Chicken Tamale Casserole

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In this Tex-Mex casserole inspired by chicken tamales, a saucy chicken filling with a soft polenta or grits topping is baked in a casserole dish. While it can't take the place of true tamales, it certainly makes for an easy and scrumptious weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time:
35 mins
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 5 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
Nutrition Profile:
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Ingredients

  • ¾ cup fire-roasted diced tomatoes

  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 3 cups chopped cooked chicken

  • 1 (15 ounce) can low-sodium black beans, rinsed

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 cup cornmeal or grits

  • 2 scallions, sliced

  • ¾ cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. Place tomatoes, 1/2 cup broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl; stir in chicken and black beans. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

  3. Combine the remaining 2 cups broth and water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Pour in cornmeal (or grits) in a steady stream, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, whisking often, until thick, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

  4. Reserve 1 tablespoon scallions. Combine the remaining scallions, 1/2 cup Cheddar and egg in a small bowl. Quickly stir the cheese mixture into the hot cornmeal mixture until combined.

  5. Spread the cornmeal mixture over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake until hot and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the reserved 1 tablespoon scallions. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, September 2020

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

380 Calories
10g Fat
38g Carbs
35g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 380
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 8g 27%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 35g 70%
Total Fat 10g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 105mg 35%
Vitamin A 1175IU 24%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Folate 65mcg 16%
Sodium 531mg 23%
Calcium 169mg 13%
Iron 4mg 21%
Magnesium 66mg 16%
Potassium 681mg 14%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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