Name: Delicious Corn Husk Chicken Tamales to Savor at Home
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Masa Harina (Use Maseca brand for best results.); 3 cups Broth (Chicken, beef, or vegetable.); 1 tablespoon Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin; 1/2 cup Lard (Substitute with vegetable shortening for a vegan option.); 20 pieces Dried Corn Husks (Soak in hot water until pliable.); 2 cups Fillings (Cooked and cooled, e.g., red chile pork, salsa verde chicken, beans and cheese.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the smell of steaming corn husks wafts through my kitchen, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. Homemade Corn Husk Chicken Tamales are not just a dish; they’re a bridge to cherished memories of family gatherings and celebrations filled with laughter. This recipe beautifully simplifies the art of tamale-making into manageable steps, ensuring that even busy weeknights can be transformed into comforting feasts. With accessible ingredients and endless filling options—from zesty salsa verde chicken to hearty beans and cheese—everyone at the table can find a favorite. Best of all, these tamales are a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for freezing and enjoying whenever a craving strikes. Ready to wrap your own tamales and create memories that will linger long after the last bite?

Why Make Corn Husk Chicken Tamales?

Nostalgic Comfort: Every bite of these tamales invites you to savor memories of family gatherings, making them perfect for reconnecting over home-cooked meals.
Endless Variations: Choose your own adventure with filling options like red chile pork or beans and cheese, ensuring there’s something for everyone at your table.
Manageable Steps: This straightforward recipe simplifies the traditional tamale-making process, ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing authentic flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze extras for a quick meal—perfect for any time a craving for comfort food strikes. You can also pair them with Mexican rice or a side of fresh salsa for a complete feast!

Corn Husk Chicken Tamale Ingredients

For the Tamale Dough
Masa Harina – Essential for the structure of your tamales; using masa harina specifically for tamales (Maseca brand recommended) yields the best results.
Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) – Adds flavor and moisture; choose according to your dietary preference for delicious corn husk chicken tamales.
Baking Powder – Helps achieve a light, fluffy texture in the masa, making tamales delightful to eat.
Salt – Enhances the flavor, bringing out the best in your masa dough.
Ground Cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the fillings beautifully.
Lard – Provides that rich texture; for a vegan option, substitute with vegetable shortening.
For Wrapping
Dried Corn Husks – These are essential for wrapping the tamales; ensure they are soaked long enough to become pliable for easy handling.
For the Fillings
Fillings (e.g., red chile pork, salsa verde chicken, beans and cheese) – Choose your favorite combinations; make sure your fillings are fully cooked and cooled for easy assembly.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Corn Husk Chicken Tamales

Step 1: Soak Corn Husks
Begin by placing the dried corn husks in a large bowl or sink, ensuring they’re fully submerged in hot water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable. This crucial step ensures that the husks are easy to fold and wrap around your delicious corn husk chicken tamales, preventing any tearing during assembly.

Step 2: Prepare Fillings
While the husks soak, cook your desired fillings, such as red chile pork or salsa verde chicken. Season them generously to enhance their flavors, and allow them to cool completely before using them for your tamales. This helps to maintain moisture and prevents the dough from becoming soggy when packed into the tamales.

Step 3: Make Masa Dough
In a mixing bowl, beat the lard and about 2 tablespoons of broth until the mixture is fluffy and pale. In another bowl, whisk together masa harina, baking powder, salt, and ground cumin until evenly combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the lard mixture, alternating with the remaining broth, until a sticky, cohesive dough forms—aim for a consistency that holds together but isn’t too wet.

Step 4: Assemble Tamales
Take a soaked corn husk and lay it glossy side up on a clean surface. Spread about ¼ cup of masa dough over the husk, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides and a 2-inch border at the bottom. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of your prepared filling in the center, then fold the sides of the husk over the masa and roll it up from the bottom to seal the tamale. Repeat this process until you have assembled all your corn husk chicken tamales.

Step 5: Steam Tamales
Prepare your steamer or Instant Pot. For traditional steaming, add water to the steamer, then stand the tamales upright in the basket, ensuring they are snug but not squished. Cover and steam for 45-60 minutes. For the Instant Pot, place the tamales upright, add a cup of water, seal, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. The tamales are done when the masa pulls away cleanly from the husk.

Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve your homemade corn husk chicken tamales warm, perhaps alongside some authentic Mexican rice or fresh salsa, to enjoy the delightful flavors and textures. These comforting treats are sure to bring joy to your table!

How to Store and Freeze Corn Husk Chicken Tamales

Fridge: Store tamales in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. Individually wrap them for easy reheating and to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap tamales tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Reheating: To reheat, steam tamales for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a plate with a damp paper towel, heating in 1-minute increments.
Make-Ahead Tip: Corn husk chicken tamales are perfect for meal prep! Prepare and freeze them in advance for a comforting meal anytime the craving strikes.

What to Serve with Corn Husk Chicken Tamales?

A festive gathering calls for the perfect accompaniments that elevate the joy of homemade tamales and turn your meal into a vibrant feast.

Mexican Rice: This fluffy, seasoned rice pairs beautifully, soaking up the rich flavors of the tamales for a comforting bite.
Refried Beans: Creamy and hearty, refried beans add a wonderful texture and are a traditional favorite alongside tamales, enhancing the overall experience.
Fresh Salsa: With its tangy freshness, a zesty salsa provides a vibrant contrast, stimulating your palate with every delicious forkful.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn smothered in creamy toppings adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, making it a flavorful companion for your tamales.
Guacamole: Rich and creamy, guacamole brings a soothing component that balances the tamales’ flavors perfectly while adding a refreshing element.
Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a kick, these tangy peppers add a spicy twist, elevating the savory taste of the corn husk chicken tamales.
Avocado Salad: A light salad featuring ripe avocados and citrus dressing creates a fresh counterpoint to the hearty tamales.

Don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing drink, like a classic horchata or a vibrant margarita, to round out your delightful feast!

Corn Husk Chicken Tamales Variations

Feel free to personalize your tamales with these delightful twists and substitutions that make every batch unique and incredibly flavorful!

Vegetarian: Swap out lard for vegetable shortening, making your tamales suitable for vegan diets without sacrificing flavor.
Filling Faves: Use different fillings like ground beef, roasted vegetables, or cheese to cater to your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.
Heat Index: Spice things up with jalapeños or chipotle peppers blended into your filling for an extra kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
Crispy Finish: After steaming, give your tamales a quick sauté in a skillet to add a crisp texture on the outside—a delicious twist!
Savory Salsa: Serve with a dollop of fresh salsa verde or fiery red salsa, elevating the flavor profile and providing a refreshing contrast to the rich tamale.
Side Surprises: Pair with traditional sides like refried beans, or try a fresh Mexican street corn salad for a delightful balance to the rich tamales.
Festive Fusions: Mix hints of lime zest or fresh cilantro into your masa for a bright, flavorful twist that bursts with freshness in every bite.
Tamale Night Adventure: Organize a tamale night with family or friends by letting everyone assemble their own with unique fillings—imagine a gathering filled with laughter and delicious creations!

These variations not only keep your meals exciting but also ensure that every tamale tells a delicious story. For inspiration on other mouthwatering chicken recipes, check out the Fiery Chicken Ramen or try the Honey BBQ Chicken for more family favorites!

Tips for the Best Corn Husk Chicken Tamales

Soaking Time Matters: Soak corn husks for at least 30 minutes; this prevents tearing during assembly, ensuring your corn husk chicken tamales hold together beautifully.
Light and Fluffy Dough: Beat the masa until it’s airy and floats in water. This ensures a light texture for your tamales, enhancing the overall experience.
Avoid Overfilling: Use about 1-2 tablespoons of filling to prevent bursting during cooking. Properly sealed tamales cook more evenly and remain intact.
Keep the Steam In: Refrain from opening the steamer lid frequently; this helps maintain consistent heat and steam for perfectly cooked tamales.
Taste Test Your Fillings: Always taste and adjust seasoning in your fillings before assembly; this ensures great flavor in every bite of your corn husk chicken tamales.

Make Ahead Options

These Corn Husk Chicken Tamales are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to save time on hectic weeknights! You can assemble the tamales and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before steaming. If you’re planning further ahead, feel free to freeze them for up to 6 months—just ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply steam the frozen tamales without thawing, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect results. By pre-preparing these delicious tamales, you’ll have homemade comfort food ready to go whenever a craving strikes!

Corn Husk Chicken Tamales Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select corn husks for tamales?
When choosing corn husks, look for those that are larger, intact, and free of dark spots. The brighter and sturdier the husks, the better they will hold your tamales during steaming. It’s essential to soak them long enough—at least 30 minutes, so they become pliable for easy wrapping.

How should I store leftover tamales?
Absolutely! You can store tamales in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. For the best results, I recommend wrapping each tamale individually in plastic wrap to maintain their freshness and make reheating a breeze.

Can I freeze my corn husk chicken tamales?
Yes, you can! Wrap each tamale tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply steam or microwave them to heat through.

What should I do if my masa dough is too dry?
If you find your masa dough is dry, don’t fret! Gradually mix in additional broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired sticky consistency. The dough should hold together without crumbling, giving it the right texture for tamales.

Are there any allergy considerations with corn husk chicken tamales?
Indeed! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, be mindful of the lard in the masa. You can easily substitute it with vegetable shortening for a vegan option. Always check that your fillings are free from allergens and adjust ingredients according to your guest’s needs.

How can I tell when the tamales are done cooking?
To ensure your tamales are perfectly cooked, check if the masa pulls away cleanly from the husk. It typically takes 45-60 minutes for steaming on the stovetop or about 25 minutes in an Instant Pot. If they easily detach, you’re ready to serve!