chicken shredded taco recipe

chicken shredded taco recipe

The Best chicken shredded taco recipe

I’ve been making this shredded chicken taco recipe for years, and it’s still a crowd-pleaser in my household. My kids love helping me shred the chicken, and my husband requests it for his birthday every year. I love that it’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The best part?

It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the chicken, beans, and avocado. I’ve experimented with different spices and seasonings over the years, but this recipe remains my go-to. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household too. Shredded chicken tacos have their roots in Mexican cuisine, where they’re often served at street food stalls and family gatherings.

The dish is simple yet flavorful, with tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce and served in a crispy corn tortilla. I’ve adapted the recipe to suit my family’s tastes, adding in some extra spices and herbs to give it an extra kick. The key to making great shredded chicken tacos lies in the cooking technique. You want to cook the chicken until it’s tender and falls apart easily, but still retains some texture.

This means not overcooking it or using too much liquid, which can make the dish soggy and unappetizing. To achieve this perfect balance of flavor and texture, I like to use a combination of low-sodium chicken broth and olive oil to cook the chicken. This keeps the dish moist without making it too greasy. When it comes to serving shredded chicken tacos, the options are endless.

You can top them with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, or sliced radishes. My kids love loading up their tacos with all the fixings and making their own masterpieces. For a special treat, try serving them with some warm flour tortillas or crispy tortilla chips on the side.

Chicken Shredded Tacos

Chicken Shredded Tacos

4.7 from 925 votes

A delicious and easy chicken shredded taco recipe with tender chicken, warm spices, and fresh toppings. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tacos

8 small tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2Add chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly.
3Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat.
4Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5Remove from heat and set aside.
6Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker or the same pot.
7Add 1/2 cup of water and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
8Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or pot and shred it using two forks.
9Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker or pot and mix well.
10Warm the tortillas in a tortilla warmer or on a warm skillet for 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
11To assemble the tacos, spoon a generous amount of shredded chicken onto each tortilla.
12Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker or large pot
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Tortilla warmer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add more spices to taste. Use a slow cooker for tender chicken, or a large pot for quicker cooking.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Shredded Tacos Works

One of the best things about this shredded chicken taco recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re feeding a crowd at a party or just want something quick and easy on weeknight dinner nights – everyone will be happy with these delicious soft taco shells filled with shredded juicy meat – we have even taken them on road trips when our kids were younger so they could still have something tasty while traveling without having too many leftovers left behind which would then spoil quickly due lack proper storage space available during travel times especially when driving long distances without access clean water facilities either.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Shredded Tacos

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. If you prefer leaner meat, breasts are a good option; if you prefer more flavor and moisture retention, thighs are better.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time but assemble the tacos just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?

A: A large skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for cooking the chicken; if you don’t have one available, you can use any large pan that fits your stovetop.

Q: Can I substitute other types of protein in place of chicken?

A: Yes; beef strips or ground beef work well in place of chicken; pork shoulder or brisket may also be used.

Q: How do I store leftovers safely?

A: Store leftover shredded tacos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours; refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) within two hours after preparation.

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