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Homemade Chicken Tamales Recipe: A Taste of Authentic Mexican Comfort

Cooked shredded chicken for filling chicken tamales

chicken tamale recipe is out of the wide varieties of Mexican cuisine, however, there is maybe no dish that evokes the spirit of culinary traditions and extensive flavors more than the Chicken tamale recipe. The easy-to-deconstruct corn husks, tied around bits of tender chicken juice, and infused with spices, combine with masa as a mouthwatering delicacy. Now, join me in this culinary adventure as we discover how Tamales were created and turned into an iconic Central and South American dish. Moreover, we will go through a step-by-step process that will help you prepare enticing chicken tacos in your kitchen.

Exploring the Heritage of Chicken Tamales

Freshly made masa dough for chicken tamales recipe

Unlike the whole chicken tamales recipe in the Mexican cuisine which are a legacy dating from some of the Mesoamerican civilizations. Tamales immersed in the Maize culture, in which a filling resides inside a corn husk-wrapped masa dough for long-term conservation and as nourishment for travelers, warriors, and others. Gradually, the tamale dish became the foundation of Mexican cuisine and is commemorated at national and international cultural fests, where family and friends meet.

Ingredients That Define Chicken Tamales Recipe

Ingredients for chicken tamales recipe laid out on a table

The base of the Chicken Tamales Recipe is the masa mixture, made from maizinaflour (masa harina), that is used to create its skinny covering. Chicken Seasoned with a variety of well-mannered spices {comines, Chili powder & garlic } is the filling. Besides onions and bell peppers greens, along with tomatoes add a bunch of colors and turn the stuffing into something questionable. Corncobs are the custodians of the delicate corn flavor of the traditional Chicken Tamales, while also they are a great help in the vegetable's prevention from drying while being steamed. Once they are softened in water, these partnerships are handy in putting them together.

Crafting Chicken Tamales: A Labor of Love

It is an intense and meticulous process at the same that requires a clear mindset and careful execution of the recipes. The process gets started with the preparation of the masa dough, which entails mixing masa harina with the broth, lard or shortening, and seasonings so that these are incorporated evenly till the consistency of the dough reaches a soft and spreadable state.

Ingredients That Define Chicken Tamales Recipe

Then, the chicken filling goes through a cookware procedure to delicious tenderness and is flavored with a mixture of seasoning to add to its taste. Then, the assembly commences. This includes the making of the masa dough and the filling, which is the last step. For the ensuing step, a tiny amount of the masa dough is placed on the corn leaf that has been soaked previously before a piece of the chicken filling is placed on top of it. The corn hull is then dropped and folded to tie it up and encase the tamale well. respectively.

Traditional Mexican cuisine: chicken tamales recipe on a plate

The steamer basket filled with the ordered tamales is placed over low heat (approximately 170 degrees Fahrenheit). The dough becomes firm when the heat is sufficient to cook it, and the filling is heated through. The result shows a blend of taste and texture and the masa dough becomes soft and airy while the chicken filling is filled with buoyant goodness and fragrance.

Service and Tasting the Chicken Tamal

Soaked corn husks used for wrapping chicken tamales recipe

Chicken Tamales Recipe, there are two ways they can be served: either alone (environment friendly) or with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. The noodles can be combined with the sauce for an eclectic experience, or they may be savored on their own, their savory flavor bursting with each morsel. Whether greeting them with my loved ones or experiencing them alone, Chicken Tamales transmit to me the unique natural sensation of comfort and warmness, inviting me to participate in the great Latin sobriety.

Try More Recipe:- Sweet and Savory: Mango Salsa Fish Tacos Recipe

Cooking Method ,
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Advanced
Time
Prep Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 1 hr Rest Time: 2 hrs Total Time: 4 hrs
Servings 15
Calories 240
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

Chicken Tamales Recipes are a classic Mexican meal made out of masa dough and stuffed with chicken shreds, that are steamed in corn husks. These wholesome tamales can make a party together. They can also give you a layer of warmth whenever you feel like you need to.

Ingredients
  • 2 cup masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening or lard
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1 cup corn husks, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
  • Filling Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
  1. Prepare the Masa Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, chicken broth, vegetable shortening or lard, baking powder, and salt.
    • Mix well until you have a smooth dough.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In another bowl, mix shredded chicken with enchilada sauce.
    • Add sliced black olives if desired.
  3. Assemble the Tamales:

    Take a soaked corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of masa dough evenly on the center, leaving a border around the edges.

    Spoon a tablespoon of the chicken filling onto the masa dough.

  4. Fold and Roll:
    • Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the bottom of the husk up.
    • Secure the tamale by tying it with a strip of soaked corn husk or kitchen twine.
  5. Steam the Tamales:
    • Arrange the tamales vertically in a steamer basket, standing them upright with the open ends facing up.
    • Steam for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the masa dough is firm and easily pulls away from the husks.
  6. Serve:
    • Carefully unwrap the tamales from the husks and serve them warm.
    • Enjoy your delicious chicken tamales recipe with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 15


Amount Per Serving
Calories 240kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 240mg10%
Potassium 114mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 10g20%

Calcium 32 mg
Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes before using to make them pliable.
  • You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as cheese, peppers, or beans.
Keywords: Chicken tamales recipe, Authentic chicken tamales, Homemade chicken tamales, Mexican chicken tamales