Savory & Spicy Shredded Chicken Tacos

I love Mexican food, and shredded chicken tacos are one of my favorite recipes to make. I love the way the juicy chicken is complemented by the crunchy veggies and the flavor of the taco seasoning. I’ve been making these tacos for years, and they never fail to bring a smile to the faces of everyone at the table. They’re a great weeknight meal that comes together quickly and easily, and they have a way of brightening up any day. So make sure you have all the ingredients on hand, and let’s get started on these delicious shredded chicken tacos!

Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Additional Time

15 mins

Total Time

50 mins

Servings

3 servings

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 3 soft taco shells

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and evenly pour the olive oil, chicken broth and lime juice over the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken.
  • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until it is cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooled, shred it using two forks.
  • Heat the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes until they are warm and crisp.
  • Add the shredded chicken to the taco shells and top with the shredded cheese.
  • Serve the tacos warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 330
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

What type of chicken is best for making shredded chicken tacos?

The best type of chicken for making shredded chicken tacos is boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Shredded chicken tacos are a popular meal option for their convenience, deliciousness, and versatility. The main ingredient in these tacos is cooked, shredded chicken. While chicken breasts are an obvious choice for making tacos, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a better option due to their naturally higher fat content. This fat content helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful when cooked.

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To make shredded chicken tacos, you first need to cook the chicken. This can be done by roasting, braising, or even slow-cooking the chicken. Once the chicken is done cooking, it should be shredded using two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. The shredded chicken can then be seasoned with spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika before being added to the tacos.

Shredded chicken tacos can be served in a variety of ways. They can be served with a variety of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. They can also be served on a bed of lettuce or with a side of rice and beans.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best type of chicken for making shredded chicken tacos due to their higher fat content. This helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful when cooked. With the right seasoning and toppings, shredded chicken tacos can make a delicious and convenient meal.

What toppings pair well with shredded chicken tacos?

Shredded chicken tacos can be paired with a variety of topping options to customize the flavor. Popular topping options include cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapenos. To add a tasty twist to the tacos, mix and match different toppings like adding a hint of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder to the guacamole.

Cheese is a classic topping for tacos, and shredded chicken tacos are no exception. For a cheese topping, try crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack. Use queso fresco for a mild flavor, or opt for a flavorful Monterey Jack for a more robust flavor.

Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions make a great topping combination for shredded chicken tacos. Shredded lettuce is a great way to add a crunchy texture, while tomatoes are a delicious addition for a touch of acidity. Chopped onions are a great way to add a hint of sweetness to contrast the acidity of the tomatoes.

Cilantro is a great topping option for adding a unique flavor to your tacos. It adds a refreshing flavor and an unexpected zing to the tacos. To bring out the flavor of the cilantro, lightly sprinkle some lime juice over the top of the tacos.

Sour cream and guacamole are a great way to add extra creaminess and flavor. Sour cream adds a smooth, creamy texture to the tacos while guacamole provides a flavorful punch. To add a unique twist, try adding a hint of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder to the guacamole.

Salsa is also a great topping option for shredded chicken tacos. It adds a slight heat and a good amount of flavor. Experiment with different types of salsas to find the one that suits your taste buds.

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Finally, for an extra kick of heat, try adding jalapenos to your tacos. The spice of the jalapenos will give your tacos a nice kick of flavor.

Shredded chicken tacos are a great way to enjoy a delicious meal. With the variety of topping options available, you can customize your tacos to suit your taste. Try experimenting with different topping combinations to find the one that suits your palate.

What are the benefits of shredded chicken tacos?

The Benefits of Shredded Chicken Tacos:

  • High in protein: Shredded chicken tacos are an excellent source of lean protein, making them a great addition to any meal.
  • Versatile: Shredded chicken tacos can be easily customized to fit any dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a vegan option or a more traditional, meat-filled taco, there’s an option to fit your needs.
  • Low calorie: Shredded chicken tacos are low in calories, so you can enjoy them without worrying about packing on the pounds.
  • Quick and easy to make: With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, shredded chicken tacos can be quickly and easily prepared and enjoyed.
  • Delicious: With a wide variety of ingredients and flavors, shredded chicken tacos can be a truly delicious meal.

How long does it take to make shredded chicken tacos?

Making shredded chicken tacos can take as little as 15 minutes or as long as 45 minutes depending on the method used.

For a quick and easy way to make shredded chicken tacos, it’s best to use a slow cooker. After preparing the chicken and adding it to the slow cooker with your favorite taco seasoning and some chicken broth, let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once the chicken is cooked and easily shredded, add it to a taco shell with your favorite toppings.

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make shredded chicken tacos using a stovetop method. Start by sautéing the chicken in a pan with some oil. Once cooked, add taco seasoning and some chicken broth, and let the chicken simmer on low for 10-15 minutes until it’s easy to shred and the sauce has been reduced. Top the shredded chicken in a taco shell with your favorite toppings and serve.

No matter which method you choose, shredded chicken tacos are a quick and easy meal that can be made in as little as 15 minutes or as long as 45 minutes.

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What techniques are used to shred chicken for tacos?

When shredding chicken for tacos, there are a few different techniques that can be used. The most popular methods involve either using a hand mixer, stand mixer, forks, or a food processor.

Using a Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

Using a hand or stand mixer is a quick and easy way to shred chicken for tacos. Simply add the cooked chicken to the bowl and use the paddle attachment to break the chicken into small pieces. This method works best when the chicken is still warm and moist, so be sure to shred it soon after cooking it.

Using Forks

Using two forks is a common method for shredding chicken for tacos. To do this, take two forks, hold the meat in between them and then use the forks to pull the chicken apart. This technique can be a bit more time consuming, but it is a great way to get small, even pieces of chicken.

Using a Food Processor

Using a food processor to shred chicken for tacos is the quickest and most efficient method. Place the cooked chicken into the food processor and pulse a few times to break the chicken into small pieces. Be careful not to over process the chicken, as this can turn it into a paste.

No matter which method you choose, shredding chicken for tacos is easy and can be done in just a few minutes.

What types of tortillas are best for making shredded chicken tacos?

Corn tortillas are the best type of tortilla for making shredded chicken tacos.

When it comes to tacos, the type of tortilla used is an important factor in creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. For shredded chicken tacos, corn tortillas are the preferred choice. Corn has a slightly sweet flavor and a hearty texture that helps to bring out the best in shredded chicken. The slight sweetness of the corn tortilla also helps to balance the spicy notes of the chicken.

Corn tortillas are also easier to work with than flour tortillas. They are less prone to tearing or crumbling, and they are also thinner and more pliable. This makes them easier to roll up tightly around the shredded chicken, which helps to contain the ingredients and create a more flavorful taco.

For a hearty, flavorful taco, look no further than corn tortillas. They are the perfect choice when making shredded chicken tacos, and they won’t disappoint.

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