Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect as they cook quickly and shred easily. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use chicken thighs instead—they’re juicier and add more flavor.

Spices: Chili powder is key for flavor, but if you like less spice, feel free to reduce the amount. For a different flavor profile, try adding taco seasoning or fajita seasoning instead.

Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you want a low-sodium version or need to avoid gluten, look for a low-sodium broth or use water with a bit of added seasoning.

Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If limes aren’t handy, lemon juice works well too, giving a different but tasty zing to the chicken.

How Do I Get the Chicken to Shred Perfectly?

Shredding chicken can be tricky, but it’s all about the cooking time and method. After cooking the chicken in the broth, it should be tender enough to fall apart easily. Here’s a quick guide:

• Make sure the chicken cooks fully—it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the skillet, mixing it with the sauce to enhance flavor.
• If the chicken seems tough, it may need a bit more time in the broth to get tender.

Letting the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes after shredding helps soak in all those delicious flavors! Enjoy your meal with tortillas and toppings for a delightful experience.

How to Make Easy Shredded Mexican Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped (red or white)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For Cooking:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 2 limes

For Serving:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Tortillas (for serving)
• Salsa, avocado, and additional lime wedges (for serving)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious shredded Mexican chicken will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25–30 minutes to cook. In around 40 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell the fragrant aroma. This combo is going to add a lot of flavor!

2. Add the Spices:

Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat) to the skillet. Stir everything together until the onions and garlic are well coated with the spices. It should smell amazing!

3. Cook the Chicken:

Now, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and pour the chicken broth over the top. Squeeze the juice from the limes over the chicken too. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, cover the skillet and turn the heat down to low. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and can be shredded easily with two forks.

4. Shred and Combine:

After the chicken is cooked, take it out of the skillet and use two forks to shred it into pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir it back into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors!

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Your shredded Mexican chicken is now ready to serve! Enjoy it warm with tortillas and toppings like salsa, avocado, chopped cilantro, and extra lime wedges for a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy every bite!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.

How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

If you want to amp up the heat, consider increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños during the cooking process. You can also serve with a spicy salsa for an extra kick!

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!

Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins like turkey or pork! For beef, shredded chuck roast or flank steak works well too, but adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is tender and easily shreddable.