Chicken Cheese and Chili Tamales

Try these Chicken Cheese and Chili Tamales! In just 1 hour 45 minutes, steam delicious homemade tamales filled with chicken, cream cheese & jalapeños. Perfect for gatherings!

about chicken cheese and chili tamales

tamales have a rich history rooted in mesoamerican culture, dating back to ancient civilizations like the aztecs and mayans, these delicious parcels of masa (corn dough) filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables have been a staple for centuries, often enjoyed during festive occasions or family gatherings, today, chicken cheese and chili tamales stand out as one of the most beloved variations, merging traditional flavors with modern culinary creativity .

what sets these tamales apart is their delightful combination of tender chicken mixed with creamy cheese and zesty jalapeños, this unique flavor profile brings warmth to any meal while offering hearty satisfaction, not only are they packed with flavor, but they also provide an excellent source of protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese making them both tasty and nourishing.

master the art of chicken cheese and chili tamales

the art of making tamales is steeped in cultural significance; it’s more than just cooking it's about community bonding, traditionally prepared by families together during special celebrations like christmas or día de los muertos (day of the dead), tamale - making fosters connection across generations, the fascinating origin story behind tamales showcases how indigenous ingredients shaped regional cuisines throughout mexico .

in modern times, chicken cheese and chili tamales have gained popularity beyond their traditional roots. people love them not only because they're delicious but also because they can be customized easily to suit personal tastes or dietary needs, whether you're hosting a fiesta or simply craving comfort food on a chilly evening, these tamales will surely impress your family & friends.

what makes this recipe special : chicken cheese and chili tamales

so what makes this recipe special ? first off, it's all about those unique flavor combinations. the savory shredded chicken pairs perfectly with creamy cream cheese while spicy jalapeños add just enough kick without overwhelming your taste buds, you'll find that each bite offers layers upon layers of scrumptiousness you’ll definitely want seconds.

the foolproof techniques shared in this recipe make it easy for anyone to master making homemade chicken cheese and chili tamales at home. from mixing dough to assembling each individual tamale the expert - tested method ensures consistent results every time you whip up a batch, plus with some tips for saving time you'll feel like a pro chef in no time.

health & nutrition highlights : chicken cheese and chili tamales

when it comes to health benefits, don’t underestimate these flavorful bundles. with key nutritional advantages such as high protein content due to shredded chicken along with calcium - rich cheeses they contribute positively towards balanced nutrition goals too. each serving provides approximately 280 calories packed full of energy - boosting nutrients perfect if you lead an active lifestyle .

additionally as dietary considerations become increasingly important these gluten - free delights cater well toward various preferences including vegetarian options by swapping out meat for black beans or pulled pork if desired. incorporating fresh ingredients means you’re getting wholesome nutrition while indulging in something truly comforting .

recipe at a glance : chicken cheese and chili tamales

let’s break down what you'll need before diving into this scrumptious endeavor :

• total preparation time : approximately 30 minutes
• skill level required : medium – don’t worry though; i promise it’s easier than it sounds.
• serving size details : makes around 12 delightful tamales .
• cost efficiency : you can create mouthwatering batches without breaking the bank a win - win situation for sure.

with all this said i encourage you not just to try making these amazing chicken cheese and chili tamales but really embrace that experience fully. enjoy every moment spent crafting something so deeply rooted within culture while savoring its immense flavors along your culinary journey ahead.

perfect ingredients selection

when it comes to crafting the ultimate chicken cheese and chili tamales, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference, taking a little extra time to select premium items will elevate your dish from good to outstanding, here’s a breakdown of what you'll need .

premium core ingredients

• 4 cups masa harina : this is the heart of your tamale dough, look for masa harina labeled specifically for tamales or tortillas; it should have a fine texture and a slightly earthy scent .

• 1 teaspoon baking powder : choose aluminum - free baking powder for a cleaner taste, it helps create that light, fluffy masa we all love.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt : opt for kosher salt or sea salt, as they dissolve better in dough compared to table salt .

• 1 cup vegetable shortening or unsalted butter (softened) : if you're going with shortening, find one that's trans - fat - free your waistline will thank you. unsalted butter adds richness but remember to adjust salt levels accordingly .

• 3 to 4 cups chicken broth : homemade is best if you have it. otherwise, look for low - sodium options at the store so you can control how salty your dough gets .

selection tips :

for masa harina, i always check out local hispanic markets; they often carry fresher brands, and don’t forget about freshness check expiration dates on everything.

storage guidance :

store leftover masa harina in an airtight container in a cool, dry place like your pantry, if you've made extra chicken filling, keep it refrigerated and use within three days or freeze it for later enjoyment.

signature seasoning blend

now let's talk about flavor. the right mix of spices and herbs will take these chicken cheese and chili tamales over the top .

• spice combinations : consider adding cumin and smoked paprika they give warmth and depth without overwhelming heat, a pinch of cayenne could also kick things up if you're feeling adventurous.

• herb selections : fresh cilantro brings brightness while dried oregano adds an earthy note; both work perfectly with the hearty filling .

• flavor enhancers : don’t shy away from lime juice it brings zest that balances out richer flavors beautifully .

• aromatic additions : garlic powder or finely minced garlic cloves enhance depth; trust me on this one garlic makes everything better.

pro ingredient tips :

always taste as you go along when seasoning your filling. start small; it's easier to add than take away.

smart substitutions

life happens whether it's dietary restrictions or just plain running out of something mid - recipe, here are some handy swaps :

• alternative options : you can easily replace shredded chicken with pulled pork if that's more appealing or even black beans for vegetarian pals joining dinner night.

• dietary swaps : for gluten - free needs, make sure your masa harina is certified gluten - free (yes, there are brands.) .

• emergency replacements : no cream cheese ? greek yogurt works surprisingly well in keeping that creamy texture without sacrificing flavor and gives some added protein too.

• seasonal variations : swap fresh jalapeños with roasted hatch chiles during their season they bring smoky sweetness that'll wow everyone at the table .

kitchen equipment essentials

alrighty then. moving into our kitchen tools the right gadgets help streamline this whole process so let’s get into must - haves :

must - have tools

1, a sturdy mixing bowl set trust me on this. 1, a rolling pin makes flattening out dough easier than ever . 1, corn husks soaking tray (or any large dish) keeps those husks prepped nicely while working .

recommended appliances

if you've got access to them a stand mixer does wonders when combining fats into dry ingredients efficiently without tiring yourself out stirring by hand.) .

helpful gadgets

consider investing in a steamer pot designed specifically for tamales it fits many upright at once rather than stacking them which can be tricky . . .and leads often leads to uneven cooking #tamaleproblems) .

home alternatives

don’t have a steamer ? use any large pot with an upside - down plate inside as a platform instead while steaming (that’s how my grandma taught me.), just make sure water doesn't touch whatever's being steamed above that's crucial folks.)

pro ingredient tips

quality markers vary depending on what item we're discussing here but generally speaking,

• for meats - fresh cuts versus pre - packaged frozen usually yield much better results .
• always consider seasonal vegetables they're often cheaper & tastier.
• when buying spices/herbs look closely at color/scent/intensity before purchasing because stale ones won't do justice whatsoever .

choosing high - quality ingredients truly sets these chicken cheese and chili tamales apart from anything else you'll whip up at home all while saving money by selecting smart substitutions when needed. enjoy cooking up some deliciousness today.

professional cooking guide

essential preparation steps

before diving into any recipe, it’s crucial to prepare properly, this is known as mise en place, which means "everything in its place ." gather all your ingredients first, for example, if you're making chicken cheese and chili tamales, have your masa harina, chicken broth, cream cheese, and spices ready to go, this not only saves time but also helps you avoid those frantic moments of searching for a missing ingredient .

next up are prep techniques, depending on the dish you're cooking, chopping vegetables uniformly can affect both cooking time and presentation, for tamales, finely chop your jalapeños to distribute heat evenly throughout the filling .

time management is key in professional kitchens, allocate time for each step and stick to it. if a dish requires an hour of simmering or steaming (like our tamales), use that time wisely by prepping other components or cleaning up .

lastly, organization tips : keep your workspace tidy. having a clean area not only makes cooking less stressful but allows you to focus better on what you're doing .

professional cooking method

now let’s get into the step - by - step process of making chicken cheese and chili tamales, start with preparing your filling by mixing shredded chicken with softened cream cheese and cheddar until it’s well combined about 5 - 7 minutes should do the trick.

when making masa dough, mix dry ingredients like masa harina with baking powder and salt first; this ensures even distribution before adding wet ingredients, gradually incorporate softened vegetable shortening until crumbly (this takes about 3 - 5 minutes), then add chicken broth slowly while mixing until you achieve a fluffy consistency aim for about 10 minutes total here .

temperature control matters too. when steaming tamales, keep the water at a rolling boil without letting it touch the tamales directly; around 212°f (100°c) works perfectly for steaming .

timing precision is essential during cooking; steam them for about an hour while checking occasionally that there’s enough water no one likes burnt food.

success indicators include noticing when they peel away easily from their husks after being steamed that's how you know they’re done right.

expert techniques

mastering expert techniques will elevate your cooking game significantly. one critical step in our recipe is ensuring that masa dough remains light yet holds shape; if it's too dense or sticky it won’t yield tender results, use high - quality chicken stock as it enhances flavor considerably .

another point of precision involves folding your tamales correctly so they seal well during steaming trust me; nobody wants leaks happening mid - cook.

quality checks every few steps are vital too : taste fillings before wrapping them up to adjust seasoning as needed better safe than sorry.

success strategies

troubleshooting tips can save dinner disasters. if your dough seems dry after adding all broth gradually ? just add more liquid little by little instead of panicking you want that perfect fluffiness.

for quality assurance at home kitchens like mine : always try small batches first when experimenting with new flavors or variations before scaling up that way you won't end up serving something no one enjoys at family gatherings.

a perfect results guide includes knowing how long things take the whole process from start - to - finish might feel daunting but breaking down tasks helps manage expectations effectively .

finally . ., don’t forget final touches like garnishing dishes or pairing sides which adds personality & flair while elevating meals visually too.

with these detailed preparation steps followed by precise methods mixed in with expert techniques alongside success strategies…you’re set on mastering delicious recipes such as chicken cheese and chili tamales effortlessly. happy cooking.

professional secrets

when it comes to making chicken cheese and chili tamales, a few pro tips can elevate your game, first off, don’t skimp on the masa harina it’s the foundation of your tamale, use high - quality brands for that perfect texture, mixing in some flavorful chicken broth instead of water will really enhance the taste too.

another secret ? whip that vegetable shortening into submission. make sure it’s light and fluffy before adding in the masa; this is key to achieving that tender, melt - in - your - mouth dough we all crave, oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous (and i often do), throw in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into your filling for an extra kick.

perfect presentation

now let’s talk about how to wow your guests with presentation. once you’ve steamed those glorious chicken cheese and chili tamales, consider serving them on a colorful platter with fresh lime wedges scattered around, squeeze some lime juice over them just before digging in trust me, it brightens everything up.

for garnishes, sprinkle chopped cilantro or crumbled queso fresco on top for a pop of color and flavor, you know what else works wonders ? a drizzle of salsa verde over each tamale right before serving it adds some zing and looks gorgeous .

and don't forget about plating techniques. try stacking two or three tamales on top of each other for height it's super eye - catching .

storage & make - ahead

got leftovers ? no worries. for storage, wrap any uneaten tamales tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil after they cool down completely, pop them in an airtight container this keeps them fresh for up to five days in the fridge .

if you're thinking ahead (which i totally admire), make these bad boys ahead of time by assembling but not cooking them yet, just freeze them unsteamed; when you’re ready to eat 'em, steam straight from frozen just add about 10 more minutes to the cooking time .

reheating is simple too : steam until heated through again you want that soft texture back without drying out.

creative variations

feeling creative ? there are so many ways to jazz up chicken cheese and chili tamales. swap shredded chicken out with pulled pork or black beans if you want a vegetarian delight they're both fabulous options.

you can also experiment seasonally; think pumpkin puree mixed into the masa during fall months for something unique or try using roasted corn as part of your filling during summer picnics .

regional variations are fun too add green chilies inspired by new mexican flavors or even go sweet by mixing chocolate into your masa dough while keeping savory fillings inside.

expert faq solutions

i get it; sometimes things don’t go as planned. one common concern is dry masa dough not enough moisture means sad tamales, always start with less broth than needed; remember you can always add more gradually until it's just right.

if they stick when peeling away from husks post - steam ? that could mean they weren’t fully cooked through yet…so always check one first before declaring victory .

lastly, if you're worried about flavor being bland a dash more salt never hurt anybody. trust yourself the best cooks listen closely to their instincts .

complete nutrition guide

you might be wondering what you'll get nutrient - wise from these delightful treats. each chicken cheese and chili tamale packs around 280 calories along with 16 grams of protein that's solid fuel for all - day adventures ahead.

health benefits abound here too : lean proteins like chicken help build muscle while fiber - rich corn husks aid digestion…you know what i'm sayin' ? balancing indulgence doesn’t have to be difficult with portion control (think 1 - 2 per meal) paired alongside vibrant sides such as avocado salad makes this dish truly satisfying without going overboard .

so there ya have it the lowdown on making stellar chicken cheese and chili tamales that'll impress anyone at dinner parties while keeping health goals intact. happy cooking.

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