Best Spicy Tamales

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Homemade tamales filled with seasoned chicken and wrapped in corn husks, steamed to perfection. This mexican ready in about 150 minutes pairs corn husks, masa harina, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 60 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes. In a bowl, mix 2 cups masa harina with 1 cup chicken broth until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Season chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp chipotle sauce. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until golden. Chop into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Step 3: Stuff each husk with 1/2 cup masa mixture, then add 1/4 cup chicken. Fold the husk shut and tie with a string. Steam for 45 minutes. Serve with lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Spicy Tamales take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (60 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Spicy Tamales?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep corn husks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Spicy Tamales?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Spicy Tamales for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Spicy Tamales?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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