Authentic Mexican Chicken Tamales Recipe

Have you ever wanted to dive into a dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Mexico? These Mexican Chicken Tamales are the answer! This recipe will lead you through the delightful process of making tamales from scratch, filled with tender, seasoned chicken that will transport your taste buds straight to a festive Mexican fiesta.

Tamales are more than just food; they are a cherished part of Mexican culture, often made for special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of masa harina and a savory chicken filling creates a harmony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. Plus, making tamales can be a fun group activity – gather your friends or family and enjoy the experience together!

With a little patience and the right techniques, you’ll be crafting these delicious Mexican Chicken Tamales like a pro. Trust me, the reward of enjoying homemade tamales is absolutely worth it.

Exploring the Rich Heritage of Tamales

Mexican Chicken Tamales are more than just a dish; they are a delightful celebration of culture and tradition. The origin of tamales dates back thousands of years, and they have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for generations.

These bundles of goodness represent the heart of Mexican gatherings, often prepared for festive occasions and family celebrations. The process of making tamales is a labor of love, allowing families to come together, bond, and share stories while crafting their unique creations.

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of any great tamale lies in its ingredients. For Mexican Chicken Tamales, masa harina serves as the primary component, providing a soft and fluffy texture that encases the flavorful filling.

This dish typically incorporates seasoned chicken mixed with salsa verde, creating a vibrant contrast of flavors. The choice of lard or vegetable shortening adds richness to the masa, resulting in a delightful mouthfeel. Careful selection and preparation of each component elevate the overall dish.

The Art of Preparation

Preparing tamales is an immersive experience that involves several steps, each requiring attention and care. Soaking the corn husks in warm water is essential to ensure they are pliable for wrapping. This simple yet crucial step is the gateway to achieving the classic tamale shape.

Making the masa dough involves a delicate balance of mixing the dry ingredients with fat and chicken broth until a smooth consistency is reached. This dough acts as both the outer layer and the canvas for the delicious chicken filling, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Assembling Your Tamales

Once the masa dough and filling are prepared, it’s time to assemble the tamales. The process requires a bit of technique, as each corn husk is carefully filled and folded to create a secure package. The traditional method involves spreading masa, adding a spoonful of filling, and folding the husk neatly to maintain the integrity of the tamale during cooking.

This is where the fun begins; you can experiment with different fillings or adjust the amount of chicken to suit your taste. Each tamale you craft tells a story, reflecting your personal touch and culinary journey.

Steaming to Perfection

After assembly, the tamales are arranged upright in a steamer pot, ready to be cooked to perfection. Steam cooking is vital as it allows the masa to set and become tender while infusing the tamales with warmth and flavor.

As the tamales steam, the enticing aroma fills the kitchen, creating anticipation for the delightful meal ahead. The cooking time is crucial to ensure that the masa easily separates from the husk, a true indication of a well-prepared tamale.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Once the tamales are ready, they can be served with a variety of accompaniments. A side of salsa verde adds a fresh, tangy element that perfectly complements the savory chicken filling. You can also explore garnishing with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

These Mexican Chicken Tamales can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a refreshing salad or rice for a complete meal. Whatever way you choose to serve them, they are sure to bring a taste of Mexico to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 to 1.5 cups chicken broth (as needed)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup salsa verde
• Corn husks, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Corn Husks: Soak the corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable.
2. Make the Masa Dough: In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the lard until fluffy, then gradually add the masa mixture, alternating with chicken broth until you achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Prepare the Filling: Combine the shredded chicken with salsa verde in a bowl until well mixed.
4. Assemble the Tamales: Take a soaked corn husk, spread a layer of masa dough in the center, leaving space at the edges. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling on top, then fold the sides of the husk over the masa and tie it with a strip of corn husk to secure.
5. Steam the Tamales: Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer pot, cover with a wet cloth, and steam for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa easily separates from the husk.
6. Serve: Allow the tamales to cool slightly, then unwrap and serve with additional salsa or your favorite toppings.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 10 tamales
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 22g