Classic Tamales with Chicken and Mushroom

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

Homemade tamales filled with savory chicken and mushrooms, wrapped in corn husks. This mexican ready in about 105 minutes pairs masa harina, chicken thighs, mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 12, 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 (13 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 60 min Serves 12 Mexican cuisine 200 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 skillet, cook chicken, mushrooms, onion, and garlic in 2 tbsp butter until tender.
  2. Step 2: Mix masa with 1 cup hot water until smooth. Fill husks with 3/4 cup masa, then add 1/4 cup chicken mixture.
  3. Step 3: Wrap tightly, steam in a pot with water for 45 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Tamales with Chicken and Mushroom take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (45 min prep + 60 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 Classic Tamales with Chicken and Mushroom?

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 masa harina from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Tamales with Chicken and Mushroom?

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 Classic Tamales with Chicken and Mushroom for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Classic Tamales with Chicken and Mushroom?

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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