Chicken Tamale Bake

As you know I am a fan of Mexican casseroles and not so much rolling individual enchiladas or burritos (although I have been known to do it from time to time!)  One of the most popular recipes on the blog so far has been this enchilada casserole and you might remember this carnitas tamale pie from back in May of this year.  Well, this recipe (yes, this one right here) will remind you of both of them mixed together.  Ground chicken (or you could use turkey or even lean beef) is sauteed with Mexican spices and then poured on top of a tamale crust (made with corn muffin mix!) then topped with cheese and baked to ooey gooey perfection!  It is so good, easy and good for you!  I hope you enjoy!

Chicken Tamale Bake (adapted from bunsinmyoven.com)

8 oz. low fat colby/jack cheese, shredded, divided
1/3 c. skim milk
1 large egg
2 t. cumin, divided
1/8 t. crushed red pepper
1 (14 3/4 oz.) can cream style corn
1 (8 1/2 oz.) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles
1 lb. ground chicken (turkey or beef works too)
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
2 t. chili powder
1 t. onion powder
1 t. garlic powder
1 (10 oz.) can red enchilada sauce (or make your own)

Preheat the oven to 400.  Spray a 9X13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.  In a large bowl combine 2 oz. of the cheese, the milk, egg, 1 t. cumin, crushed red pepper, corn, muffin mix and green chiles.  Stir until combined.  Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes or until just set.  

While the cornbread is baking, cook the ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring to break up the meat into small bits.  Season the meat with the salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder and the remaining 1 t. cumin.  

Remove the cornbread from the oven and pierce all over with a fork.  Pour the enchilada sauce over the cornbread.  Top with the chicken and the remaining cheese.  Return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.  I served this with a side of black beans but a salad would be great too!

8 servings (318 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com