This Chicken Tamale Pie is a delightful fusion of traditional tamale flavors with a convenient pie format. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines the savory goodness of shredded chicken with a rich cornmeal base, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's a comforting dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. For instance, cornmeal is essential for the base and might not be in your pantry. Additionally, diced tomatoes with green chilies add a unique flavor and can be found in the canned goods section of your supermarket. Make sure to grab these items if you don't already have them.
Ingredients For 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.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
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.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
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.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover chicken tamale pie in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pie is warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cheese on top get bubbly and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place a portion of the chicken tamale pie on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Check the temperature and stir if necessary, then heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place a portion of the chicken tamale pie in the skillet.
- Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check to make sure the pie is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover chicken tamale pie in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If the cheese on top isn't as crispy as you'd like, add an extra minute or two.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken tamale pie on a toaster oven tray.
- Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
- Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place the chicken tamale pie in the slow cooker.
- Set to low heat.
- Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, or until the pie is thoroughly warmed.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
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.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.
Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 can Diced tomatoes with green chilies drained
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, chicken broth, and milk. Stir until smooth.
- In a skillet, cook the shredded chicken with diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until heated through.
- Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture over the cornmeal layer. Top with the remaining cornmeal mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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