Chicken Tamales

Secrets to Perfect Chicken Tamales Every Time – Must-Try Recipe

Tamales hold a special place in my heart. As someone who loves food and grew up in a family that cherished time in the kitchen, making tamales has always felt like more than just cooking; it’s an experience. From the scent of masa blending with savory fillings to the communal joy of wrapping each tamal, it’s a tradition I’m thrilled to share with you. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through creating the perfect chicken tamales — an authentic Mexican recipe packed with flavor, versatility, and plenty of personal touches.

Let’s dive into a recipe that not only tastes amazing but also brings the warmth of homemade food to your table

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What Are Chicken Tamales?

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a dough made from corn), filled with a variety of ingredients, and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves before steaming. Chicken tamales are among the most popular variations, often paired with a flavorful red sauce or a tangy green sauce.

These tamales are not just about food — they’re about celebrating heritage, family, and love for cooking. Variations like tamales mexicanos and sweet tamales de elote (corn tamales) showcase how adaptable and delicious this dish can be.

Ingredients for Chicken Tamales

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make about 24 tamales:

For the Masa

4 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales)

1 ½ cups chicken broth (warm)

1 cup lard or vegetable shortening

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken Filling

2 lbs shredded chicken (cooked and cooled)

1 ½ cups red sauce (recipe below) or green sauce

For the Red Sauce

4 dried guajillo chiles, seeds removed

2 dried ancho chiles, seeds removed

3 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon oregano

1 cup chicken broth

For Assembly

24 dried corn husks, soaked in warm water for 2 hours

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Tamales

1. Preparing the Masa

1. Beat the lard or shortening in a large bowl until fluffy.

2. Mix the masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

3. Gradually add the masa mixture to the lard, alternating with warm chicken broth. Mix until the dough is soft and pliable.

2. Cooking the Red Sauce

1. Toast the dried chiles in a skillet for 1-2 minutes.

2. Soak the chiles in warm water for 15 minutes, then blend them with the tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chicken broth until smooth.

3. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt to taste.

(Alternatively, substitute with store-bought sauces for convenience.)

3. Assembling the Tamales

1. Spread about 2 tablespoons of masa onto the center of a soaked corn husk.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of shredded chicken mixed with your chosen sauce (red or green).

3. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and fold the bottom upward.

4. Steaming the Tamales

1. Place the tamales upright in a steamer.

2. Steam for 1-1.5 hours or until the masa pulls away from the husk easily.

Creative Variations

Tamale Casserole

Want a quicker option? Layer masa, chicken filling, and sauce in a baking dish for a tamale-inspired casserole. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.

Tamale Pie

Use cornbread as a base and top with chicken filling and sauce for an easy, baked tamale pie.

Tamales de Elote

For a sweet twist, replace masa harina with fresh corn purée and fill with cream or sweetened condensed milk.

Recommended Products to Make Tamales Easier

1. Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer

I’ve found the Hamilton Beach Digital Food Steamer to be a lifesaver when making tamales. It ensures even cooking and has a large capacity to fit all your tamales at once.

Why you’ll love it: Its programmable timer makes it perfect for busy home cooks.

Get yours on Amazon here and make tamale-making effortless!

2. ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot

For a more traditional approach, the ARC 20QT Stainless Steel Tamale Steamer Pot is perfect. Its tall design fits tamales upright, ensuring they cook perfectly.

Why it’s a must-have: This pot is durable, lightweight, and specially designed for tamales.

Buy it now on Amazon to elevate your tamale-making game!

For Further Inspiration: Recommended Cookbook

“Mexico: The Cookbook” by Margarita Carrillo Arronte

This beautifully crafted book dives deep into authentic Mexican cuisine, with countless recipes and cultural insights. It’s my go-to resource for learning new techniques and exploring the rich heritage of Mexican cooking.

Why you’ll love it: Whether you’re making tamales or other Mexican classics, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration.

Order your copy from Amazon and take your cooking to the next level!

Tips for Perfect Tamales Every Time

1. Don’t rush the masa: Well-beaten masa ensures fluffy tamales.

2. Balance the filling: Don’t overstuff — it can cause the tamales to break apart during steaming.

3. Test for doneness: Let one tamal cool slightly before checking if the masa separates cleanly from the husk.

Why Homemade Chicken Tamales Are Worth It

Making tamales from scratch may seem daunting, but trust me — it’s worth every step. The pride of presenting a plate of freshly steamed tamales, their warm, aromatic filling encased in soft masa, is unmatched. Pair them with a side of beans and rice or enjoy them on their own for an authentic Mexican feast.

Tamale-making is a tradition that brings family and friends together, and I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own kitchen memories.

So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and embark on the flavorful journey of making homemade chicken tamales. Whether you prefer them with red sauce, green sauce, or even as a baked casserole or tamale-inspired pie, these tamales will become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.

Happy cooking!