Name: Chicken Tamale Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 8 oz of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups of masa harina; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup frozen corn; 8-10 green olives; 1/2 cup salsa verde; 1 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 cup red salsa; 2 cups shredded taco chicken; cooking spray

Chicken tamale casserole is an easy dinner to make when you have leftover shredded taco chicken. What makes this tamale casserole special is that it uses masa for the tamale base and includes spices, green olives and corn to give the tamale an authentic taste.

This tamale casserole recipe is clean eating friendly and also gluten free. It uses a minimal amount of processed ingredients making it a healthier alternative to many of the tamale casserole recipes you will find.

On busy nights, a casserole is the perfect family dinner. Serve with a side salad and Spanish rice for a complete meal.

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What you need to make this tamales casserole recipe

Tamale casserole with chicken comes together very easily. You will find this quickly becomes a family favorite .

You’ll need a few simple tools to make tamales casserole:

medium sized mixing bowl
spatula
measuring cups – liquid and dry
casserole dish 13″ x 9″ x 2″

While many other recipes you come across for this dish use boxed ingredients, this recipe keeps it clean and uses mostly real food ingredients. No muffin mix, enchilada sauce, creamed corn, or taco seasoning here. The jarred salsas are the only processed ingredients included.

Here are the ingredients you need to make clean eating chicken tamales casserole:

masa harina
milk
egg
shredded cheese
cumin
smoked paprika
salsa verde
red salsa
pre cooked shredded taco chicken
frozen corn
Spanish olives

Need extra help with getting healthy meals on the table? Check out our free clean eating grocery list below!

How to make chicken tamale casserole

This casserole recipe comes together very easily. Here are the step by step instructions with pictures showing you how to make homemade tamales casserole with chicken.

The first step is to make the tamale crust. Start by mixing 2 cups of masa with half of the cheese, cumin, and smoked paprika.

Next add the green salsa, frozen corn, green olives, egg and milk. Mix until well combined and soft sticky dough develops.

Pour the mixture into a 13″ x 9″ x 2″ casserole dish coated with cooking spray and spread evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tamale crust is set. It should be firm across the top (not sticky), but not necessarily cooked all the way through.

Remove from the oven. Then pierce the entire crust with a fork.

Pour the salsa over the top. You can use any salsa you like.

Spread the shredded chicken evenly. The authentic shredded taco chicken we use in this recipe makes this tamale casserole extra flavorful.

Top with the remaining cheese. We used pre shredded extra sharp cheese, but you can substitute with any combination of cheddar cheese, Monterrey jack or even Colby.

Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

You can top this chicken tamale casserole with sour cream and avocado. Serve along side a green salad, Spanish rice and refried beans.

Enjoy tamale casserole with chicken for Sunday Dinner, a busy weeknight, or a pot luck dinner. Great for feeding a family or a crowd.

Looking for a vegetarian option? Check out this Potato casserole.