Chicken Hallacas Wrapped in Banana Leaves
Venezuelan festive tamales with seasoned shredded chicken and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to tender perfection. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 105 minutes pairs pre-cooked white cornmeal (masarepa), cooked and shredded chicken breast, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (masarepa)
- 1 lb, cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1, finely chopped red bell pepper
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, sliced green olives
- 2 tbsp capers
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup annatto oil or vegetable oil
- 6 large sheets, softened banana leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for wrapping aluminum foil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet, heat 1/4 cup annatto or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 1 chopped red bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup sliced green olives, and 2 tbsp capers. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal with warm water (about 1 1/4 cups) and a pinch of salt to form a soft dough.
- Step 5: Lay one softened banana leaf sheet flat, spread a 1/2-inch thick layer of cornmeal dough (about 1/3 cup) in the center, then add 2-3 tbsp of the chicken filling on top, and cover with another 1/4 cup cornmeal dough layer.
- Step 6: Fold the banana leaf tightly around the filling into a rectangular packet and wrap securely with aluminum foil.
- Step 7: Place wrapped hallacas in a large steamer basket, cover, and steam over boiling water for 1 hour until the dough is firm and cooked through.
- Step 8: Remove carefully, unwrap, and serve warm for a traditional Venezuelan holiday dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken Hallacas Wrapped in Banana Leaves take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (30 min prep + 75 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 Chicken Hallacas Wrapped in Banana Leaves?
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 medium, finely chopped onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Hallacas Wrapped in Banana Leaves?
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 Chicken Hallacas Wrapped in Banana Leaves 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 Chicken Hallacas Wrapped in Banana Leaves?
Latin American chicken 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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