Chicken Tamale Cups – they sound much more intimidating than they really are, my www friends. You’ve probably never had them. I mean, maybe you’ve heard of tamale cups? I kinda created them while brainstorming, and they sooo worked. How cute are these?? Remember when I made tamales? They’ve been on my mind lately, but I wanted to do something a bit different. I smoked my chicken with a nice wet rub, then made little...
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
Combine cumin, chili powder, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, and olive oil to make a wet rub.
Rub the mixture generously on the chicken breasts.
Smoke the chicken for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Allow the chicken to cool and shred it.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix masa flour, coarse salt, chicken broth, and vegetable oil together until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray.
Press 2-3 tablespoons of the masa mixture into each muffin mold to form a cup shape.
Fill each masa cup with shredded chicken and top with one slice of cheese.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Top the baked tamale cups with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, jalapeno slices, sour cream, onions, or any other desired toppings.
If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake or grill the chicken instead.
Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste. Adding cilantro and lime can enhance the flavor.
Using a stand mixer to shred the chicken can save time and effort.
Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
Yes, you can bake or grill the chicken instead of smoking it. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
Yes, store-bought shredded chicken can be used as a time-saving alternative.
What other toppings can I use?
You can add cilantro, lime, avocado slices, or even hot sauce for extra flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the masa cups and chicken in advance. Assemble and bake them just before serving.
Are these tamale cups gluten-free?
Yes, masa flour is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
A Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch
