Chicken Tamales
Savory chicken tamales with a flavorful cornmeal base, topped with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime for a vibrant, hearty meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 c. yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 1/2 c. oat bran ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 c. margarine ⓘ
- 1 c. plus 2 Tbsp. chicken broth ⓘ
- 8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. canned chopped green chilies, divided ⓘ
- 1 pt. cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 c. chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Process cornmeal, oat bran, baking powder, salt, cumin, chili powder, and margarine in a food processor until blended.
- With the machine running, pour in chicken broth; process until the mixture is blended.
- Let the batter stand for 20 minutes.
- Combine cooked, chopped chicken, tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons of chopped green chilies in a small bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have oat bran, you can use whole wheat flour in equal measure. To enhance the flavors, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or using fresh lime juice in the filling. Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned to avoid bland tamales, as this dish benefits from bold flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken tamales with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal. A fresh salsa or guacamole pairs wonderfully, adding vibrant flavors. For a unique twist, try them with a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema. These tamales also make a great appetizer for gatherings alongside dishes like Carol'S Chicken Fajitas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them for about 10-15 minutes or microwave on medium power for 3-4 minutes, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. This will keep them soft and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tamales contains roughly 634 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tamales ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tamales in advance! After assembling, wrap them tightly and freeze them. When ready to serve, simply steam from frozen for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can easily substitute the chicken with shredded turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option. If using beans, make sure to adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor, as beans will absorb less seasoning than chicken.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of making the masa?
Using corn tortillas isn't recommended, as they won't hold the filling well like masa does. However, if you're short on time, consider making a layered casserole with the filling and tortillas instead, baking it until bubbly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).