These Chicken Tamales are a delightful shortcut version of the traditional Latin American classic. Instead of spending hours with dough prep, you mix green salsa and cornmeal directly into your filling, cutting down on time but not flavor.
Packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, gooey cheese, sweet green peas, and briny olives—all wrapped in softened corn husks and steamed to perfection—this dish brings a comforting, savory flavor that works beautifully for holidays, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving something special but simple.
Full Recipe:
14 large dried corn husks
1 rotisserie chicken (2-3 lbs), skin removed, meat shredded (about 6 cups)
1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, halved
2 cups bottled green salsa
2 cups self-rising yellow cornmeal mix
Directions:
Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes until soft and pliable.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, cilantro, peas, olives, and salsa. Stir in the cornmeal mix until evenly incorporated.
Tear 2 soaked corn husks into 12 thin strips for tying.
Lay a husk flat, wide end up. Spoon 2/3 cup filling into the center and shape into a 4×2 inch rectangle. Leave space at the bottom to fold.
Roll husk jelly roll-style around the filling. Fold the bottom edge and tie with a husk strip. Repeat with remaining husks.
In a large pot with a steamer basket, add 1 inch of water. Arrange tamales upright (fold side down). Cover and steam over medium-high heat for 25 minutes, adding water as needed.
Let tamales rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Inactive Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
Kcal: ~300 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
The Story Behind Chicken Tamales: A Tradition Made Simple
Tamales are more than just food—they are a celebration, a connection to cultural heritage, and a labor of love. Originating from Mesoamerica, tamales date back thousands of years and were considered portable meals for warriors, travelers, and farmers. Traditionally made with masa (a corn dough) and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, tamales are typically steamed and filled with anything from meats and cheeses to chilies and fruits.
Ingrid Hoffmann’s Chicken Tamales recipe is a modernized, home-cook-friendly take on this classic Latin American dish. Using rotisserie chicken and self-rising cornmeal instead of masa harina and lard simplifies the preparation without compromising the flavor. This accessible version makes tamales approachable for even the busiest of home cooks while retaining the comforting warmth and celebratory essence of the original.
Why This Chicken Tamales Recipe Stands Out
This particular recipe strikes a beautiful balance between tradition and convenience. By using store-bought rotisserie chicken, the process skips over the longer meat preparation time. The inclusion of bottled green salsa injects bold flavor with minimal effort, while the self-rising cornmeal replaces traditional masa dough, which typically requires lard, broth, and meticulous kneading.
Despite these shortcuts, the texture and taste remain satisfying. The tamales steam into fluffy, savory bundles that carry the essence of their more traditional counterparts. The mix of savory chicken, melted cheese, peas, and green olives offers a unique fusion of flavors—earthy, tangy, slightly sweet, and briny. This combination creates layers of taste that are distinct yet harmonious.
Cultural Relevance and Modern Fusion
Tamales are often at the center of Mexican holidays and celebrations, including Christmas, Día de los Muertos, and family reunions. They are associated with community and togetherness, often prepared in large batches with several people contributing to the process. The idea of a “tamalada”—a tamale-making party—is as much about bonding as it is about cooking.
Hoffmann’s recipe retains the spirit of this tradition but adapts it for modern kitchens. In today’s fast-paced world, not everyone has hours to prepare tamales from scratch. This version is ideal for those who want a taste of heritage without an overwhelming time commitment. It’s also a great entry point for beginners or people experimenting with Latin cuisine for the first time.
Flavor Profile: A Harmonious Medley
One of the most notable elements of this dish is its flavor composition. The use of green salsa brings a fresh, tangy base note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the shredded chicken. The cheese adds a creamy, gooey mouthfeel that elevates the tamale’s texture. Then there are the peas and olives—seemingly unconventional but essential in this recipe’s profile.
Green peas offer a hint of sweetness and a soft pop in every bite, while pimiento-stuffed olives provide a savory and slightly salty burst. Together, they give these tamales a Mediterranean twist that distinguishes them from more traditional varieties. The cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richer elements and ties everything together.
Tips for Perfect Tamales at Home
Even though this recipe simplifies the traditional method, a few practical tips can enhance the results. First, soaking the corn husks thoroughly ensures flexibility and prevents tearing during wrapping. Using warm water and weighing them down with a plate helps them rehydrate more evenly.
Secondly, don’t overstuff the tamales—keeping the filling to about 2/3 cup allows them to wrap properly and steam uniformly. Arranging the tamales upright in the steamer (with the open end facing up) helps maintain their shape and prevents the filling from spilling out.
Lastly, make sure to monitor the water level during steaming. Tamales need consistent steam for at least 25 minutes, and running out of water can result in uneven cooking. It helps to check and top off with hot water every 10 minutes or so, depending on your steamer setup.
Creative Twists and Ingredient Variations
One of the great aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re not a fan of olives or peas, you can easily swap them for ingredients like corn kernels, diced jalapeños, or green onions. The cheese can also be tailored to taste—think Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or even a smoky cheddar.
For a spicier kick, try using a green salsa with roasted tomatillos and serrano peppers. You can also mix in some chipotle or adobo sauce for a deeper, smoky flavor. If you prefer red tamales, swap the green salsa for a mild enchilada sauce or a homemade guajillo chili blend.
Vegetarians can enjoy this recipe by substituting the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, grilled zucchini, or black beans. Vegan options can be created using plant-based cheese and skipping the meat entirely.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Tamales are traditionally enjoyed with sides like rice and beans, but there are countless ways to elevate your tamale meal. Serve them with a drizzle of crema or sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lime. A side of pickled red onions or jalapeños adds a zesty contrast.
If you’re entertaining, create a tamale platter with different sauces on the side—think avocado crema, salsa roja, or mole. Add a bright, crunchy salad made with cabbage, tomatoes, and lime vinaigrette for texture and freshness.
For drinks, tamales pair well with classic Latin beverages like horchata, agua fresca, or even a spicy michelada. A light lager or citrusy margarita also complements the flavor palette beautifully.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the greatest things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s festive enough for holidays and casual enough for weekday dinners. You can make a big batch and freeze the extras for later. They reheat well—just wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave, or steam them again until hot.
Tamales also make excellent party fare. They’re individually wrapped and easy to serve, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings. You can even prep everything ahead of time and steam them right before serving.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Simplicity and Flavor
Ingrid Hoffmann’s Chicken Tamales recipe is a brilliant example of how traditional dishes can evolve while honoring their roots. This shortcut version offers all the comfort, flavor, and festivity of classic tamales without the complexity that often discourages home cooks.
It’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Latin flavors, a nod to heritage, and a warm, satisfying dish that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply exploring new cuisines, these tamales offer a rich, fulfilling experience with every bite.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by traditional tamale-making, this recipe invites you to dive in and enjoy the process. It proves that you don’t need to sacrifice tradition for convenience—you can have both in one delicious, beautifully wrapped package.