These shredded chicken tacos are a fun and easy meal! Juicy chicken, seasoned perfectly, is tucked into warm tortillas, ready for you to pile on your favorite toppings.
Honestly, what’s better than tacos? I love loading mine with cheese, salsa, and a sprinkle of cilantro. These are a hit for Taco Tuesday or any day of the week! 🌮
Making these tacos is a breeze. Just cook, shred, and fill. Perfect for a quick dinner or a gathering with friends. Trust me, they’ll love them as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Cooked Chicken: This is the star of the tacos! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer, poached or grilled chicken works well too. Turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor!
Tortillas: I enjoy corn tortillas for their authenticity, but flour ones are soft and delicious too. If you’re gluten-free, try using corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a fresh twist!
Vegetables: Freshness is key! Lettuce and tomatoes add crunch. Feel free to swap in other veggies like shredded carrots, corn, or avocado for extra flavor and nutrients.
Sour Cream: You can substitute yogurt for a healthier option. Dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream works if you want to avoid dairy altogether!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought is quick, but homemade blends are fun! Use paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder for a personal touch.
How Do You Make Sure Your Tacos Are Packed with Flavor?
A great flavor starts with heating the shredded chicken properly. Be attentive to ensure it’s evenly mixed with the taco seasoning. Always taste as you go, adding more seasoning or some lime juice if needed. Here’s how to make the most of those flavors:
- Mix the chicken with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl for even coating.
- Heat the skillet on medium, then add the seasoned chicken. Stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes until heated.
- Warm the tortillas so they are soft and easy to fold. A dry skillet or microwave works well.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced pineapple (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 tsp taco seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the chicken and spices, heating everything up, and then assembling your tasty tacos. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by taking a medium bowl and adding your shredded cooked chicken. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, along with a bit of salt and pepper. Use a fork or spoon to mix it all together until the chicken is nicely coated with the spices. This will make your chicken super flavorful!
2. Heat the Chicken:
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. This step ensures that your tacos will be warm and tasty.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While your chicken is warming up, it’s time to prepare the tortillas. You can warm them in a separate skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side or pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold without breaking.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and lay down a generous layer of chopped lettuce in the center. On top of that, add a good portion of the seasoned shredded chicken you just cooked. Next, pile on the diced tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and pineapple if you decided to use it.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
To finish off your delicious tacos, add a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a nice touch of flavor and color. It’s time to serve!
6. Serve with Lime:
Place lime wedges on the side of your tacos. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top before you take a bite for an extra burst of citrusy goodness. Enjoy your tasty shredded chicken tacos!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just shred the meat and skip the cooking step, as the chicken is already fully cooked. This makes for a quick and easy taco night!
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like a kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also serve the tacos with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for an extra heat boost.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the seasoned chicken up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it in a skillet before assembling the tacos, ensuring it’s heated through.
Storage Tips for Leftover Tacos
Store leftover components separately: keep the chicken, vegetables, and tortillas in airtight containers in the fridge. They should last about 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken and warm the tortillas before assembling your tacos again!
