Creamy Chicken Tamale Bake
This Creamy Chicken Tamale Bake is a delightful twist on traditional tamales, combining the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine into a simple, comforting casserole. With layers of seasoned chicken, cheesy goodness, and a delightful corn muffin base, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike. Topped with a dollop of nonfat sour cream for a creamy finish, it’s a wholesome meal that everyone will love!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Preshredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese
1 cup (divided)
Nonfat milk
1/3 cup
Egg substitute
1/4 cup
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon
Ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Cream-style corn
1 (14 3/4 ounce) can
Corn muffin mix
1 (8 1/2 ounce) box (such as Martha White)
Chopped green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Cooking spray
(for greasing the baking dish)
Red enchilada sauce
1 (10 ounce) can (such as Old El Paso)
Shredded cooked chicken breasts
2 cups
Nonfat sour cream
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese, nonfat milk, egg substitute, ground cumin, ground red pepper, cream-style corn, corn muffin mix, and chopped green chilies. Stir gently until just combined.
3
Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, then pour the cornbread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the mixture is set in the center and slightly golden around the edges.
5
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and pierce the surface of the corn mixture liberally with a fork. Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
6
Next, layer the shredded chicken over the sauce, followed by the remaining 3/4 cup of cheese.
7
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Once out of the oven, let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before cutting it into 8 equal pieces.
9
Serve each piece topped with 1 tablespoon of nonfat sour cream for a creamy finish and enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Tamale Bake?
It is a Mexican-inspired casserole that combines seasoned chicken and cheese over a savory corn muffin base for a simple and comforting meal.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What kind of cheese is used in this tamale bake?
The recipe calls for a preshredded 4-cheese Mexican blend.
How much cheese is needed for the dish?
A total of 1 cup of cheese is used, divided into different steps.
What type of corn muffin mix is recommended?
An 8.5-ounce box of corn muffin mix, such as Martha White, is recommended.
Should the green chilies be drained?
Yes, the 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies should be drained before adding them to the mixture.
How long is the initial baking time for the cornbread base?
The cornbread mixture should bake for 15 minutes before adding the toppings.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is used for this casserole.
How do I prepare the corn mixture for the enchilada sauce?
After the first bake, pierce the surface of the corn mixture liberally with a fork before pouring the sauce over it.
What brand of enchilada sauce is suggested?
The recipe suggests using a 10-ounce can of red enchilada sauce, such as Old El Paso.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken breasts.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient option for this dish.
How much sour cream is served with each portion?
Each piece is topped with 1 tablespoon of nonfat sour cream.
What spices are used to season the base?
The base is seasoned with ground cumin and ground red pepper.
Is milk used in the recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of nonfat milk is included in the cornbread mixture.
How long should the casserole bake after adding the chicken and cheese?
It should bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How long should the dish stand before serving?
Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before cutting it into pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish sure to please both kids and adults.
What makes this a quick recipe?
It uses prepared items like canned corn, muffin mix, and precooked chicken to minimize preparation time.
Can I substitute the egg substitute?
Yes, 1/4 cup of egg substitute can typically be replaced by one large egg.
What type of corn is used?
A 14.75-ounce can of cream-style corn is used in the base mixture.
Is the sour cream included in the bake?
No, the nonfat sour cream is added as a topping after the dish is baked.
How many pieces should the casserole be cut into?
The casserole should be cut into 8 equal pieces.
What kind of milk is specified?
The recipe specifies using nonfat milk.
Does the dish use cooking spray?
Yes, the baking dish should be sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What color is the enchilada sauce?
The recipe calls for red enchilada sauce.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The flavors are savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet from the corn muffin base with Mexican spices.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components and bake them when ready, or reheat individual portions later.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete casserole that functions well as a single-dish family meal.