Green Chile Chicken Tamales

Green Chile Chicken Tamales

Finely ground from nixtamalized corn, masa harina tamale grind is the foundation of one of the most beloved foods in the Southwest and Mexico. The process of soaking corn in limewater unlocks both flavor and texture, giving masa its distinctive earthy aroma and soft, supple character. Tamale grind is typically slightly coarser than tortilla masa, creating a light, tender texture that steams beautifully inside the husk. In these tamales, the masa becomes more than a wrapper—it’s the heart of the dish, carrying the rich flavor of corn while balancing the savory chicken and vibrant green chile filling with warmth and tradition.

  • Prep Time: 60 min
  • Cook Time: 90 min
  • Total Time: 210 min
  • Yield: 12 tamales
  • Cuisine: New Mexican
  • Category: Main course

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Masa:
  2. 1 1/2 cups masa harina
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  5. 1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons lard, vegetable shortening or butter
  6. 1 - 1 ¼ cups water or chicken broth
  7. In a medium bowl mix masa harina, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Set aside.
  8. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, place the lard (or
  9. shortening or butter) and beat at medium-high speed until fluffy.
  10. Slowly add the masa harina mixture by heaping spoonfuls and continue to beat until thoroughly incorporated. Slowly add the water or broth and beat on medium-high for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fluffy. Test by dropping 1/2 teaspoon of dough into a glass of cold water. If it floats, it’s ready to be formed into tamales. If it doesn’t float, continue to beat on medium-high to incorporate air.
  11. Filling:
  12. 1 1/2 pounds shredded chicken, made from whole, roasted chicken
  13. 1 cup green chile sauce (see recipe below)
  14. 2 Tablespoons chile caribe, toasted
  15. Mix all ingredients together.
  16. Green Chile Sauce:
  17. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  18. 1 cup diced onion
  19. 1 Tablespoon coarsely minced garlic
  20. 1 to 2 Tablespoons flour (optional)
  21. 1 1/3 cups green chile
  22. Sauté the onion until a little color develops, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook one minute more.
  23. Stir in the flour (if using), add the green chiles, and coriander and slowly stir in the chicken stock or water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer about 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

Estimated Nutritional Facts per serving Serving Size: 2 tamales

Calories620
Total Fat34g
Saturated Fat12g
Cholesterol110mg
Sodium300-450mg
Total Carbohydrate40g
Dietary Fiber4g
Total Sugars2g
Protein36g

Estimated Nutritional Facts for Entire Recipe

Calories3,600–3,900
Total Fat200–215g
Saturated Fat70–80g
Cholesterol650–750mg
Sodium2,000-2,500mg
Total Carbohydrates235–255g
Dietary Fiber22–28g
Total Sugars10–15g
Protein210–225g