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Cozy Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe with Masa and Green Chile Sauce Made Easy

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A comforting and easy-to-make chicken tamale casserole featuring a light masa crust and flavorful green chile sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners without the hassle of traditional tamale making.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted melted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups warm chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced green chiles (roasted, canned or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Pinch of smoked paprika
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mild cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (additional for topping)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in 1 cup diced green chiles and cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Mix in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Pour in 3/4 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
  5. Off the heat, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt if using. Set aside.
  6. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups masa harina, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add 3/4 cup melted butter and 1 1/2 cups warm chicken broth.
  7. Stir until just combined and smooth. Adjust consistency with broth or masa harina if needed; batter should be thick but spreadable.
  8. Add 3 cups shredded cooked chicken into the green chile sauce and stir well.
  9. Spread half the masa batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  10. Layer the chicken and green chile mixture over the masa, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese on top.
  11. Spread the remaining masa batter evenly over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
  12. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the masa feels firm to the touch.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Adjust masa batter consistency carefully to avoid a dry or soggy casserole. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Variations include vegetarian substitutions and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tamale casserole, masa harina, green chile sauce, easy casserole, comfort food, weeknight dinner, Mexican casserole

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-chicken-tamale-casserole-recipe-with-masa-and-green-chile-sauce-made-easy/