20 Minute (More Or Less) Tamale Pie
A quick, hearty tamale pie featuring tender chicken, corn, olives, and melted Jack cheese, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground chicken
- 2 (16 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups nonfat sour cream ⓘ
- 2 (4 1/2 oz.) cans sliced olives ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups shredded Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups corn meal ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chicken and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add stewed tomatoes, whole kernel corn with liquid, nonfat sour cream, cornmeal, sliced olives, salt, chili powder, and cumin.
- Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Sprinkle shredded Jack cheese on top.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with black beans or lentils. This tamale pie can also be customized with different cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tamale pie with a side of avocado slices or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Taquitas for a complete Mexican-inspired meal. You could also top it with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or salsa for added flavor. Enjoy it with tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tamale pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed through, or bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly. If it seems dry, add a splash of water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 20 Minute (More Or Less) Tamale Pie contains roughly 857 calories, with 21g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (151% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), and iron (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tamale pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tamale pie ahead of time by assembling the ingredients and refrigerating it before cooking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to cook, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold ingredients.
What can I use instead of ground chicken?
If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey or beef can be used as substitutes for ground chicken. For a vegetarian version, consider using crumbled tofu or a mix of black beans and corn, which will maintain the dish's hearty texture and provide a satisfying meal.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
To make this tamale pie gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free cornmeal. Additionally, ensure that any canned ingredients like tomatoes and corn do not contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).