There’s something magical about the process of making tamales, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I helped my abuela in her cozy kitchen, the rich aroma of chicken simmering in the background, while we prepped our masa together. Every family has their own touch, but there’s nothing quite like learning how to make chicken tamales from scratch. Authentic chicken tamales, filled with tender shredded chicken and zesty salsa, wrapped lovingly in banana leaves or corn husks, are truly a labor of love. The excitement builds as you layer each ingredient, knowing you’re creating something special that will be shared with friends and family. Every bite is a taste of tradition, rich with flavor and nostalgia. So, whether you’re new to tamale-making or just looking to perfect your technique, I promise you’ll love the journey of crafting these delightful parcels of goodness!
Ingredients for Chicken Tamales
To embark on the delicious adventure of making chicken tamales, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups masa harina: This is the key ingredient for the tamale dough, providing that signature texture. Make sure to use masa harina, as regular flour won’t work the same.
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening: This adds richness and moisture to the dough. You can also use lard if you want to stick to tradition!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the masa rise slightly, creating a lighter texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Don’t skip this! It enhances all the flavors in your tamales.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: For mixing into the masa, this adds moisture and flavor. Homemade broth is best, but store-bought works too!
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers for convenience. It’s the heart of your tamale filling!
- 1 cup salsa: This adds zesty flavor to the chicken, elevating your tamales to the next level.
- Banana leaves or corn husks (soaked): These are essential for wrapping the tamales. Soaking them makes them pliable and easy to work with.
How to Make Chicken Tamales
Making chicken tamales is a delightful journey that combines tradition with flavor. To start, you’ll want to prepare your masa dough by mixing masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Then, cream the vegetable shortening until fluffy and combine it with the masa mixture and chicken broth until smooth. The filling is just as important—shredded chicken mixed with salsa brings it to life! Once everything is ready, spread the masa on your soaked banana leaves or corn husks, add the filling, and wrap them up snugly. Finally, steam those beauties for about an hour, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s break it down step by step to ensure your chicken tamales turn out perfectly every time:
- Prepare the masa: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of masa harina, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Beat the shortening: In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening with a hand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a nice texture!
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the masa mixture to the beaten shortening, alternating with 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. You want to do this until the dough is smooth and has a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the tamales: Take a soaked banana leaf or corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of masa dough evenly across the center. Be sure to leave some space on the sides! Add a spoonful of the shredded chicken mixed with salsa on top of the masa.
- Wrap it up: Fold the sides of the leaf or husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up to create a neat package. Tie it with a strip of husk or kitchen twine if needed.
- Steam the tamales: Place the tamales upright in a steamer pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot (but not touching the tamales), cover, and steam for about 1 hour. Keep an eye on the water level, adding more if necessary.
- Check for doneness: After an hour, check if they’re ready. The masa should pull away easily from the husk. If not, give them another 10-15 minutes of steaming.
And there you have it! A delightful batch of chicken tamales that are sure to impress everyone at your table!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tamales
Making chicken tamales is a joyful process, but a few tips can help you achieve perfection! First, make sure your masa dough isn’t too dry; it should be smooth and spreadable. If it feels crumbly, add a bit more chicken broth until you reach the right consistency. Trust me, a well-hydrated masa makes all the difference!
When wrapping, be sure to leave enough space on the sides of the masa to allow for expansion during cooking. If you’re using corn husks, soak them long enough to make them pliable—about 30 minutes should do the trick! And don’t forget to check your steamer periodically to ensure there’s enough water. Running out can lead to dry tamales, and nobody wants that!
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with spices in your chicken filling. A dash of cumin or chili powder can add a delightful twist that will elevate your tamales to the next level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-free: These chicken tamales are made with masa harina, which is naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Flavor-packed: Each bite is bursting with savory chicken and zesty salsa, creating an unforgettable combination that will please any palate.
- Fun to make: Making tamales is a wonderful, hands-on experience that’s perfect for gatherings with family and friends. It’s a great way to bond while cooking!
- Customizable: You can easily modify the filling to suit your taste, whether you prefer spicy, smoky, or even veggie options.
- Perfect for meal prep: These tamales freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy them whenever a craving strikes!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional value of your homemade chicken tamales can help you enjoy them even more. Each tamale is estimated to contain about 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein. They also provide 30 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber, making them a satisfying meal option. With only 2 grams of sugar and 300 milligrams of sodium, these tamales are a flavorful choice without being overly indulgent. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your tamales with peace of mind knowing they can fit into a balanced diet!
FAQ About Chicken Tamales
As you dive into the wonderful world of making chicken tamales, you might have a few questions. Here are some common ones I hear, along with helpful answers:
Can I use different meats for the filling?
Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can easily substitute it with shredded pork, beef, or even veggies for a delicious twist. Just make sure to adjust your spices according to the filling you choose.
How do I store leftover tamales?
If you have any tamales left over (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Just reheat them in a steamer or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
What if I don’t have a steamer?
No worries! You can create a makeshift steamer by placing a heatproof plate upside down in a large pot filled with a couple of inches of water. Place the tamales on top of the plate, cover, and steam away! Just be sure the water doesn’t touch the tamales.
Can I make the masa dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the masa dough a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using it, so it spreads easily!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your delicious chicken tamales, there are a few fantastic sides that can elevate the meal. I love serving them with a simple Mexican street corn salad—the creamy dressing and fresh lime perfectly complement the flavors of the tamales. You might also consider a zesty avocado salsa or classic pico de gallo for a refreshing crunch. And don’t forget a side of refried beans for heartiness! For those who enjoy a little heat, a spicy salsa verde drizzled on top or on the side can take your tamale experience to the next level. Enjoy these delightful combinations, and watch your guests come back for more!
How to Make Chicken Tamales: 7 Steps to Perfection
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tamales 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make authentic chicken tamales from scratch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup salsa
- Banana leaves or corn husks (soaked)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the vegetable shortening until fluffy.
- Gradually add masa mixture to the shortening, alternating with chicken broth.
- Mix until the dough is smooth.
- Spread a spoonful of masa dough on a banana leaf or corn husk.
- Add a spoonful of chicken and salsa on top of the masa.
- Fold the leaves or husks around the filling.
- Steam the tamales for about 1 hour.
- Check for doneness; masa should come away from the husk easily.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
- You can add spices to the chicken for extra flavor.
- Use a steamer pot for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tamale
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: how to make chicken tamales
