Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe

These Shredded Chicken Tacos are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The chicken is slow-cooked or pressure-cooked in a blend of Mexican spices, tomatoes, and garlic, then shredded to perfection and tucked into warm tortillas.

Topped with fresh ingredients like cotija cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro, these tacos are perfect for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Tacos:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or queso fresco
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Instant Pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts or thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step enhances the depth of flavor and locks in the juices.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the seared chicken to a slow cooker, then add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
• Instant Pot Method: Place the seared chicken in the pressure cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the pressure.

3. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and place it in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. For extra flavor, return the shredded chicken to the cooking liquid and stir in the lime juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so it absorbs even more flavor.

4. Warm the Tortillas

For the best texture, warm the tortillas before assembling:

• On the Stove: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 30 seconds per side until lightly charred.
• Over an Open Flame: If using a gas stove, hold each tortilla over the flame with tongs for a few seconds per side until lightly blistered.
• In the Microwave: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to soften them.

5. Assemble the Tacos

Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of shredded chicken. Add toppings like crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado slices. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, and spices for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking for even more depth of flavor.
• Crispy Chicken Variation: For a crispy, caramelized texture, spread the shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil on high for 3-5 minutes before serving.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Add 1 diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat, or use mild diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder version.
• Make-Ahead & Storage: The shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
• Tortilla Options: Try corn tortillas for a traditional touch or flour tortillas for a softer bite. For a low-carb alternative, serve the shredded chicken over lettuce wraps or cauliflower tortillas.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Mexican Sides: Pair these tacos with Mexican rice, refried beans, or black bean salad for a complete meal.
• Taco Bar Setup: Create a DIY taco bar with toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, pickled onions, or sliced radishes, so everyone can build their perfect taco.
• Refreshing Drinks: Serve with a margarita, agua fresca, horchata, or an ice-cold Mexican beer for a refreshing pairing.
• Leftover Ideas: Use the extra shredded chicken to make burritos, nachos, taco bowls, quesadillas, or enchiladas the next day.

These Shredded Chicken Tacos are simple to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh with your favorite toppings and sides!