Chicken tamales are a delicious traditional Mexican dish that can be enjoyed as a meal or snack. While traditionally they are cooked using a steamer, this article will show you how to make them in the oven. This method is great for those who don’t have a steamer or prefer to use the oven for cooking.

To make chicken tamales in the oven, you will need a few key ingredients. These include chicken, masa harina (corn flour), chicken broth, lard or vegetable shortening, baking powder, salt, and your choice of seasonings. You will also need corn husks to wrap the tamales in, which can be found at most Latin American or specialty grocery stores.

Before you start assembling the tamales, you will need to prepare the chicken filling. This can be done by cooking chicken breasts or thighs with your preferred seasonings. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into small pieces and set it aside. You can also add vegetables or other ingredients to the filling to enhance the flavor.

The next step is to prepare the masa dough, which will be used to wrap the chicken filling. Mix the masa harina, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or vegetable shortening until it becomes creamy. Gradually add the masa mixture and chicken broth to the lard, mixing well until a smooth dough forms.

Tip: It’s important to use warm chicken broth to help the dough come together and make it easier to spread on the corn husks.

Now it’s time to assemble the tamales. Take a corn husk and spread a thin layer of the masa dough onto it, leaving a border on all sides. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of the dough. Roll the corn husk tightly, folding in the bottom and top edges to enclose the filling. Secure the tamale with a strip of corn husk or kitchen twine. Repeat this process until all the tamales are assembled.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tamales on a baking sheet, seam-side down. Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until the masa dough is cooked through and firm.

Once the tamales are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them as is or with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. These chicken tamales make a great meal or appetizer for any occasion!

Preparing the ingredients

Before starting the process of making chicken tamales in the oven, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking experience. Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need:

  • 2 cups of masa harina
  • 1 cup of chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup of salsa verde
  • 1 cup of grated cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 12 dried corn husks
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Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare them for use in the recipe:

  1. Soak the dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, chicken stock, vegetable shortening, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until the dough is smooth and well-combined.
  3. Shred the cooked chicken into small pieces and set it aside.
  4. Grate the cheese and set it aside.

By prepping the ingredients ahead of time, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step smoothly and efficiently.

Making the corn dough

To make the corn dough for your chicken tamales, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening

Follow these steps to make the corn dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Add the chicken broth to the dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.
  3. In a separate small bowl, melt the vegetable shortening in the microwave or on the stovetop until it becomes a liquid.
  4. Pour the melted shortening into the dough mixture and mix until well combined.
  5. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft and pliable consistency.

Once you have made the corn dough, you can proceed to assemble and cook your chicken tamales in the oven.

Preparing the chicken filling

To make the chicken filling for your tamales, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.

Add the cooked shredded chicken to the skillet and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic. Season the chicken with cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is well coated with the spices.

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Cook the chicken filling for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and the flavors have melded together. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Assembling the tamales

Once the dough and filling are prepared, you are ready to assemble the tamales. Follow these steps to assemble the chicken tamales:

  1. Prepare the corn husks by soaking them in water for about 30 minutes. This will make them pliable and easier to work with.
  2. Take a soaked corn husk and pat it dry with a paper towel.
  3. Spread a thin layer of masa dough onto the wide end of the husk, leaving a border around the edges.
  4. Add a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of the dough.
  5. Gently fold one side of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the other side over to enclose the filling.
  6. Roll the corn husk tightly to form a tamale, making sure the ends are folded underneath.
  7. Continue with the remaining corn husks, masa dough, and chicken filling until all the tamales are assembled.

Assembling the tamales can be a fun and interactive activity, so feel free to get friends and family involved in the process. Once all the tamales are assembled, they are ready to be cooked in the oven.

Cooking the tamales in the oven

Once you have prepared the chicken tamales, it’s time to cook them in the oven. This method is easy and convenient, as it allows you to cook a large batch of tamales all at once.

Here is how you can cook chicken tamales in the oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the tamales on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each tamale so they can cook evenly.
  3. Cover the tamales with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out during cooking.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook for about 1 hour.
  5. After 1 hour, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tamales are heated through and the masa dough is firm.
  6. Remove the tamales from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Once the tamales are cooked, you can serve them with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They also make a great addition to any Mexican-inspired meal.

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Now that you know how to cook chicken tamales in the oven, you can easily make this traditional Mexican dish at home. Enjoy!

Serving and enjoying

Once your chicken tamales are cooked and ready to be served, there are a few extra touches you can add to enhance the flavors and presentation.

Garnish options:

• Fresh cilantro leaves

• Chopped green onions

• Sour cream

• Salsa verde

• Guacamole

Serving suggestions:

1. Place a few chicken tamales on a plate.

2. Sprinkle with your choice of garnishes.

3. Serve with additional salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.

4. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken tamales! They are perfect as a main dish or a snack.

Note: Tamales are best enjoyed warm and fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Q&A

What are chicken tamales?

Chicken tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with masa dough and a savory filling of chicken, spices, and sometimes vegetables. The mixture is wrapped in corn husks and steamed until cooked through.

Can I cook chicken tamales in the oven?

Yes, you can cook chicken tamales in the oven. This method is a great alternative to steaming, and it produces delicious and evenly cooked tamales. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

How do I make chicken tamales in the oven?

To make chicken tamales in the oven, start by preparing the masa dough and the chicken filling. Spread the masa dough on soaked corn husks, spoon the chicken filling in the center, and then fold the husks to enclose the filling. Place the tamales in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven until cooked through. This method usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

What temperature should I set the oven to?

You should preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) before baking the chicken tamales. This temperature allows for even cooking and helps retain the moisture in the tamales.

How long do I cook chicken tamales in the oven?

Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your tamales and the individual oven, but as a general guideline, chicken tamales typically take around 1 to 1.5 hours to cook in the oven at 350°F (180°C). It’s a good idea to check the tamales periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly and are fully cooked before serving.

Can I cook chicken tamales in the oven?

Yes, you can cook chicken tamales in the oven. It’s a convenient alternative to steaming them.