Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe

Shredded cooked chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded chicken, which can be from a rotisserie chicken or cooked at home.

Cornmeal: A coarse flour made from dried corn, used to create the base of the pie.

Chicken broth: A flavorful liquid made by simmering chicken bones and vegetables, used to add moisture and flavor to the cornmeal mixture.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the cornmeal mixture.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Canned tomatoes mixed with green chilies, providing a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.

Shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp, flavorful cheese that melts beautifully on top of the pie.

Ground cumin: A spice that adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chicken mixture.

Chili powder: A blend of spices that adds heat and depth to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

When preparing the cornmeal mixture, ensure that you whisk it thoroughly to avoid any lumps. This will create a smoother base and top layer for your chicken tamale pie. Additionally, when cooking the shredded chicken with the diced tomatoes and spices, allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. This step enhances the overall taste and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned.

• shredded cooked chicken - Substitute with shredded cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• shredded cooked chicken - Substitute with shredded jackfruit: For a vegetarian option, jackfruit mimics the texture of shredded meat.

• cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta is essentially coarsely ground cornmeal and can be used interchangeably.

• cornmeal - Substitute with masa harina: Masa harina has a finer texture and a slightly different flavor but works well in tamale-inspired dishes.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor for a vegetarian version.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth offers a richer flavor if you prefer a heartier taste.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative with a mild flavor.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a slight sweetness and creaminess, suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• diced tomatoes with green chilies - Substitute with diced tomatoes and diced green chilies separately: If you can't find the combined can, using them separately achieves the same result.

• diced tomatoes with green chilies - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can provide a similar flavor profile with added spices.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor similar to cheddar.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese provides a similar texture and flavor.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly different flavor but can provide a similar earthy note.

• ground cumin - Substitute with taco seasoning: Taco seasoning often contains cumin along with other complementary spices.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a similar color.

• chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is spicier, so use less to achieve the desired heat level.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add heat and a bit of texture.

• Allow the chicken tamale pie to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you prefer to store individual portions, cut the pie into serving sizes and place them in airtight containers. This makes reheating easier and quicker.

• To freeze the chicken tamale pie, first ensure it has cooled completely. Wrap the entire dish or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the wrapped pie with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.

• Place the wrapped pie in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken tamale pie in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, you can also use a microwave, heating on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.

• For an extra crispy top, you can broil the pie for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheddar cheese.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken tamale pie in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pie is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cheese on top get bubbly and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the chicken tamale pie on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and stir if necessary, then heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the chicken tamale pie in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check to make sure the pie is heated through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken tamale pie in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the cheese on top isn't as crispy as you'd like, add an extra minute or two.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken tamale pie on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the chicken tamale pie in the slow cooker.
  2. Set to low heat.
  3. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, or until the pie is thoroughly warmed.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Oven: Used to bake the tamale pie at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cornmeal, chicken broth, and milk into a smooth mixture.

• Skillet: Needed to cook the shredded chicken with diced tomatoes and spices until heated through.

• Greased baking dish: Used to layer the cornmeal mixture and chicken mixture before baking.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the cornmeal, chicken broth, and milk.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the cornmeal mixture and chicken mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Cheese grater: If not using pre-shredded cheese, this tool is needed to shred the cheddar cheese.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Knife: Handy for opening the can of diced tomatoes if a can opener is not available.

• Can opener: Used to open the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

• Measuring spoons: Required for measuring out the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Pre-mixed spices: Opt for a taco seasoning packet to replace the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Instant cornmeal: Use instant cornmeal mix to cut down on preparation time.

Canned ingredients: Keep canned diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth in your pantry for quick access.

Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to eliminate the need for grating.