Chile Verde Chicken Tamale Casserole
A delicious and hearty casserole combining the flavors of tamales with the ease of a bake.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish Greased for easy serving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups masa harina
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.25 cups unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), at room temperature
- 1 4 oz can green chiles drained
- 3.25 cups chicken broth divided
- 4 cups shredded, cooked chicken
- 2 cups green enchilada sauce divided
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for serving
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese grated and divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of enchilada sauce, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and garlic powder. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the masa mixture.
- In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add the masa harina, mixing in a quarter at a time with an electric mixer until fully incorporated.
- Add the drained green chiles, salt, sugar, baking powder, and black pepper to the masa mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Slowly add the remaining chicken broth until the mixture reaches a thick, peanut butter-like consistency. You may not need to use all the broth, so adjust as necessary.
- Press half of the masa mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the grated cheese over the masa, then layer the chicken filling on top.
- Add another 3/4 cup of cheese over the chicken filling, followed by the remaining masa mixture.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your delicious casserole!
Notes
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the chicken filling. This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.