I hope I’m not alone in being completely taken by surprise at how quickly Thanksgiving arrived this year! Just over a week ago, the boyfriend and I were in Puerto Rico, and since it was my first real vacation in over five years (and certainly the first since starting grad school), I’d forgotten/not realized how many things there are to take care of both before and after a trip…and now all of a sudden, Thanksgiving is upon us! As well as at least half a foot of snow. We’re definitely not in Puerto Rico anymore…
I’m not hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, which leaves me free to think about other things…like this chicken and sweet potato tamale pie. In a way, though, I’m still thinking about Thanksgiving, because this tamale pie would be the *perfect* way to use up a bunch of leftover turkey and sweet potatoes, if you need a change of pace from turkey sandwiches and such.
Shredded chicken (or turkey, as the case may be) and roasted sweet potatoes make up the filling of this tamale pie, along with red peppers, black beans, tomatoes, and corn, and on top of all this southwestern goodness sits a layer of creamy, cheesy polenta.
Far easier to make than actual tamales (although I’ve got a great recipe if you are so inclined!), this chicken and sweet potato tamale pie has quickly become one of our favorites: it’s comforting, hearty, and will serve you well in the chilly months to come!
Happy Thanksgiving! Be sure to wear your stretchy pants 
In case you’re still deciding on a menu for Turkey Day, here are a few of my suggestions:
Sides
Cranberry sweet potato couscous (or quinoa)
Green bean casserole (lactose-free)
Sweet potato and apple stuffing
Desserts
Apple maple pecan cheesecake bars
Chocolate pumpkin swirl bread
Cranberry apple crisp
Cranberry orange white chocolate cheesecake
This is beautiful! I don’t love tamales, for some reason, but I love the way you’ve got all of the lovely components, plus chicken and sweet potatoes. Wonderful.
Thank you! I adore tamales, but my one issue is the filling-to-masa ratio, since it’s tough to pack much inside and still get the tamales to close. I think this tamale pie allows for much more balanced proportions.
Definitely!
Yes yes yes!! I love tamales but are always too lazy to make the real thing. This is the PERFECT compromise for me. Thank you!
I completely agree – making tamales is an experience to be shared with others…it’s too much work alone! I hope you get a chance to try this!
this looks so yummy!!!!!!
Thank you! I’m glad it caught your eye.
This looks so tasty! Great photos, too!
Thanks so much, Kim! I actually took photos of this dish a second time because I wasn’t happy with my first attempt, so I’m glad to hear you like them!
This looks fantastic! I saw you on Peeled Wellness and will definitely be giving this a try!
I’m so glad this recipe caught your eye, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Thanks for stopping by
Yum! This looks so tasty!!
Thanks! Tasty indeed!
What a great way to use sweet potato!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
It seems to be the case for me that wherever black beans go, sweet potatoes follow…they go together so seamlessly!
Stretchy pants on. I’m locked and loaded!
Glad to hear it! Happy eating, and thanks for stopping by!
Gorgeous pie! I love sweet potato in just about anything. Just perfect for thanksgiving! Hope you had a lovely holiday!
I actually used to hate sweet potatoes, but now I seem to toss them into a ton of dishes – they’re so versatile! Thanks so much for stopping by!
As one who loves tamales but seldom gets around to making them, this is a great alternative.
Yes, exactly! I adore tamales, but for everyday meals, my options are either store-bought tamales or this tamale pie. Luckily, this tamale pie is mighty tasty!
This looks delicious! Happy FF!
Thank you! And I have to say…it tastes even better than it looks!
You need to change the name of your blog to Fancy pants! This dish is just lovely and I love every thing about it!
Haha, “Fancy pants,” I like it! Thanks so much, and I hope you get a chance to make this!
My husband whipped this up last week and we loved it. It was also just as delicious as left-overs, which we adore. Thanks for another delicious recipe!
I’m so glad to hear that you liked it! Yes, the leftovers keep quite well…another perk, for sure!
I like your version of the tamale pie. Looks very easy & comforting.
It’s super comforting – I predict we will be making it a fair amount this coming winter. Thanks for stopping by!
Such beautiful flavors in this yummy dish. Would love to try it out for myself.
I hope you get a chance to make it! It has quickly become one of our favorites. Thanks for stopping by!
What a beautiful dish! I love tamale pie and have never seen one with sweet potatoes. Such a great idea! Putting on my list of things to try.
Thanks! I can’t remember why I decided to toss in sweet potatoes, but I’m glad I did. Let me know what you think if you make this!
I know what you mean about Thanksgiving coming around quickly. This looks a delicious way to enjoy some leftovers. Yum!
Thanks! And yes, I could have sworn that Labor Day was just a couple weeks ago!
Great recipe idea…happy feasting!
Thanks! This is one of our favorites. I’m glad it caught your eye!