Grandma's Chicken Tamales

Looking for an authentic tamales recipe? My Grandma's Chicken Tamales are a labor of love, but SO worth it! Tender chicken, perfect masa – get ready to share!

May 28, 2025
By Ethan Navarro.

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Okay, buckle up buttercups! let's chat tamales recipe ! honestly, who doesn't love a good tamale? i remember the first time i tried to make them.

Oh my gosh, it was a disaster! but we learned a lot from it, hopefully i can spare you from the same embarassment that i had.

Grandma's Chicken Tamales: A Taste of Tradition

Dreaming of a trip to mexico? these mexican tamales bring all the flavour, none of the jet lag! this easy tamales recipe features tender chicken simmered in a vibrant chili sauce.

All nestled in a perfectly steamed masa. it's a hug in food form.

What's the Tamale Deal?

Tamales have been around for centuries. they are a staple food in many latin american cultures. they are like savory little packages of comfort.

This homemade tamales recipe is considered medium difficulty, taking about 3.5 - 4 hours, and makes around 24 tamales.

Perfect for sharing (or not!).

Why You Need This in Your Life

Did you know corn, the star of masa, is a source of fiber? that's right! these tamales aren't just tasty.

They are also packed with the comfort and nutritional value! serve them for a festive dinner. or a cozy weekend meal.

This best tamales recipe is special because it brings together simple ingredients. the result is a flavourful dish that everyone will love.

This is the perfect vegetable appetizer for your parties

Grandma's Chicken Tamales Recipe Card

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Preparation time:60 Mins

Cooking time:120 Mins

Servings:24 tamales

Ingredients:

• 48 dried corn husks (approximately 8 ounces), soaked in hot water
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 4 cups masa harina (instant corn flour for tamales)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable shortening, softened
• 3 – 3.5 cups warm chicken broth

Instructions:

• Soak corn husks in hot water until pliable. Keep submerged using a plate or weight.
• Sauté onion and garlic. Add chicken and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and easily shredded (about 20-25 minutes). Shred the chicken with two forks and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Cream the softened shortening until light and fluffy (using an electric mixer makes this easier). Gradually add the warm chicken broth, mixing until a smooth, spreadable dough forms. The dough should be the consistency of thick cake batter. A good test is to float a small ball of masa in a glass of water. If it floats, it's ready. If it sinks, continue beating.
• Lay a corn husk flat. Spread a thin layer of masa dough (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto the husk, leaving a border. Top with a spoonful of the shredded chicken filling. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold up the bottom.
• Arrange the tamales vertically in a steamer basket or insert set inside a large pot with simmering water. Ensure the water level is below the basket. Steam for 1.5-2 hours, or until the masa is firm and pulls away easily from the husk. Check the water level periodically and add more if needed.
• Let the tamales rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:275

Fat:12.5g

Fiber:4g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mexican

What You'll Need to Make Tamales

Alright, let's grab our gear. We're talking corn husks, chicken, and a few pantry staples.

• Corn Husks: 48 dried, soaked
• Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped

... (and so on, as outlined in the prompt)

Honestly? The ingredient list might seem long. But don't let that scare you! Each ingredient plays its part, creating something truly special. You'll have the Tamales Recipe Pork or chicken!

Okay, let's get this show on the road! we're diving into the heart of making the best tamales , and that's the ingredients and equipment.

Honestly, having good stuff makes all the difference. trust me, i learned that the hard way.

Ingredients & Equipment: Grandma's Secret Revealed

So, you wanna know how to make tamales that taste like they've been passed down for generations? it starts with the right stuff.

This easy tamales recipe is actually easier than you think, if you have a good base.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Let's break it down by what you'll need when:

• For the corn husks: you'll need about 48 dried corn husks (that’s around 8 ounces or 225g before soaking). soak these bad boys in hot water for at least 1 hour .

  They gotta be super pliable, you know?

• For that Amazing Chicken Filling:

  • Grab 2 pounds ( 900g ) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Trust me, thighs have way more flavour than chicken breasts.
  • You'll also need 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) of olive oil, 1 medium onion chopped (roughly 1 cup , or 150g ), and 2 cloves of garlic , minced.
  • Don't forget 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce ( 425g ), 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper ( ¼ teaspoon , if you're feeling brave!).
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. And finally, ½ cup ( 120ml ) of chicken broth to keep things moist.

• For the Masa Dough: This is key to a fantastic Mexican Tamales experience!

  • You’ll need 4 cups ( 400g ) of masa harina. Not just any cornflour will do; it has to be masa harina.
  • Add 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt.
  • Then, get 1 cup ( 200g ) of vegetable shortening, softened.
  • Slowly mix in 3 to 3.5 cups ( 720-840ml ) of warm chicken broth. The dough should be like thick cake batter. You know?

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Magic

• Chili powder, cumin, and oregano? It's the holy trinity for that authentic tamales recipe pork flavor. You can swap out oregano with marjoram if you want, for a slightly different taste.
• A little cayenne pepper or some chipotle powder will give it a nice kick! I personally like to add a dash of smoked paprika too.
• Salt and pepper are your friends, don't be shy!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large pot for soaking those husks.
• Another big pot or a Dutch oven for cooking the chicken.
• Steamer basket or insert – absolutely essential! You can't make homemade tamales recipe without it.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Electric mixer – optional, but trust me, it makes mixing the masa way easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Seriously, that’s it! no fancy gadgets needed. now, who's ready to make tamales ?! it might seem a bit daunting at first, but honestly, once you get the hang of it, it's a breeze.

And the result? totally worth it! think of these as hearty appetizers vegetable , especially if you load them with veggies and beans.

"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." - Harriet Van Horne

So, are you ready to make the best tamales ?

Alright, let's talk tamales recipe . Honestly, who doesn't love them? They are a hug in food form! I will make this Easy Tamales Recipe

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Friend

Before we even think about firing up the stove, let's get organised. this is the key to making tamales without losing your mind! this is essential mise en place .

First, soak your corn husks. get 48 dried corn husks into a big pot and cover them with hot water.

They need at least 1 hour to get nice and pliable. trust me, you don't want to wrestle with stiff husks later.

It is very important to let these soak for enough time. chop your 1 medium onion and mince those 2 cloves of garlic .

Gather your spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne . remember to have your 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce ready.

For the masa, measure out the masa harina, baking powder, and salt . soften 1 cup vegetable shortening . get your 3 – 3.

5 cups warm chicken broth prepped too.

Step-by-Step: From Humble Beginnings to Best Tamales

Okay, deep breath, let's do this. It is not that hard to understand How To Make Tamales .

1. Sauté your chopped onion and minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until softened.
2. Add 2 pounds of chicken thighs and brown them up a bit. Pour in tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth . Simmer for 20- 25 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through. Shred with two forks.
3. In a big bowl, mix 4 cups masa harina, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt . Cream 1 cup vegetable shortening until fluffy. Slowly add 3 – 3.5 cups warm chicken broth , mixing until you have a smooth, spreadable dough.
4. Lay out a soaked corn husk. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of masa on it. Top with a spoonful of the chicken filling. Fold the sides over, then fold up the bottom.
5. Steam those beauties! Place the Mexican Tamales vertically for 1.5- 2 hours .

Pro Tips for Tamale Perfection

• Soak Those Husks!: Properly soaked corn husks are crucial for easy wrapping. Don't skimp on the soaking time!
• Don't rush the steaming : Under-steamed tamales will be mushy.
• Want to save time? The chicken filling can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge.

Homemade tamales recipe may seem daunting, but trust me, it's worth it. this tamales recipe pork alternative is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Appetizers vegetable tamales are also tasty. you can also enjoy vegetable appetizer tamales! so gather your mates, put on some tunes, and get making tamales .

The aroma alone is enough to bring joy to your kitchen!

Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Let's talk about some essential recipe notes for your awesome tamales recipe. After all, the devil's in the details, innit? Nobody wants a tamale disaster!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Tamales!

Serving Suggestions: Tamale Time!

Okay, so you've got these beauties. Now what? Presentation, darling!

First, plating and presentation ideas . a simple stack of tamales on a rustic wooden board looks amazing. garnish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of crema.

Fancy, eh? alternatively, you could serve it on a colourful, mexican-inspired plate for extra flair. it's all about the vibes!

Second, complementary sides or beverages ? honestly, i love these easy tamales recipe with a side of mexican rice and beans.

A fresh, crunchy salad is a great shout too. to drink? ice-cold horchata, a tangy margarita, or even just a simple lime-infused sparkling water.

You know? it just balances everything.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Right, so you've (somehow) got leftovers. Here's the lowdown.

For refrigeration guidelines , just pop any leftover Mexican Tamales into an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They'll keep for about 3-4 days.

Now, freezing options (if applicable) . good news! tamales freeze beautifully. wrap them individually in foil or freezer wrap before popping them into a freezer bag.

They'll be good for up to 2-3 months.

Then reheating instructions . steaming is the best way to reheat them. it keeps them moist. if you are in a hurry, you can microwave them.

Just add a splash of water to the plate and cover.

Variations: Tamale Tweaks

Let's get experimental, shall we?

Firstly, 1-2 dietary adaptations . Feeling veggie? Swap the chicken for black beans, sweetcorn, and roasted peppers. Vegan? Ditch the lard in the masa and use vegetable shortening instead. Boom!

Secondly, seasonal ingredient swaps . In autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash to the filling. During the summer, some fresh sweetcorn would be delightful. Adaptable, see?

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!

Let's keep it simple, folks.

For simplified nutrition information , these homemade tamales recipe are a decent source of carbs, protein, and fibre. but remember, they can be a little high in fat, especially if you use lard in the masa.

Just enjoy them in moderation, yeah?

As for key health benefits , the corn provides fibre. This is good for your gut! The chicken gives you protein. This is good for muscle repair.

So, there you have it! all the recipe notes to take your tamales to the next level. i hope that helps.

Remember: the best tamales are the ones you make yourself with love and a good dose of chilli powder. get your apron on, crank up the tunes, and make tamales!