Chicken Tamale Pie
Try this Chicken Tamale Pie recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Chicken Tamale Pie recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 pound skinless chicken breast cubed
- one clove garlic minced
- 2 cans beans drained and rinsed (i used one black one great northern)
- 1 can sweet corn drained and rinsed
- one 4-ounce can hot green chilies
- one 12-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
- 1/4 cup chicken stock (optional)
- Carbohydrate 197.625016217244 g
- Cholesterol 293.586699613081 mg
- Fat 37.155041664747 g
- Fiber 22.9900839055752 g
- Protein 129.539620357081 g
- Saturated Fat 11.6513396605535 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1556g)
- Sodium 518.092207392239 mg
- Sugar 174.634932311669 g
- Trans Fat 3.79581240724374 g
- Calories 1607 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large pot or deep saucepan, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add cubed chicken, garlic, coriander, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. Cook until chicken is browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook down until soft and fragrant. Add beans, corn, chilies, and tomatoes, including the liquid. If there is not very much juice with the tomatoes, add up to 1/4 cup chicken stock. You don't want a soupy chili at all, but enough liquid to cook everything together.
- Bring mix to a boil and allow to cook and thicken. When nearly done, add chicken and mix in, heating through to finish. Remove chili from heat.
- In a small pot, heat water and salt over medium high heat; it doesn't need to be boiling. Stir in cornmeal and continue whisking while it incorporates the water and thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. When thick, add butter and mix in to melt. Remove from heat.
- In a deep round glass dish, pour all of the chili. Scoop the cornmeal mixture over the top of the chili, and spread into a single layer. Top with a sprinkling of black pepper.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until polenta has firmed up. Allow to cool briefly, and then scoop into bowls to serve.
Chicken Tamale Pie: My Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and nutritious meals can feel like a marathon. But let me tell you, this Chicken Tamale Pie recipe has become my saving grace. It's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a weeknight when I'm juggling work deadlines and after-school activities. The best part? It's a true crowd-pleaser, adored by my family and even welcomed by picky eaters.
What sets this Chicken Tamale Pie apart is its beautiful balance of savory and comforting flavors. The tender chicken, simmered with a medley of beans, corn, and chilies, creates a rich and vibrant chili base. Then comes the creamy, slightly textured cornmeal topping—a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes or crusts. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The combination is simply irresistible. And believe me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is enough to make anyone's mouth water.
Beyond the Recipe: A Comforting Embrace
This recipe isn't just about the ingredients; it's about the feeling it evokes. There's something incredibly comforting about tucking into a warm bowl of Chicken Tamale Pie on a chilly evening. It’s the kind of food that brings people together, fostering those warm and fuzzy feelings we all crave. The warmth of the chili, the satisfying texture of the cornmeal, and the shared meal itself create a simple but powerful moment of connection and happiness.
Adaptability and Personalization
This Chicken Tamale Pie recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs. Want to add more vegetables? Feel free! Prefer a spicier kick? Increase the chili powder or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Looking for a vegetarian option? Substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms or crumbled tofu. The possibilities are endless. You can even experiment with different types of beans or corn for a unique flavor profile.
More Than Just a Meal: A Culinary Adventure
Cooking should be fun, and this recipe is designed to be just that. It's a great opportunity to involve the whole family in the kitchen. Let your children help with chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, or even spreading the cornmeal topping. It’s a wonderful way to bond, teach valuable cooking skills, and create lasting memories.
Beyond the Plate: Sharing the Love
The joy of cooking extends beyond the satisfaction of a delicious meal. It's about sharing that joy with others. Why not prepare a double batch of Chicken Tamale Pie and share it with friends, family, or neighbors? It’s a heartwarming gesture that strengthens relationships and spreads positivity. Perhaps, you could even adapt the recipe to cater to various dietary needs or preferences. Make it your own by tweaking the recipe to suit every palate.
Embracing Imperfection: The Beauty of Home Cooking
Remember, cooking at home is about more than perfection; it's about creating something delicious and heartfelt. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and embrace the beauty of imperfection. The most memorable meals are often the ones born from spontaneous inspiration and a touch of culinary improvisation. And when you sit down to enjoy that lovingly prepared meal, remember the journey that brought it to your table: the laughter, the learning, and the shared moments that make home cooking so special.
So, give this Chicken Tamale Pie a try, and let the comforting flavors and cherished memories create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. Enjoy!
