These shredded chicken tacos are super tasty and easy to make! With juicy chicken mixed with spices and wrapped in soft tortillas, they’re perfect for any meal or a fun gathering.
Honestly, what’s not to love? You can pile on your favorite toppings, and if you ask me, extra cheese is always a good choice! 🧀 I whip these up in no time for a quick dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. Otherwise, boiled chicken works well too. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using jackfruit or seasoned tofu instead.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas give the best texture. If you have a gluten intolerance or prefer another kind, try flour tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a nice crunch. If they are out of season, you could use canned diced tomatoes or even pico de gallo for extra flavor.
Red Onion: Red onions offer a sharper taste, but you can easily switch to green onions or even regular onions if needed. For milder flavor, soak them in water briefly before using.
Sour Cream: For a lighter meal, Greek yogurt makes a healthy swap and adds creaminess. If dairy-free is needed, try coconut yogurt or a cashew cream as alternatives.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Flavorful and Moist?
Heating the chicken properly is key for flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat on your skillet to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Add chicken broth to keep the meat moist. You can also use water if you’re out of broth.
- Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin for added flavor. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed!
- Stir occasionally and heat until everything is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Tacos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (can be rotisserie or boiled chicken)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (for moisture)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the chicken and warming the tortillas, plus a few minutes assembling the tacos. It’s quick and perfect for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Up the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cooked shredded chicken, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the chicken is well coated with the spices. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and flavors meld nicely.
2. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is warming, take a dry skillet and place it over medium heat. Warm each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them soft and easy to fold. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too crispy!
3. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and add a portion of the shredded chicken to the center. Top it off with some diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and a generous dollop of sour cream.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze a little lime juice on top for an extra zesty flavor. Enjoy your delicious shredded chicken tacos!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotisserie or boiled chicken works great, you can also use grilled chicken or even turkey. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced to keep it easy to handle in the tacos!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken while it cooks. You can also top the tacos with a spicy salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shredded chicken and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days and the toppings should be consumed within 2 days for best freshness. Reheat the chicken on the stove or in the microwave before assembling new tacos!
Can I Make These Tacos Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Simply use corn tortillas like the ones listed in the ingredients, as they are generally gluten-free. Always check the packaging to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you have severe allergies.
