Chicken Tamales Verdes
Chicken Tamales Verdes are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of savory corn masa dough filled with shredded chicken and a vibrant green salsa, all wrapped in corn husks and steamed. The green salsa, typically made from tomatillos, green chiles, cilantro, and spices, gives the dish its distinctive tangy and mildly spicy flavor profile.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced source of carbohydrates from the masa, protein from the chicken, and healthy fats from the salsa and any added lard or oil in the dough. A typical serving (one medium tamale) provides approximately 250-350 calories, along with fiber, vitamin C from the tomatillos, and B vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
Per 2 tamales (approximately 300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Tamales are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine with pre-Columbian roots, often prepared communally for holidays and celebrations, making them a symbol of family and tradition. Nutritionally, the use of tomatillos in the green salsa adds a unique source of antioxidants and a distinctive tangy flavor that sets it apart from red salsa versions.
