Description
Yummy Green Chicken Tamales (Tamales Verdes) are a delightful Mexican dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a vibrant green sauce wrapped in soft masa. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, these tamales are bursting with flavor and tradition. With fresh tomatillos and zesty jalapeños, each bite transports you to a festive celebration. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of comforting tamales that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6 fresh tomatillos, husked and halved
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 jalapeños, seeds removed (adjust for heat)
- 3 cups masa harina
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (plus extra for sauce)
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- Salt to taste
- Corn husks (for wrapping)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken: In a pot, boil chicken thighs in water until fully cooked (about 30 minutes). Shred the chicken and reserve some broth.
- 2. Prepare the Sauce: Blend tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Add reserved chicken broth if needed.
- 3. Make the Masa Dough: In a bowl, mix masa harina with baking powder and salt. Gradually incorporate softened butter and enough chicken broth to form a soft dough.
- 4. Assemble Tamales: Soak corn husks in warm water. Spread 2 tbsp masa on each husk, top with shredded chicken and green sauce. Fold tightly and secure with corn husk strips.
- 5. Steam Tamales: Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket lined with husks or parchment paper. Steam for about 1 hour or until masa pulls away easily from husks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tamale (120g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg