Green Chicken Tamales (Tamales Verdes)
Learn how to make authentic green chicken tamales at home. This easy tamales verdes recipe features tender chicken and zesty green sauce. Perfect for any fiesta!
Craving the rich, vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine? Look no further than these green chicken tamales, also known as tamales verdes. This traditional dish combines tender shredded chicken with a zesty green sauce, all wrapped in a soft, steamed masa dough. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
Tamales are a beloved staple in Mexican culture, often served during holidays and family gatherings. The green variation, or tamales verdes, stands out for its tangy, slightly spicy flavor profile. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this delicious dish right in your own home.
What Are Green Chicken Tamales?
Green chicken tamales, or tamales verdes, are a traditional Mexican dish made with masa (a type of corn dough) filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken and green sauce. The green sauce is typically made from tomatillos, green chiles, and cilantro, giving the tamales their distinctive tangy and slightly spicy taste. These tamales are then wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore authentic Mexican flavors. The combination of tender chicken and zesty green sauce creates a mouthwatering filling that pairs beautifully with the soft, slightly sweet masa dough. Plus, making tamales at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking, whether you prefer them mild or with a bit of extra heat.
The Magic of Tamales Verdes
The green sauce is what sets tamales verdes apart from other varieties. Made with fresh tomatillos, green chiles, and aromatic herbs, this sauce adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the chicken. The result is a dish that is both comforting and exciting, with every bite bursting with authentic Mexican flavors.
Ingredients for Green Chicken Tamales
To make these delicious green chicken tamales, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2-3 green chiles (such as poblano or jalapeño)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Masa Dough:
- 4 cups masa harina
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- For Assembly:
- Corn husks, soaked in warm water
How to Make Green Chicken Tamales – Step by Step
Follow these steps to create your own batch of delicious green chicken tamales:
Step 1: Prepare the Green Sauce
Start by boiling the tomatillos and green chiles in a pot of water until they are soft, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer them to a blender. Add the cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the green sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and pour the green sauce over it. Stir well to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set the filling aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Masa Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the chicken broth and mix until the dough comes together. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or shortening until fluffy, then fold it into the masa mixture. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Tamales
Take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the center, leaving space at the top and bottom. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto the dough. Fold the sides of the husk inward, then fold the bottom up to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining husks and filling.
Step 5: Steam the Tamales
Place the assembled tamales in a steamer basket, standing them upright with the open end facing up. Steam for 45-60 minutes, or until the masa dough is firm and cooked through. Be sure to check the water level in the steamer periodically to prevent it from drying out.
Expert Tips for Perfect Green Chicken Tamales
Creating the perfect batch of tamales requires a bit of practice, but these tips will help you achieve excellent results every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatillos and chiles will give your green sauce the best flavor. Avoid using canned or pre-packaged ingredients if possible.
- Soak the Corn Husks Properly: Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the tamales. This makes them pliable and easier to work with.
- Don’t Overfill the Tamales: While it might be tempting to add extra filling, overfilling can cause the tamales to burst open during steaming. Stick to a modest amount of filling for each tamale.
Serving Suggestions
Green chicken tamales are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience with these serving suggestions:
- Top with Extra Sauce: Serve the tamales with a side of the green sauce for dipping or drizzling.
- Add Fresh Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime can add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the tamales.
- Pair with Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Tamales can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, steam them for 10-15 minutes if frozen, or 5-10 minutes if refrigerated. You can also reheat them in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel, for 1-2 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and corn.
- Spicier Tamales: Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the green sauce for a spicier kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Oaxaca, into the filling before wrapping the tamales.
Nutritional Benefits
Tamales are not only delicious but also offer some nutritional benefits. The masa dough provides a good source of carbohydrates, while the chicken adds protein. The green sauce, made with tomatillos and chiles, is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Enjoying tamales as part of a balanced diet can be a flavorful and satisfying choice. For more information on the health benefits of tomatillos, check out this guide on tomatillos.
Common Questions About Green Chicken Tamales
Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying green chicken tamales:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your lard or shortening is at room temperature before mixing it into the masa dough. This helps create a smoother, more manageable dough.
- Test the Masa Dough: To check if your masa dough is ready, drop a small ball of it into a glass of cold water. If it floats, it’s ready to use. If it sinks, continue mixing and test again.
- Keep the Steamer Covered: Avoid lifting the lid of the steamer too often while cooking the tamales. This can cause the steam to escape and increase the cooking time.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to try different fillings, such as shredded beef, pork, or even sweet fillings like pineapple or cinnamon sugar.
- Make Ahead: Tamales can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to steam them. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
- Use a Stand Mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to beat the lard and masa dough. This will save you time and effort, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Control the heat in your green sauce by adjusting the number of chiles you use. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor or add more chiles for extra heat.
- Serve with Salsa: Offer a variety of salsas, such as red salsa or pico de gallo, to complement the green chicken tamales and add extra flavor.
