Description
Comfort meets tradition in these mouthwatering Chicken Tamales, crafted with love and authentic Mexican spices. Warm corn husks embrace tender, seasoned chicken, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (2–3 pounds), skin removed and shredded (about 6 cups)
- 2 cups self-rising yellow cornmeal mix
- 2 cups bottled green salsa
Complementary Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup frozen green peas
- 1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, halved
Wrapping Ingredient:
- 14 large corn husks (soaked in warm water until pliable)
Instructions
- Immerse corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes until they become pliable and soft.
- Combine shredded chicken with cheese, cilantro, peas, olives, and salsa in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate cornmeal mixture thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Create 12 thin strips by carefully tearing 2 soaked corn husks into uniform pieces for securing tamales.
- Position a corn husk on a flat surface with the wide end facing upward. Carefully spread filling down the center, forming a compact 4×2-inch rectangular shape.
- Gently roll the husk around the filling, creating a compact cylinder. Fold the bottom upward and secure tightly using prepared corn husk strips. Repeat process for remaining tamales.
- Set up a deep pot with a steamer basket, adding approximately 1 inch of water. Arrange tamales vertically with folded ends pointing downward.
- Bring water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and steam for 25 minutes. Monitor water level, adding more as necessary to maintain consistent steam.
- Remove tamales from heat and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Unwrap carefully and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh corn husks without tears or holes to ensure proper wrapping and steaming.
- Add extra spices like cumin or chili powder to boost the chicken filling’s flavor profile.
- Swap traditional ingredients for dietary needs: use gluten-free cornmeal mix for celiac diets and low-fat cheese for healthier versions.
- Prevent tamales from sticking by lightly greasing the corn husks with cooking spray before filling and steaming.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg