Quick Chicken and Cheese Tamales
Transform your weeknight dinners with these Quick Chicken and Cheese Tamales, a delicious twist on a traditional favorite that’s perfect for busy schedules. Made with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and store-bought salsa, these tamales are wrapped in soft masa dough for a comforting, flavor-packed meal. This time-saving recipe features dried corn husks for authentic texture and is ready in just about 75 minutes, including prep and cook time. Whether you’re steaming these tamales for a family dinner or spicing up a party spread, they’re guaranteed to impress. Serve them hot with extra salsa for a practically effortless dish bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Masa harina
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth
- 0.5 cups Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 2 cups Pre-cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 0.5 cups Store-bought red or green salsa
- 16 pieces Dried corn husks
Instructions
Soak the dried corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to make them pliable. While soaking, prepare the masa and filling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix in the chicken broth and vegetable oil until it forms a smooth, spreadable dough.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the salsa. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
Drain and pat dry the softened corn husks. Take one corn husk and spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of masa dough in the center, leaving about 1-2 inches from the top and bottom edges.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on top of the masa and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold up the narrow bottom end of the husk to create a pocket. Repeat with remaining corn husks, masa, and filling.
Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer basket, open-side up. Steam for 45 minutes over medium heat, or until the masa easily pulls away from the husk. Refill with water as needed during cooking to prevent the steamer from drying out.
Let the tamales rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with additional salsa on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
309 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.3 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 64 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 879 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.9 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 23.2 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 127 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 273 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
