, chicken and remaining stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 45 minutes., Drain corn husks and pat dry; tear 4 husks to make 20 strips for tying tamales. (To prevent husks from drying out, cover with a damp towel until ready to use.) On wide end of each remaining husk, spread 3 tablespoons dough to within 1/2 in. of side edges; top each with 2 tablespoons chicken filling and 2 teaspoons olives. Fold long sides of husk over filling, overlapping slightly. Fold over narrow end of husk; tie with a strip of husk to secure., Place a large steamer basket in the stockpot over water; place tamales upright in steamer. Bring to a boil; steam, covered, adding hot water as needed, until dough peels away from husk, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 564 calories, Fat 35g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 835mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

CHICKEN TAMALE BAKE



Chicken Tamale Bake image

When I serve this Mexican-style casserole, everyone scrapes the plate clean. Offer fresh toppings like green onions, tomatoes and avocado. -Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn
1 package (8-1/2 ounces) cornbread/muffin mix
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1/3 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
TOPPING:
2 cups coarsely shredded cooked chicken
1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1-3/4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional: Chopped green onions, tomatoes and avocado

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake until light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15-18 minutes., In a large skillet, combine chicken, enchilada sauce, cumin and onion powder; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Spread over cornbread layer; sprinkle with cheese., Bake until cheese is melted, 10-12 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. If desired, top with green onions, tomatoes and avocado.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 364 calories, Fat 17g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 851mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

CHICKEN TAMALES



Chicken Tamales image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h

Yield 24 tamales

Number Of Ingredients 12

24 dried corn husks
1 tablespoon chicken-flavored bouillon powder
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup hot salsa verde
Kosher salt
1 dried ancho chile, stemmed and seeded
4 cups masa harina (instant corn flour)
1 1/3 cups lard

Steps:

  • Soak the corn husks in a bowl of hot water, using a plate to keep them submerged, until pliable, 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, make the filling: Bring the bouillon powder and 4 cups water to a simmer in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and simmer until cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the chicken and let cool; cut into small pieces. Reserve the broth.
  • Puree the cilantro and 1 1/4 cups of the reserved broth in a food processor until smooth (save the remaining broth for another use). Transfer to a medium pot. Add the garlic, cumin and salsa and bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook until slightly reduced, about 12 minutes. Stir in the chicken and season with salt. Remove from the heat and let cool.
  • Make the dough: Soak the ancho chile in hot water until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain the chile, then mince to make a paste. Combine the chile paste, masa harina, lard, 2 2/3 cups warm water and 2 teaspoons salt
  • in a bowl. Mix with your hands (or use a mixer with the paddle attachment) 10 to 15 minutes, or until a marble-size ball of dough floats in water.
  • Drain the husks and pat dry. Starting 1/2 inch from the wide end, spread about 3 tablespoons of the dough down a husk, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling down the center of the dough, then fold in the sides of the husk, wrapping the dough around the filling. Fold up the narrow end of the husk. Repeat with the remaining husks, dough and filling.
  • Set a steamer basket in a large pot filled with 1 to 2 inches of water. Arrange the tamales standing up in the steamer, folded-side down. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and steam until the tamales pull away from the husks, about 1 hour. Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before unwrapping.

CHICKEN TAMALE BAKE



Chicken Tamale Bake image

This is so easy and a great way to use up leftover chicken. However, this dish is so good, I have cooked the chicken many times strictly for this purpose!

Provided by TheSimpleLife

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 (16 ounce) cans tamales
3 -4 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
10 1/2 ounces cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (14 3/4 ounce) can creamed corn
8 ounces Cheese Whiz

Steps:

  • Unwrap 2 cans of tamales, and any sauce from the can, and place into a greased deep casserole dish.
  • Top with 3-4 cooked, sliced chicken breasts.
  • Pour over mix of Cream Mushroom soup, sour cream, creamed corn, and small jar Cheese Whiz.
  • Cover, and bake 350 degrees for 20 minute.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 569.8, Fat 28.3, SaturatedFat 12.9, Cholesterol 103.7, Sodium 1845.3, Carbohydrate 48.7, Fiber 5.7, Sugar 7.2, Protein 31.4

CHICKEN TAMALE CASSEROLE (COOKING LIGHT)



Chicken Tamale Casserole (Cooking Light) image

Got this from Cooking Light Magazine. It is great. Even the kids like it. Nutritional Information Calories:354 (36% from fat) Fat:14.1g (sat 7.1g,mono 3.3g,poly 1.2g) Protein:18.9g Carbohydrate:36.3g Fiber:2.5g Cholesterol:58mg Iron:1.7mg Sodium:620mg Calcium:179mg

Provided by seesko

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup preshredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese, divided
1/3 cup nonfat milk
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (14 3/4 ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (8 1/2 ounce) box corn muffin mix (such as Martha White)
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
cooking spray
1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce (such as Old El Paso)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts
1/2 cup nonfat sour cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Combine 1/4 cup cheese and next 7 ingredients (through chiles), stirring just until moist. Pour mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until set. Pierce entire surface liberally with a fork; pour enchilada sauce over top. Top with chicken; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes. Cut into 8 pieces; top each serving with 1 tablespoon sour cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 336.9, Fat 11.9, SaturatedFat 5, Cholesterol 49, Sodium 946.5, Carbohydrate 38.7, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 13.5, Protein 19.8

GREEN CHILE CHICKEN TAMALE BAKE



Green Chile Chicken Tamale Bake image

This hearty, cheesy casserole combines the flavors of green chiles, chicken and cornbread.

Provided by Stephanie Wise

Categories     Entree

Time 55m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (5 oz)
1/3 cup milk
1 egg plus 1 egg white, beaten (about 1/4 cup eggs)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 can (14.75 oz) cream-style corn
1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ mild green chile enchilada sauce
3 cups shredded or chopped deli rotisserie chicken
1 tablespoon Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)
Chopped green onions, chopped fresh cilantro and sour cream, for topping, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Generously spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, stir 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese, the milk, eggs, cumin, red pepper flakes, cream-style corn, cornbread mix and chopped green chiles until just combined. Spread evenly in baking dish.
  • Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until corn mixture is just set and edges are lightly golden brown.
  • Use fork to poke holes in top of corn mixture. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over top.
  • Toss chicken with taco seasoning mix, then sprinkle over the top. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheese on top of chicken.
  • Bake about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
  • Top with chopped green onions, chopped cilantro and dollops of sour cream.
  • To freeze: Cool completely after baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap and foil. Heat oven to 400°F. Cover dish with just foil. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through. Tip: If you plan to freeze your dish, I'd suggest baking it ahead of time in a non-glass dish--otherwise, you'll want to let the dish thaw for a bit before placing it in the oven so the glass doesn't run the risk of shattering.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving

CHICKEN TAMALE CASSEROLE



Chicken Tamale Casserole image

When I think of tamales, I think of the rich masa and a chicken filling. This recipe recreates the masa in the topping, kind of like cornbread, but without sugar. If you don't have masa, use finely ground cornmeal. The filling uses convenience items too, like leftover cooked chicken, a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, and a can of chopped green chiles. Top with a good melting cheese of your choice, avocado slices, and chopped tomatoes. Garnish with black olives and sliced green onions, if desired. A little dollop of sour cream would be good, too!

Provided by Bibi

Categories     Mexican Casserole

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 ⅓ cups masa harina
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup vegetable shortening (such as Crisco®)
2 ⅓ cups chicken broth
2 each poblano peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided, or as needed
⅓ cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 (4 ounce) can mild chopped green chile peppers
3 tablespoons capers
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch ground cloves
3 cups shredded cooked chicken meat
6 each dried corn husks, soaked in water for 30 minutes
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 medium avocado, sliced
¼ cup sliced black olives, or to taste
¼ cup chopped tomatoes, or to taste
¼ cup sour cream, or to taste
2 tablespoons sliced green onions, or to taste

Steps:

  • Combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl and stir to combine.
  • Place vegetable shortening in the bowl of a stand mixer and whip on medium-high speed until fluffy.
  • Mix in 1/3 of the masa harina mixture on medium speed, about 2 minutes. Mix in 1/2 of the chicken broth and mix until combined. Add 1/3 of the masa marina mixture, and mix about 2 minutes. Pour in the remaining broth and mix an additional 2 minutes. Add in the remainder of the masa mixture and mix about 5 minutes. The mixture will be a slightly thick batter. Allow to stand while the filling is prepared.
  • Preheat the oven's broiler. Place poblano chiles directly on the oven rack under the broiler and broil until the skin is blackened and bubbly. Turn the peppers to blacken the skin on all sides, about 8 minutes total.
  • Place broiled peppers in a paper bag, close the bag, and allow the peppers to steam inside the bag, about 10 minutes.
  • When peppers are cool enough to touch, remove the skins. Cut the peppers open and remove the seeds and membranes. Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • While the onions are cooking, use some more olive oil to grease a 10x10-inch baking dish, and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Add garlic to the skillet and cook about 1 minute. Stir in sliced poblano peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes and juice, green chiles, capers, cumin, and cloves. Cook for 4 minutes. Stir in cooked chicken and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour filling into the prepared dish.
  • Carefully and evenly spread the masa harina mixture on top of the filling.
  • Remove excess water from each corn husk and place on top of the masa mixture, overlapping as necessary. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
  • Remove foil and corn husks. Sprinkle on Monterey Jack cheese and return to the oven until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
  • Top with avocado slices, black olives, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions to taste. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 609.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37.6 g, Cholesterol 69.5 mg, Fat 40.7 g, Fiber 6.5 g, Protein 26.9 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 1184.1 mg

Tips:

  • Choose the right type of chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. They are lean and cook quickly.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken: This will help you get clean, even pieces that will cook evenly.
  • Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of spices and herbs will help to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
  • Cook the chicken thoroughly: Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks or a hand mixer.
  • Use a good quality cornbread mix: This will help you to ensure that your tamale bake is light and fluffy.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will make it tough.
  • Bake the tamale bake until it is golden brown: This will take about 30 minutes.
  • Let the tamale bake cool slightly before serving: This will help it to set and make it easier to slice.

Conclusion:

Chicken tamale bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it is also a good option for meal prepping. The combination of chicken, cornbread, and cheese is a classic flavor combination that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give chicken tamale bake a try.

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