Savory Green Chile Chicken Tamales
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Savory Green Chile Chicken Tamales, a beloved family recipe that takes you on a culinary journey straight to the heart of traditional Mexican cuisine. This labor of love combines tender, shredded rotisserie chicken, tangy tomatillos, and zesty serrano chilies, all encased in soft, freshly made masa dough. Each tamale is lovingly wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection, offering a delightful taste and warm comfort that everyone, including little ones, will enjoy. While prep time is substantial, the resulting dish is absolutely worth the wait. Perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or whenever you want to bring a bit of festivity into your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried corn husks
8 ounces (Soaked in water until softened)
Tomatillos
1 lb (Husked and rinsed)
Garlic cloves
4 large (Chopped)
Serrano chilies
4 (Stemmed and chopped (3-inch long))
Olive oil
1.5 tablespoons (Used for sautéing)
Low sodium chicken broth
2 cups (For cooking and mixing with dough)
Cooked chicken
4 cups (Coarsely shredded (about 1 lb, rotisserie chicken recommended))
Fresh cilantro
2/3 cup (Chopped)
Vegetable shortening
1.33 cups (For dough mixing)
Salt
1.5 teaspoons (Optional, based on masa mixture)
Baking powder
1.5 teaspoons (Optional, based on masa mixture)
Masa dough
4 cups (Freshly ground (or prepare from masa harina and warm water))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
11.5g
Carbs
3.8g
Protein
1.35g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Green Chile Chicken Tamales?
Savory Green Chile Chicken Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish featuring shredded chicken and a tangy green chile sauce wrapped in masa dough and steamed in corn husks.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Coarsely shredded cooked chicken is best. The recipe specifically recommends using rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor.
How do I prepare the corn husks for tamales?
Dried corn husks should be soaked in water until they are fully softened and pliable before use.
Are these green chile tamales spicy?
They contain four serrano chilies, which give the sauce a zesty kick, though the spice level is balanced by the masa dough.
Can I use masa harina instead of fresh masa dough?
Yes, you can prepare the dough from masa harina and warm water if freshly ground masa dough is not available.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients in the green sauce?
The sauce is made from tomatillos, garlic cloves, serrano chilies, and olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a beloved family recipe designed to be enjoyed by everyone, including children.
How much protein is in each tamale?
Each serving contains 3.8g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How much fiber is provided in this dish?
Each serving provides 1.35g of fiber.
Are there carbohydrates in these tamales?
Yes, there are 11.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
What kind of fat is used in the masa dough?
Vegetable shortening is used to create the dough's texture.
Do I need to add baking powder to the masa?
The recipe suggests 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, depending on your specific masa mixture, to help with the rise and texture.
How much chicken is required for the filling?
You will need 4 cups of shredded chicken, which is approximately 1 pound.
Does this recipe include cilantro?
Yes, 2/3 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is included in the preparation.
How are the tamales cooked?
The tamales are wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.
What type of chilies are used?
The recipe uses 4 serrano chilies, approximately 3 inches long.
Can I make these tamales for a celebration?
Absolutely, they are described as a festive dish perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
How many tomatillos do I need?
The recipe requires 1 pound of tomatillos, husked and rinsed.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the sauce ingredients.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large chopped garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of the corn husks?
Corn husks serve as the traditional wrapper that holds the tamale together during the steaming process.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
No, while the result is worth the wait, the preparation time is substantial as it is a labor of love.
What categories does this dish fall under?
It is categorized as Mexican cuisine, comfort food, and a festive family recipe.
How much salt is used in the masa?
The recipe suggests 1.5 teaspoons of salt, though this may vary based on your masa mixture.
What is the main carbohydrate source?
The main carbohydrate source is the masa dough, which is made from corn.
Is rotisserie chicken a good choice for tamales?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends rotisserie chicken for its texture and convenience.
What makes these tamales savory?
The combination of garlic, serrano chilies, tangy tomatillos, and chicken broth creates a deep, savory flavor profile.