If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the best of Southern charm and hearty homestyle cooking, the Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe is going to steal your heart. This casserole combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant peppers, sweet corn, and a delightful tang from salsa and barbecue sauce, all topped with a fluffy cornbread crust and melted cheese. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering bold flavors with every bite and a cozy embrace in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a unique role in creating delicious harmony. This Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe is no exception — from fresh veggies adding crunch and color, to the cornbread mix that brings texture and warmth, every component is essential.
- 1 teaspoon oil: Perfect for sautéing the veggies, adding just enough fat to bring out their natural flavors.
- 1 cup diced peppers: Adds sweetness and a mild crunch, giving the casserole a bright pop of color.
- 1/4 cup chopped onions: Brings a subtle depth of flavor and natural sweetness when cooked.
- 3/4 cup corn kernels: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness that complement the savory ingredients beautifully.
- 12 ounces cooked and shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that makes this casserole truly satisfying.
- 1 cup salsa: Offers a zesty, fresh tanginess that lifts the dish and ties the flavors together.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Deep, smoky, and slightly sweet, it adds richness and complexity.
- 1 1/4 cups cornbread mix: The star of the topping, creating a golden, fluffy crust that’s just irresistible.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Keeps the cornbread topping moist and tender with a subtle tang.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cornbread mix into a perfect, cohesive topping.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness, ensuring the top browns beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: The crowning glory, melted for gooey, savory goodness.
How to Make Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 390°F (200°C). Next, heat the oil in an oven-safe skillet—ideally about 9 inches wide—to get a nice even base for your casserole. Toss in the diced peppers, onions, and corn, sautéing over medium-high heat for around 5 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant. This step is crucial for coaxing out the sweetness and melding the flavors perfectly.
Step 2: Stir in Chicken and Sauces
Once your veggies are perfectly softened, remove the skillet from heat and add the shredded chicken. Pour in both the salsa and barbecue sauce, then gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Flatten the mixture with the back of a spoon to create an even layer — this base is what will anchor your casserole and keep every bite rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Cornbread Topping
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, sour cream, egg, and melted butter. This combination will yield a moist and airy topping that complements the savory chicken filling. Carefully spread this batter over your chicken mixture in the skillet, making sure not to disturb the layers beneath. Leave a small margin at the edges to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the skillet in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the cornbread topping will rise, set, and develop a beautiful golden hue. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels firm to the touch and looks irresistibly inviting.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the hot cornbread topping, then return the skillet to the oven for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This last step melts the cheese to a bubbly, gooey perfection, adding a luscious finish that brings the entire Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe together in glorious harmony.
How to Serve Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top. Dollops of sour cream or sliced jalapeños add a creamy or spicy contrast that enhances every mouthful. These simple touches make each serving feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of black beans for added protein and texture. A refreshing cucumber salad or corn salsa can also bring a bright, cooling balance to the warm, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from your skillet for that rustic, family-style charm, or portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch. For potlucks, pack it in a casserole dish with a beautifully browned crust so it looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
If you want to prepare this casserole well in advance, you can freeze it either before baking or after it’s fully cooked. Just wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months, ready for a quick weeknight dinner rescue.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispness of the cornbread topping. Alternatively, microwaving is quick but may soften the crust slightly.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds plenty of flavor and saves cooking time without sacrificing the homemade touch.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with black beans or a meat substitute like seasoned tofu for a hearty vegetarian version without losing any of the dish’s satisfying texture.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharpness and meltability, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra creaminess and subtle spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just swap the regular cornbread mix for a gluten-free version to keep this Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the salsa and peppers. You can easily adjust it by choosing a milder salsa or adding diced jalapeños if you like more kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to prepare yet richly satisfying in flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just in need of a reliable weeknight winner, this casserole delivers all-around deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love, bite after bite!
Print
Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Description
This Cheesy Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender shredded chicken, vibrant peppers, corn, and tangy barbecue sauce, all topped with a creamy cornbread layer and melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish melds Southwest-inspired flavors and a satisfying cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 cup diced peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 3/4 cup corn kernels
- 12 ounces cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Cornbread Topping Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and sauté vegetables: Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Heat the oil in an oven-safe 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced peppers, chopped onions, and corn kernels, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add chicken and sauces: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked shredded chicken, salsa, and barbecue sauce. Spread the mixture evenly and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon to create an even base layer.
- Prepare and spread cornbread topping: In a medium bowl, combine the cornbread mix, sour cream, egg, and melted butter into a batter. Carefully spoon and gently spread this mixture over the chicken filling in the skillet, taking care not to mix the layers. Leave a small edge around the skillet to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the skillet in the middle of the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cornbread topping to set and cook through.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, evenly scatter the shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to cook the filling and bake the casserole for easy preparation and serving.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
- Adjust the salsa and barbecue sauce quantities depending on desired spice and sweetness levels.
- For a crispier top, broil the cheese for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
