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...

Chicken Tamale Cups recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
25min
Total Time
55min

Ingredients

8 Servings
(1 serving = 1 muffin cup)

For the wet rub and chicken

  • cumin
    cumin
    2tbsp
  • chili powder
    chili powder
    2tbsp
  • seasoned salt
    seasoned salt
    1tbsp
  • cayenne pepper
    cayenne pepper
    1tbsp
  • onion powder
    onion powder
    1tbsp
  • garlic powder
    garlic powder
    1tsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1tsp
  • olive oil
    olive oil
    2tbsp
  • boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    1lb

For the masa cups

  • Masa flour
    Masa flour
    2cups
  • coarse salt
    coarse salt
    1tbsp
  • chicken broth
    chicken broth
    1cup
  • third cup vegetable oil
    third cup vegetable oil
    1

For topping

  • slice Cabot Seriously Sharp Cracker Cuts
    slice Cabot Seriously Sharp Cracker Cuts
    8
  • Lettuce, tomatoes, olives, jalapeno slices, sour cream, onions, etc.
    Lettuce, tomatoes, olives, jalapeno slices, sour cream, onions, etc.

How to make Chicken Tamale Cups

Prepare the chicken

  1. Step 1

    Combine cumin, chili powder, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, and olive oil to make a wet rub.

  2. Step 2

    Rub the mixture generously on the chicken breasts.

  3. Step 3

    Smoke the chicken for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

  4. Step 4

    Allow the chicken to cool and shred it.

Prepare the masa cups

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. Step 2

    Mix masa flour, coarse salt, chicken broth, and vegetable oil together until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.

  3. Step 3

    Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray.

  4. Step 4

    Press 2-3 tablespoons of the masa mixture into each muffin mold to form a cup shape.

Assemble and bake

  1. Step 1

    Fill each masa cup with shredded chicken and top with one slice of cheese.

  2. Step 2

    Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Serve

  1. Step 1

    Top the baked tamale cups with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, jalapeno slices, sour cream, onions, or any other desired toppings.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

181.3kcal (9.06%)

Protein

15.2g (30.38%)

Carbs

11.6g (4.21%)

Sugars

0.7g (1.3%)

Healthy Fat

5.9g

Unhealthy Fat

1.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake or grill the chicken instead.

  2. Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste. Adding cilantro and lime can enhance the flavor.

  3. Using a stand mixer to shred the chicken can save time and effort.

FAQS

  1. 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.

  2. Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?

    Yes, store-bought shredded chicken can be used as a time-saving alternative.

  3. What other toppings can I use?

    You can add cilantro, lime, avocado slices, or even hot sauce for extra flavor.

  4. 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.

  5. Are these tamale cups gluten-free?

    Yes, masa flour is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

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Shea Goldstein

(@dixiechikcooks)

A Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch...

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