Forktionary

Quick Chicken And Cheese Tamales Recipe

Craving delicious tamales but short on time? This recipe delivers authentic flavor in a flash! Inspired by culinary genius Guillermo Pernot, this recipe skips the traditional husks and lengthy assembly. Instead, we're creating melt-in-your-mouth chicken and cheese tamales using store-bought rotisserie chicken and a simple, quick masa dough. Steamed in plastic wrap for easy cleanup and perfectly tender results, these tamales are a game-changer for busy weeknights. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 375.4 kcal
Protein 17g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Quick Chicken And Cheese Tamales 88

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Quick Chicken And Cheese Tamales

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
  • favorite hot sauce, for serving
  • 12 12-inch square sheets plastic wrap
  • crisp, dry Rosé, for serving (optional accompaniment)

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How to Make Quick Chicken And Cheese Tamales

  1. In a food processor, pulse 2 cups masa harina with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt until combined.
  2. Add 1 1/2 cups warm water and pulse until the masa harina is moistened.
  3. Add 1/2 cup vegetable shortening in small pieces and drizzle in 1/2 cup chicken broth. Process until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
  4. Transfer the dough to a large bowl. Stir in 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons chopped scallions.
  5. Tear twelve 12-inch square sheets of plastic wrap.
  6. Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the tamale mixture onto the center of each sheet of plastic wrap (6 at a time).
  7. Using lightly moistened hands, shape each portion into a 4x2-inch rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
  8. Fold the plastic wrap around the tamale, twisting the ends tightly and tucking them under to create a sealed packet.
  9. Repeat steps 6-8 with the remaining tamale mixture.
  10. Arrange the tamales seam-side down in a large bamboo steamer basket.
  11. Place the steamer basket over 2 inches of boiling water. Steam for 25 minutes.
  12. Let the tamales cool slightly. Carefully open the plastic wrap and slide the tamales onto a platter.
  13. Serve immediately with your favorite hot sauce. A crisp, dry Rosé would be a wonderful accompaniment!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

23 g

Sugar

2g

Fat

45g

Carbs

10g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Lunch Main Dish / Dinner Poultry Chicken Recipes The Americas Mexican

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Side Dishes Eggs Dairy Poultry American Mexican Southwestern United States Central American Dinner Party Finger Food Holiday Event Cheese Chicken Spicy Meat Whole Chicken Superbowl Taste Mood Presentation Served Hot