Spicy Best Tamales

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

Homemade tamales filled with spicy chicken and wrapped in corn husks, steamed to perfection. This 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 60 min Serves 12 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

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.

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes