Chicken Tamales: Comforting and Flavorful Delight

Imagine pulling apart a warm chicken tamale, the soft, steamy masa yielding to reveal a savory filling that dances with spices and flavors. The aroma wafts through the air, a tantalizing hint of cumin and chili that beckons you to take that first bite, where tender chicken meets the comforting embrace of corn masa, creating an unforgettable taste experience that feels like home.

Every holiday gathering or cozy family dinner deserves a star dish, and chicken tamales are just that—perfect for sharing stories and laughter around the table. As you savor each bite, memories flood back of family traditions and joyful celebrations, promising that these delightful morsels will be the highlight of your next occasion. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why Does Everyone Love Chicken Tamales?

Deliciously savory chicken tamales are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering! Easy to prepare, this recipe makes the cooking process enjoyable and rewarding. Versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins, you can tailor these tamales to suit any palate. Plus, their rich flavor comes from wholesome ingredients like shredded chicken, cumin, and fresh garlic, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. Finally, they’re perfect for meal prep—steam a batch and freeze them for effortless weeknight dinners!

Chicken Tamales Ingredients

• For the Filling
• 2 cups Cooked Chicken (Shredded) – Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful filling.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth – This adds moisture and enhances the chicken’s flavor.
• 1 cup Onion (Chopped) – Sautéed onions provide a sweet and aromatic base for the filling.
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced) – Fresh garlic brings warmth and depth to your tamales.
• 1 teaspoon Cumin – This spice adds an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder – For a touch of heat, adjust according to your taste preference.
• 1 teaspoon Salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your tamale filling.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil – Use this for sautéing the onions and garlic until golden.

• For the Masa
• 2 cups Masa Harina – The foundation of tamales, it gives them their unique texture and flavor.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (More as needed) – Adjust this for desired consistency in your masa mixture.
• 1/2 cup Lard (Or vegetable shortening) – Lard makes for tender tamales, but shortening is a great substitute if preferred.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder – This helps the masa rise for a lighter texture.
• 1 teaspoon Salt – Important for flavor balance in the masa dough.

• For Assembly
• 12 pieces Corn Husks (Soaked in warm water) – These husks are essential for wrapping your chicken tamales and keeping them moist during steaming.

How to Make Chicken Tamales

1. Heat In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. Combine Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the skillet along with 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until everything is heated through and well combined, around 5-7 minutes.

For the Masa:

3. Mix In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of masa harina, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This will create the dry base for your tamales.

4. Beat In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup of lard (or vegetable shortening) until fluffy. Gradually add the masa mixture and enough chicken broth (about 1 cup or more as needed) until you achieve a soft dough consistency.

Assemble the Tamales:

5. Spread Take a soaked corn husk and spread about 1/4 cup of masa dough on the wide end, ensuring to leave some space at the edges for folding.

6. Fill Place 1-2 tablespoons of your savory chicken filling in the center of the masa. This will ensure each bite is bursting with flavor!

7. Fold Fold the sides of the husk over the masa and then fold up the bottom to secure it tightly. Repeat this process with the remaining husks and filling until all are assembled.

Cook the Tamales:

8. Steam Place tamales upright in a steamer basket. Cover them with a damp cloth and steam for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the masa is firm to touch and holds its shape.

Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or serve with salsa for an extra kick!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips

• Moisture Matters: Ensure your masa dough is not too dry. Add extra chicken broth gradually until you achieve a soft, pliable consistency.

• Filling Balance: Don’t overfill the tamales! A tablespoon or two of chicken filling is plenty to avoid leaks during steaming.

• Soak Corn Husks: Make sure your corn husks are fully soaked and pliable. This prevents tearing while wrapping your Chicken Tamales.

• Steaming Success: Avoid overcrowding the steamer. Leave space between tamales to allow steam to circulate for even cooking.

• Check for Doneness: Tamales are done when the masa pulls away from the husk easily. If it sticks, steam them a bit longer.

How to Store and Freeze Chicken Tamales

• Room Temperature: Enjoy your chicken tamales fresh, but if left out, consume them within 2 hours to ensure safety.

• Fridge: Store cooked chicken tamales in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or steam to preserve moisture.

• Freezer: Freeze tamales wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: To reheat, steam frozen chicken tamales for about 20 minutes or microwave them with a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Chicken Tamales Your Way

Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize this delightful dish with these tasty twists!

• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the filling for a fiery flavor. This will elevate your tamales with a vibrant heat that dances on your taste buds.

• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the chicken with 2 cups of black beans or roasted vegetables. You can create a hearty, satisfying option that everyone will love, while still enjoying the same comforting texture.

• Herb Infusion: Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro or oregano into the filling for an aromatic boost. Fresh herbs can brighten up the flavors and add a delightful, fragrant note.

• Creamy Addition: Incorporate 1/2 cup of cream cheese or sour cream into the masa for added richness. This creamy element will give your tamales a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular chili powder for a deeper taste. The smoky undertones will transform your tamales into a savory sensation, perfect for those who love bold flavors.

• Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) to the filling for a crunchy twist. This adds a delightful texture contrast and nutty flavor that makes each bite exciting.

• Zesty Citrus: Squeeze in some lime juice to both the filling and masa for a refreshing zing. This brightens up the overall flavor profile, making your tamales feel light and invigorating.

Make Ahead Options

Chicken Tamales are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this savory delight any day of the week. You can prepare the filling by sautéing the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent, then incorporating the shredded chicken, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. This flavorful mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For the masa, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt, then beat the lard until fluffy before mixing in the dry ingredients and chicken broth to form a soft dough. The assembled tamales can be wrapped in corn husks and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before steaming. When you’re ready to serve, simply place them upright in a steamer, cover with a damp cloth, and steam for about 1-1.5 hours until the masa is firm. This makes your Chicken Tamales not only delicious but also incredibly convenient!

Chicken Tamales Recipe FAQs

How can I ensure my chicken tamales stay moist?

To keep your chicken tamales moist, make sure to use enough chicken broth in both the filling and masa. The broth not only adds flavor but also prevents the tamales from drying out during steaming. If you find your masa is too dry, simply add more broth until you achieve a soft dough consistency.

What can I substitute for lard in the masa?

If you’re looking for a healthier option or have dietary restrictions, vegetable shortening is an excellent alternative to lard. For a vegan option, consider using coconut oil or even avocado oil, which will give your tamales a delightful richness without compromising on flavor!

Can I freeze leftover chicken tamales?

Absolutely! Once they’ve cooled completely, you can freeze your chicken tamales for up to three months. Just wrap each tamale tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, steam them directly from frozen for about 30-40 minutes until heated through.

What’s the best way to store cooked tamales?

Cooked chicken tamales can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat them, simply steam or microwave until warmed through. Covering them with a damp cloth while reheating helps maintain their moisture.

What size should I cut my onion and garlic for the filling?

For the best texture and flavor distribution, chop your onion into small pieces (about 1/4-inch dice) and mince your garlic finely. This allows them to sauté evenly and blend beautifully with the shredded chicken during cooking.

How do I know when my tamales are done cooking?

Your chicken tamales are done when the masa easily pulls away from the corn husk and has a firm texture. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours of steaming. You can check one or two by gently pulling them apart after this time—if they’re still sticky, give them another 10-15 minutes in the steamer!