Tamales de Pollo en Salsa Verde (Chicken Tamales in Green Tomatillo Salsa)
Soft, fluffy masa wrapped around shredded chicken in tangy green salsa and steamed in corn husks.
Made with Salsa verde (cooked tomatillo salsa) and Shredded chicken (pollo deshebrado) and Tamale masa. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time2 hr 20
- LevelHard
- Costabout £3.61 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Soak the corn husks in hot water for 30 minutes until pliable, weighing them down so they stay under. Drain and pat dry.
30 min - 2
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion for 4 minutes, add the garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the pollo deshebrado (see the base recipe) and 200 ml of the salsa verde (see the base recipe) and simmer for 8 minutes until thick, not wet. Add the coriander and season. Cool.
13 min - 3
Lay a husk with the pointed end towards you. Spread about 75 g of the prepared tamale masa (see the base recipe) over the wide end in a thin even layer, leaving a border.
- 4
Add a heaped tablespoon of filling down the centre, fold the sides in so the masa wraps the filling, then fold the pointed end up.
- 5
Stand the tamales upright, open end up, in a steamer lined with spare husks, packed snugly so they stay upright.
- 6
Cover tightly and steam over simmering water for 70 to 80 minutes, topping up the water as needed, until the masa pulls cleanly from the husk. Rest for 15 minutes, then serve with the remaining salsa verde, warmed.
75 min
Tips
- The masa is done when it comes away cleanly from the husk. If it sticks, steam for 10 minutes more.
- Keep the tamales upright and snug in the steamer so they hold their shape.
- Make a big batch and freeze them, they reheat beautifully.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 to 2 hours. Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for 3 months. Reheat by steaming for 15 minutes until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Where do I buy corn husks?
Dried corn husks (hojas de maiz) are sold in world food aisles and online. Soak them before using.
Can I use foil instead of husks?
Yes, but husks give the authentic flavour. Wrap the filled masa in baking paper then foil if you cannot find husks.
Are tamales gluten free?
Yes, made from masa harina and filled with chicken and salsa verde. Always check your masa harina packet for gluten free.
More made with salsa verde (cooked tomatillo salsa)
Quesadillas de Hongos con Queso (Mushroom and Cheese Quesadillas)
GFEFNFQuesadillas de Pollo Asado con Salsa Verde (Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas)
GFEFNFTacos de Carnitas con Cebolla Encurtida (Carnitas Tacos)
DFEFNFFlautas de Arrachera (Crispy Rolled Steak Tacos)
GFEFNFSee every dish made with salsa verde (cooked tomatillo salsa)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.