Chicken Tamale Pie
A hearty and flavorful chicken tamale pie featuring a savory chicken filling, cheesy topping, and a tender muffin crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish combines comforting textures with a touch of spice and vibrant toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream of chicken soup, Ranch Style beans, chopped green chilies, chili powder, chopped green onions, and cooked chicken breasts in a saucepan and heat thoroughly.
- Prepare the Jiffy muffin mix as directed on the package.
- Stir 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese into the muffin batter.
- Pour the muffin batter into a casserole dish, pulling it up onto the sides to create a crust. Pour the heated chicken mixture within 1/4 inch of the edge of the crust.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional cheese, green onions, and cherry tomatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. You can substitute the Ranch Style beans with black beans or pinto beans if needed. To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free muffin mix instead of Jiffy.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Tamale Pie is delicious served with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with guacamole and tortilla chips for added crunch. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken Tacos (Low-Fat) for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tamale Pie contains roughly 549 calories, with 28g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1632mg per serving (71% 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 use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it's fully cooked before adding it to the mixture. Thaw the chicken first, then shred or chop it, and incorporate it into the dish as directed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Chicken Tamale Pie vegetarian, substitute the chicken with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. You can also use vegetarian beans and ensure the soup is plant-based.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and muffin batter in advance. Store them separately in the fridge overnight, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for a quick and easy meal.
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).