Chicken Tamale Pie

How to make Chicken Tamale Pie

Ingredients:

1/3 cup fat free milk

1/4 cup egg substitute

1 1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning, divided

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 (14 3/4 ounce) can cream-style corn

1 (8.5 ounce) box corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained

1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce – I recommend going with an authentic Mexican brand

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast

3/4 cup shredded white cheese (I used Raclette – random, I know, but it’s what I had on hand, and it ended up being delicious!)

cilantro and crumbled Cotija cheese for topping

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400°.

Combine the first 7 ingredients (milk through green chiles), using just 1/2 tablespoon of the taco seasoning, in a large bowl, stirring just until moist.

Pour mixture into a round pie plate (mine was glass) coated with cooking spray.

Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Step 2:

While corn is baking, toss the chicken in the remaining 1 tablespoon taco seasoning.

When corn is done – it will be just barely set and golden brown – pierce entire surface liberally with a fork (it might stick a little bit to the fork).

Pour enchilada sauce over top.

Top with chicken; sprinkle with cheese.

Step 3:

Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until cheese melts.

Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes.

Cut into 8 pieces; top each serving with cilantro and Cotija cheese.

Enjoy!!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use whole milk or other milk substitutes instead of fat-free milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk or other milk alternatives like almond milk or soy milk in place of fat-free milk. Keep in mind that using whole milk will increase the overall fat content of the dish.

What can I use instead of egg substitute?

If you prefer, you can use real eggs instead of egg substitute. Typically, 1/4 cup of egg substitute can be replaced with 1 regular large egg.

However, using egg substitute is a healthier choice if you’re watching your cholesterol intake.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free corn muffin mix and ensuring that the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are also gluten-free.

Verify the labels of these products to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

What are some suitable cheese alternatives if I can’t find Raclette?

If you can’t find Raclette cheese, you can substitute it with other white melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or even Cheddar.

Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the Mexican flavors of the dish.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! If you enjoy spicier foods, you can increase the amount of ground red pepper or add extra chopped green chiles to the mixture.

You can also top the finished dish with sliced jalapenos for an added kick.

Is there a substitute for cream-style corn?

If you don’t have cream-style corn, you can use regular canned corn. Blend half of the regular corn until smooth and mix it with the other half to mimic the texture of cream-style corn.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Tamale Pie ahead of time. You can assemble the dish up to Step 2, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to bake, follow Step 3, and adjust the baking time as needed since the casserole will be cold.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this pie?

Traditional Mexican sides like refried beans, Spanish rice, or a simple salad with avocado and lime dressing would complement the flavors of the Chicken Tamale Pie well.