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
Scale
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.
