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Chicken Tamale Pie

A hearty and flavorful casserole combining tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a cheesy cornbread topping, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1 lb ground chicken Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels Fresh, frozen, or canned works.
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
For the cornbread topping
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the ground chicken, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  4. Mix in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. In a separate pot, bring 1 cup of chicken broth to a gentle boil. Slowly stir in 1 cup of cornmeal, cooking and stirring constantly until thickened—about 5 minutes.
  6. In a greased 9x13 inches baking dish, layer the chicken mixture evenly, followed by the cornmeal mixture.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Optional: Garnish with cilantro or hot sauce.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.