Masa-Handmade Corn Tacos with Chipotle Adobo Filling

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

Fresh corn tortillas made from scratch are filled with smoky chipotle chicken and crisp toppings for an authentic Mexican street food experience. This mexican (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes turns masa harina, warm water, salt into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups masa harina, 1 1/4 cups warm water, and 1/2 tsp salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for 2 minutes until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten with a tortilla press or rolling pin between plastic wrap to 6-inch circles.
  3. Step 3: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 1 minute per side until lightly browned and puffed.
  4. Step 4: While tortillas cook, mix 4 tbsp chipotle adobo sauce with 1/2 cup shredded chicken in a small saucepan. Heat for 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing 2-3 tbsp chicken mixture on each tortilla. Top with 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco, and 1/4 cup shredded lettuce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Masa-Handmade Corn Tacos with Chipotle Adobo Filling take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Masa-Handmade Corn Tacos with Chipotle Adobo Filling?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Masa-Handmade Corn Tacos with Chipotle Adobo Filling?

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 Masa-Handmade Corn Tacos with Chipotle Adobo Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Masa-Handmade Corn Tacos with Chipotle Adobo Filling gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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