Chicken tamales are a beloved Mexican comfort food that can easily become a weekly staple in many households. Their rich, savory taste and soft, steamed texture make them an irresistible treat. However, like any perishable food, proper storage is essential to keep chicken tamales fresh and safe to eat. So how long do these tasty bundles last in the fridge? Let’s find out.
An Overview of Chicken Tamales
Tamales are made of masa or corn dough that is filled with delicious ingredients like spiced meats, cheese, beans or vegetables. This mixture is then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed until the masa is soft and the filling is piping hot.
Chicken tamales feature juicy, shredded chicken simmered in a zesty chili sauce or creamy tomato mixture Other popular additions include cheese, onions, garlic, jalapeños, cilantro and spices like cumin, oregano and chili powder The result is a savory, protein-packed meal that makes a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Proper Storage Matters
To determine chicken tamales’ fridge life, proper storage methods are key. Follow these tips:
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Let tamales cool completely after cooking before refrigerating.
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Place tamales in a sealed airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag, Press out excess air before sealing
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Refrigerate tamales within 2 hours of cooking.
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Label container with date for easy tracking.
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Store tamales on a fridge shelf, not the door to prevent temperature fluctuations.
By keeping chicken tamales well sealed and chilled at 40°F or below, you’ll optimize freshness and safety. Now let’s discuss just how long they will last.
Chicken Tamales Fridge Life
Cooked chicken tamales can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The corn husk wrapper provides some protection, but they still have a limited fridge life.
Within 3 days is best for optimal taste and texture. After 4 to 5 days, you may notice the masa drying out slightly. At this point, the tamales are still safe to eat if they’ve been continuously refrigerated, but the quality declines.
Any tamales not eaten after 5 days should be discarded. Don’t take risks with old, spoiled food that could potentially cause illness.
Freezing for Extended Storage
While fridge life is limited, you can extend chicken tamales’ shelf life significantly through freezing.
Properly frozen chicken tamales can last 4 to 6 months in the freezer. Here are some freezing tips:
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Cool tamales completely before freezing.
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Remove husks. Wrap each tamale tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
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Place individually wrapped tamales in freezer bag or airtight container.
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Squeeze out excess air and seal bag/container tightly.
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Label with contents and freeze date.
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Use within 4 to 6 months for best quality.
With a nearly 6 month freezer shelf life, you can easily meal prep big batches of chicken tamales and enjoy them for months to come.
Thawing and Reheating
When ready to eat frozen tamales, thaw and reheat them properly for the best results:
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Thaw frozen tamales overnight in the refrigerator.
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Reheat thawed tamales in a steamer for 15-20 minutes until hot.
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You can also bake thawed tamales at 350°F for 20 minutes.
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Microwave for 1-2 minutes on high per tamale, flipping halfway through.
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Always check internal temperature with a food thermometer and heat to 165°F or higher before serving.
Following safe thawing and reheating methods will restore your tamales to warm, delicious perfection once again.
Watch for Spoilage
Always inspect chicken tamales carefully before eating them. Look for these signs of spoiled tamales:
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Mold growth
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Slimy texture
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Foul, sour or unpleasant odors
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Unnatural colors like green, pink or grey
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Soft spots or mushy consistency
If you notice any of these red flags, play it safe and throw the tamales away. Consuming spoiled food can result in serious illness, so don’t take chances.
Enjoy Chicken Tamales Safely
Chicken tamales are a cherished Mexican food with a delicious yet short fridge shelf life. Follow the storage, freezing and food safety tips outlined above, and you can keep enjoying fresh, home-cooked tamales for up to 6 months. With proper handling, these tasty bundles can become a regular part of your meal rotation. ¡Buen provecho!
Steamer or Steamer Basket
* Temperature: High
* Time (from frozen): 30-45 minutes
* Time (thawed): 20 minutes
Learn more about how to steam tamales.
Can You Freeze Tamales?
Not only is freezing delicious tamales super simple, it is also a very common method for preserving an entire batch of these delicious treats.
Tamales are one of those foods that you can prepare in large batches, and if you’ve already set aside time to make them, you may as well go all out.
You can freeze tamales both before and after they have been cooked.
If you freeze them before they’ve been cooked, thaw them overnight in the fridge to make sure they thoroughly defrost.
Blot them dry to remove any excess moisture that may make your tamale soggy.
Then prepare them as you would any raw tamale.
But don’t leave them in your fridge thawed for days — try to wait to thaw until the night before you’ll cook them.
If you freeze them after they have been cooked, simply reheat them per your preference.
Most people recommend freezing tamales after they have been fully steamed.
Wait until they are completely cooled to room temperature and pat them dry, then place them in freezer bags or vacuum seal them for best results.
This helps avoid freezer burn or future soggy tamales.
Air-tight containers or a Ziploc bag best preserves leftover cooked tamales regardless of the different ingredients you used.
Getting out as much air as possible is the best way to save this main course for a long time and to allow you to reheat tamales in a couple of months.
Depending on the method you use to seal and store your tamales, they will last anywhere from 6 months (traditional freezer bag storage) to a year or more (vacuum sealed).
Make sure to label them with a date of freezing or best-by date!
How Long Does Chicken Last in Fridge? #shorts
FAQ
Are tamales good after 2 weeks in the fridge?
Cooked tamales can be placed in the fridge for up to one week or freezer for a couple of months. The reheating process is the same as if they were uncooked especially if they are hard frozen.
Can you eat tamales after 5 days?
Tamales last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The best way to store tamales in the fridge is in an airtight container.Nov 11, 2024
How long can you keep chicken tamales?
Put them in the fridge if you plan to eat them in the next 1-2 days. Place meat tamales, like chicken or pork, in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.Nov 8, 2021
How to tell if tamales have gone bad?
- Appearance: Any visible mold or discoloration is a clear indicator that the tamales should not be consumed.
- Texture: If the masa (dough) has become excessively soggy or hard, it may indicate spoilage.
- Smell: A sour or off-putting odor is a strong sign that the tamales are no longer safe to eat.
How long do tamales last in the fridge?
Tamales are a beloved traditional Mexican dish featuring diverse fillings, wrapped in a corn husk or a banana leaf, and steamed/boiled. Cooked tamales can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Uncooked ones last 4 days when frozen properly.
Can tamales be refrigerated after steaming?
Yes, tamales can be stored in the refrigerator after they have been steamed. However, it’s important to allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly and placing them in the refrigerator to avoid any condensation that can affect their texture.
Can tamales be stored in the freezer?
Tamales can be frozen for up to 3 to 4 months. To freeze tamales, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
How do you preserve cooked tamales?
Air-tight containers or a Ziploc bag best preserves leftover cooked tamales regardless of the different ingredients you used. Getting out as much air as possible is the best way to save this main course for a long time and to allow you to reheat tamales in a couple of months.
Can you refreeze thawed tamales?
It’s generally not recommended to refreeze tamales once they have been thawed, as this can affect their quality and taste. It’s best to thaw only the amount of tamales that you plan to consume to avoid any potential food safety issues.
Do tamales need to be wrapped for storage?
While it is possible to store tamales in the refrigerator without wrapping them, doing so can cause them to dry out and absorb any odors present. It’s best to wrap tamales tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for optimal storage.