Tamale Chicken
A hearty chicken tamale casserole layered with flavorful spices, cheese, and vegetables, ideal for comforting family dinners or gatherings that enjoy bold, savory tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix garlic powder, pepper, and chili powder.
- Rub the spice mixture into the skinned chicken breasts.
- Fry the chicken lightly, then cover with stewed tomatoes and cook on low until tender.
- Debone the chicken and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Save 1 cup of tomato liquid and tomato chunks from the stewed tomatoes.
- Fry chopped onion and green pepper; add cut-up tamales, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, tomato chunks, olives (drained), and chicken pieces.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and cover with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F uncovered for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese to the mixture. If you want to spice it up, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder. You can substitute the chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. To save time, you can use canned tamales or even frozen options, but ensure they're thawed before adding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. You might also enjoy pairing it with homemade guacamole or sour cream for added flavor. For a festive touch, serve alongside Juanita'S California Tortillas for a fun taco night experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tamale chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Chicken contains roughly 479 calories, with 31g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1459mg per serving (63% 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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with shredded beef or pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose. Leftover meats from other Mexican recipes can work well in this dish too.
What can I do if I don't have tamales?
If tamales are unavailable, you can replace them with cooked corn tortillas cut into strips, or even use a mixture of cooked rice and beans to maintain a similar texture and flavor profile in the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a mix of beans (like black beans or pinto beans) and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use vegetarian cream of chicken soup for a similar taste.
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).