There’s nothing quite like the experience of gathering around a table, laughter filling the air, and the aroma of homemade Chicken Tamales wafting in from the kitchen. This recipe, with its tender chicken enveloped in a rich, flavorful green chile verde sauce, is a celebration of comfort food that brings people together. I stumbled upon this delightful dish during one of my weekend cooking adventures, and it quickly became a staple in my home.
Imagine the satisfaction of wrapping those tamales in corn husks, knowing that you’re creating something truly special. Whether you’re planning a festive get-together or simply looking to reclaim your weeknight dinners from the monotony of fast food, these tamales are perfect. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly and can be frozen for a rainy day! With a few ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll find that making homemade tamales is not just easy—it’s a joyous culinary experience. Let’s dive in and create a dish that will impress family and friends alike!
Why are Chicken Tamales a must-try?
Comforting Tradition: These Chicken Tamales are a warm embrace for your taste buds, steeped in rich tradition that speaks to the heart of Mexican cuisine.
Flavor-Packed Filling: The delightful balance of tender chicken and zesty green chile verde sauce creates a flavor explosion with every bite.
Easy to Make Ahead: Perfect for busy schedules, you can prepare these tamales in advance and freeze them for future meals.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Gather friends and family around the table, as these tamales are bound to be a hit at any gathering!
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment with different proteins or spice levels to satisfy every palate.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Chicken Tamales Ingredients
• Get ready to create mouthwatering chicken tamales!
For the Filling
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – cut into small pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor.
- Tomatillos – husked and rinsed to provide a tangy, vibrant flavor in the green chile sauce.
- Jalapeno Peppers – adds a mild spice; adjust based on your heat preference.
- Poblano Peppers – contributes depth; remember to remove the stems before use.
- Serrano Pepper – add an optional kick of heat for spice lovers.
- Onion – finely chopped to enhance the base flavor of your sauce.
- Garlic – provides aromatic goodness; just one clove is needed for flavor.
- Kosher Salt – enhances the filling’s overall taste; adjust to your liking.
- Lime Juice – adds brightness to the chicken; freshly squeezed juice from half a lime is ideal.
For the Masa Dough
- Masa Harina – the primary ingredient for the tamale dough; it creates the delicious masa base.
- Baking Powder – ensures the masa is light and fluffy, making each bite delightful.
- Canola Oil – binds the masa together; it can be substituted with any neutral oil.
- Chicken Broth – adds moisture and flavor; opt for low-sodium to control seasoning.
For the Wrapping
- Corn Husks – essential for wrapping your tamales; soak in hot water to soften before use.
These delicious Chicken Tamales are not only a fantastic dish to make but an experience to cherish. Happy cooking!
How to Make Chicken Tamales
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Soak Corn Husks: Begin by soaking your corn husks in hot water for about 1 hour. This will soften them, making it easier to wrap your tamales.
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Roast Peppers: Preheat your broiler and place tomatillos, jalapeno, poblano, and serrano peppers on a baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes, then cover them with a towel to steam for 5-10 minutes, allowing the skins to loosen.
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Make Sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted peppers with chopped onion, garlic, kosher salt, and a splash of water. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant green chile sauce.
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Cook Chicken: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the green chile sauce and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors.
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Prepare Masa Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix canola oil with chicken broth. Gradually add this mixture to the masa until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
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Assemble Tamales: Take a soaked corn husk and spread about ¼ cup of masa dough on the wide end. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center. Fold the sides in and roll from the bottom up to seal.
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Steam Tamales: Arrange tamales upright in a steamer pot, ensuring they’re standing. Cover with a wet cloth and steam on medium heat for 3.5 hours or until the masa is firm and pulls easily from the husk.
Optional: Serve your tamales with a side of Mexican crema for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Tamales are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling and masa dough up to 3 days in advance—simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. To keep the quality intact, ensure the masa dough is slightly moist before refrigeration. You can also assemble the tamales and refrigerate them up to 24 hours ahead of cooking. When you’re ready to serve, steam the tamales directly from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly steamed results. Enjoy the convenience of making these flavorful Chicken Tamales in advance, saving time for your busy weeknights!
Chicken Tamales Variations
Embrace your creativity in the kitchen and make these tamales uniquely yours!
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shredded pork or sautéed mushrooms for a different protein delight. Each option brings new flavors and textures!
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the chicken with a mixture of black beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian version that is just as satisfying.
- Cheesy Addition: Stir in some crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese into the filling for a melty, creamy goodness that everyone will love.
- Heat It Up: For spice enthusiasts, add diced chipotle peppers to the filling, or drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving for a fiery kick.
- Herbaceous Boost: Incorporate fresh cilantro or chopped green onions into the chicken filling to brighten the flavors and add a fresh twist.
- Sweet Surprise: Mix in diced jalapeños with a hint of cream cheese for a sweet-and-spicy filling that dances on your palate.
- Sauce Variations: Try swapping the green chile sauce for a red enchilada sauce for a different zesty flavor profile that complements the tamales perfectly.
- Sweet Tamales: For a dessert twist, fill masa with sweetened cinnamon and sugar, then steamed and topped with a drizzle of condensed milk.
With these variations, you can customize your Chicken Tamales to suit any occasion!
What to Serve with Chicken Tamales?
There’s nothing like a vibrant meal to elevate your Chicken Tamales experience and bring the flavors to life.
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Mexican Crema: This creamy drizzle adds richness and balances the spicy notes of the tamales, enhancing their overall flavor.
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Guacamole: Fresh and zesty, guacamole provides a smooth texture that perfectly complements the delicious filling inside the tamales.
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Pico de Gallo: Bright and refreshing, the crispness of pico de gallo, with its tomatoes and cilantro, brings a burst of freshness that harmonizes beautifully.
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Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a satisfying source of protein and fiber while grounding the meal, making every bite comforting.
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Spanish Rice: Fluffy Spanish rice is a perfect accompaniment, soaking up leftover sauce and adding a touch of traditional warmth to the dinner table.
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Salsa Verde: A tangy and spicy salsa verde can elevate your tamale experience, enhancing the green chile flavors in your dish. It’s a must-have for zest lovers!
Pairing your tamales with these delightful sides transforms your meal into a fiesta of flavors and makes it truly unforgettable. Enjoy each bite!
Storage Tips for Chicken Tamales
Fridge: Store cooked chicken tamales in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for quick reheating.
Freezer: Chicken tamales can be frozen for up to 6 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen tamales, steam them for about 15-20 minutes or microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes, making them warm and delicious again.
Make-Ahead: Prepare both the chicken filling and masa up to 3 days in advance, storing in separate airtight containers, so you can assemble and cook your Chicken Tamales when ready.
Expert Tips for Chicken Tamales
- Perfect Soaking: Ensure your corn husks are fully submerged in the hot water for at least 1 hour; this prevents tearing when wrapping.
- Texture Check: The masa dough should be light and fluffy but still spreadable. Test a small piece by cooking it; adjust with broth or masa as needed.
- Filling Balance: Don’t overfill the tamales; about ¼ cup of filling works best to avoid overflow during steaming.
- Steaming Method: Arrange tamales upright in your steamer for even cooking; ensure they are not packed too tightly to allow steam circulation.
- Flavor Boost: For a more vibrant filling, add fresh herbs like cilantro or spices to the chicken before cooking.
- Creative Variations: Explore flavor options by swapping chicken for shredded pork or enhancing heat with roasted green chiles for a unique twist on traditional chicken tamales.
Chicken Tamales Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right tomatillos for the green chile sauce?
Absolutely! Look for tomatillos that are firm and bright green, with a dry, crisp husk. Avoid ones with dark spots or browning, as these may be overripe. Ideally, they should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness.
How long do cooked chicken tamales last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken tamales can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to maintain their texture and prevent moisture buildup.
Can I freeze chicken tamales, and if so, how?
Very! To freeze, wrap each tamale tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can be stored for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply steam them from frozen for about 15-20 minutes or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
What should I do if the masa dough is too dry?
If your masa dough turns out dry, don’t worry! Gradually add a little more chicken broth, mixing it in until the dough reaches a soft, spreadable consistency. It’s best to test a small piece by cooking it to check if the texture improves.
Are these chicken tamales safe for people with gluten allergies?
Absolutely! This chicken tamales recipe is gluten-free since it uses masa harina, which is made from corn. However, always check that all your ingredients, especially the broths and oils, are certified gluten-free to ensure safety, especially for those with celiac disease.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. This makes the tamale assembly process quicker and smoother, perfect for busy days or gatherings!
Savory Chicken Tamales with Zesty Green Chile Surprise
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak Corn Husks: Begin by soaking your corn husks in hot water for about 1 hour.
- Roast Peppers: Preheat your broiler, broil tomatillos, jalapeno, poblano, and serrano for 10 minutes then cover with a towel.
- Make Sauce: Blend the roasted peppers with chopped onion, garlic, kosher salt, and a splash of water until smooth.
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, sauté chicken until browned, then stir in the green chile sauce for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Masa Dough: Combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt; mix in oil and chicken broth until spreadable.
- Assemble Tamales: Spread masa on soaked husk, add chicken filling, fold and roll to seal.
- Steam Tamales: Arrange tamales upright in a steamer, cover with a wet cloth, steam for 3.5 hours.