Spicy Best Tamales

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Homemade tamales filled with spicy chicken and wrapped in corn husks, steamed to perfection. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 105 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, fresh Cilantro, medium Lime for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 60 min Serves 12 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté chicken thighs with olive oil until golden, 8-10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and simmer until tender, 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix masa with 1/2 cup warm water until smooth. Stuff husks with 2 tbsp masa, add 2-3 tbsp chicken filling, and fold edges to seal.
  3. Step 3: Steam tamales in a steamer basket over boiling water for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced red onion.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Best Tamales 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 Spicy Best 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Best 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 Spicy Best Tamales 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 Spicy Best 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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