Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s packed with flavor? Then you’ve got to try these shredded chicken tacos! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a mouth-watering dish on your stovetop.
Best Shredded Chicken tacos Recipe
Taco night is a favorite at my house, and for a good reason – it’s a simple and delicious meal everyone enjoys. And when it comes to easy weeknight dinners, Mexican chicken tacos are a go-to option.
Tacos are incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit any taste preferences. The endless possibilities allow you to add your favorite taco toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Not only are they simple to prepare, but they are also packed with flavor and protein, making this the best shredded chicken tacos recipe!
What Cut of Chicken is Best for Shredding?
When making chicken for tacos, several different cuts of chicken can be used. Here are several options:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the most commonly used type of chicken for shredding. They are lean and tender and cook quickly.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breasts, which makes them more flavorful and tender. They are a good option for those who prefer dark meat.
- Whole chicken: Boiling a whole chicken is a great way to get a lot of meat for shredding. The meat is juicy and flavorful.
- Rotisserie chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken can be convenient and delicious for this easy recipe. Shred the chicken and add the homemade taco seasoning and toppings.
- Chicken legs: They are a flavorful and budget-friendly option, but they contain more fat and bones than chicken breasts or thighs.
Ingredients for Shredded Chicken Tacos
Start with the right ingredients to make the perfect tacos with shredded chicken. Here is what you will need:
- Chicken: The star of the show, chicken is the main ingredient. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts, but both work well in this recipe.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: While you can buy pre-made taco seasoning at the store, making homemade taco seasoning is easy and much healthier. To make taco seasoning, you will need chili powder, ground cumin, ground onion and garlic powder, salt, dried Mexican oregano, and black pepper.
- Diced Green Chilies: Adding diced green chiles to your tacos gives them an extra kick of flavor. You can use fresh or canned green chilies, depending on your preference.
- Taco Shells: Flour tortillas are popular for soft tacos, but corn tortillas are also great. Both options can be heated in a skillet or oven.
How to Make Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Combining tender, juicy shredded chicken with homemade taco seasoning creates a delicious filling perfect for tacos. With its bold flavors, chicken tacos are a perfect weeknight dinner option for busy families.
This post contains affiliate links; I make a tiny commission off any purchase that you may make. This small commission helps you keep Rocky Hedge Farm going at no additional cost. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To make chicken for shredding, start by placing the chicken in a large dutch oven or pot. Pour chicken broth or water over the chicken, and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reads 165°F on a kitchen thermometer for meat.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the broth and shred it on a cutting board using two forks, a stand mixer, or an electric hand mixer.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Chilies
Place the shredded chicken in a large cast iron skillet. Then, add the green chilies and seasoning and mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve
Heat up flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference, in a skillet or on a griddle until they are slightly warm. Assemble the tacos by adding the chicken to the center of each tortilla.
Add your desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Add to Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Here are some popular toppings to consider adding to your tacos:
- Shredded cheese: Add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, or jack, for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: Add some fresh diced tomatoes to your tacos for a burst of juicy sweetness
- Shredded lettuce: A little bit of shredded lettuce can add a refreshing crunch to your tacos.
- Guacamole or sliced avocado: Add a dollop of guacamole or some sliced avocado to your tacos for healthy fats and creaminess.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream can help balance out the flavors and add some tanginess.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add herbaceous flavor to your tacos.
- Jalapeño slices: Add sliced jalapeños to your tacos if you like heat.
- Lime wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over your tacos can add brightness and acidity.
- Hot sauce: A few dashes can add extra heat and flavor for those who like it spicy.
- Rice: Adding a scoop of rice, such as Spanish or Mexican rice, can add some heartiness and texture to your tacos.
- Beans: Black or refried beans can add extra protein and creaminess to your tacos.
- Salsa: Adding a spoonful of your favorite salsa, such as pico de gallo or salsa verde, can add some bold and zesty flavors to your tacos.
How to Serve Chicken Tacos
There are numerous ways to use shredded chicken as a filling for tacos. Depending on your preferences, there are various options. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Traditional Tacos: To make classic tacos, serve the chicken on warm tortillas with traditional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
- DIY Taco Bar: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to offer various options, consider setting up a DIY taco bar with shredded chicken, tortillas, and an assortment of toppings like cheese, salsa, avocado, and lime wedges. Let your guests or family build their own tacos to their liking.
- Salad Bowls: If you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, serve the chicken on top of a bed of lettuce or mixed greens with your favorite toppings. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a flavorful taco salad.
- Nachos: For a fun and indulgent twist, use the shredded chicken as a topping for loaded nachos. Layer tortilla chips with the chicken, cheese, beans, and jalapeños.
- Burrito Bowls: Start with a layer of cilantro lime rice on the bottom of a bowl and add a layer of shredded chicken taco meat. Add some black beans and corn, followed by sliced avocado and shredded cheese. Finally, add some sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Recipe FAQs
How to Store Leftovers
To store the leftover chicken for tacos, it’s best to store the chicken and other taco fillings separately. Place the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it should last up to 3-4 days.
What’s the Difference Between Shredded Chicken and Pulled Chicken?
The terms “shredded chicken” and “pulled chicken” are often used interchangeably. However, shredded chicken is typically made by boiling or baking chicken breasts, while pulled chicken is usually made by slow-cooking chicken in a barbecue sauce.
Is it Better to Shred Chicken Before or After Cooking?
It is easier and faster to shred the chicken after it has been cooked. This is because cooked chicken is more tender and easier to shred than raw chicken, which can be tough to shred.
More Delicious Recipes
Shredded Chicken for Tacos Recipe Card
This easy chicken taco recipe is a delicious meal for the entire family. You can create a satisfying and flavorful dish easily customized with your favorite toppings and sides with minimal effort.
Plus, you can create other easy dinners with leftovers, such as burrito bowls. So, if you want a quick and easy meal idea, consider making shredded chicken tacos!
Easy Mexican Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Looking for an easy and delicious shredded chicken recipe for your tacos? Mexican shredded chicken is flavorful and simple to make at home. This recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fiesta with friends.
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 7 ounce can diced green chilies
Instructions
- To make chicken for shredding, start by placing the chicken in a large dutch oven or pot. Pour chicken broth or water over the chicken, and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reads 165°F on a kitchen thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and shred it on a cutting board using two forks, a stand mixer, or an electric hand mixer.
- Place the shredded chicken in a large cast iron skillet. Then, add the green chilies and seasoning and mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Depending on your preference, heat flour or corn tortillas in a skillet or griddle until they are slightly warm. Assemble the tacos by adding the shredded chicken to the center of each tortilla.
- Add your desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious shredded chicken tacos!
Notes
How To Serve Chicken Tacos
There are numerous ways to use shredded chicken as a filling for tacos. Depending on your preferences, there are various options. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Traditional Tacos: To make classic tacos, serve the chicken on warm tortillas with traditional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
- DIY Taco Bar: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to offer various options, consider setting up a DIY taco bar with shredded chicken, tortillas, and an assortment of toppings like cheese, salsa, avocado, and lime wedges. Let your guests or family build their own tacos to their liking.
- Salad Bowls: If you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, serve the shredded chicken on top of a bed of lettuce or mixed greens with your favorite toppings. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a flavorful taco salad.
- Nachos: For a fun and indulgent twist, use the shredded chicken as a topping for loaded nachos. Layer tortilla chips with the chicken, cheese, beans, and jalapeños.
- Burrito Bowls: Start with a layer of cilantro lime rice on the bottom of a bowl and add a layer of shredded chicken taco meat. Add some black beans and corn, followed by sliced avocado and shredded cheese. Finally, add some sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.