Shredded chicken tacos are a fun and tasty meal! You can make them easily by cooking chicken until it’s tender and then shredding it. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa, and lettuce!
I love how quick these tacos come together. They’re great for any night of the week, and you can even let everyone build their own perfect taco. It’s always a hit at my house! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their lean texture. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can also work well. They add richness and flavor, just remember to adjust cooking time slightly.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and depth to the chicken. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, you can use low-sodium broth or even vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but you can make your own with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. This way, you can control the spice level!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas have a nice authentic touch, but if you’re more of a flour tortilla fan, those work too! Just be mindful of differences in flavor and texture.
Fresh Ingredients: Diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro are essential for freshness. You can swap fresh cilantro for parsley if you’re not a fan, or use green onions for a milder option.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
The key to perfectly shredded chicken lies in the cooking process. Using a slow cooker not only makes it easy but ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a mix of chicken broth, olive oil, and taco seasoning in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken shreds easily.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks in a separate bowl for easier handling.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices for extra flavor.
This technique guarantees flavorful and moist chicken for your tacos!
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then 6 to 8 hours to cook in a slow cooker, depending on your setting. Perfect for a busy day when you can let it cook while you go about your routine!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In your slow cooker, add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, olive oil, taco seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is nicely mixed. Cover with the lid and set the cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender enough to shred easily!
2. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the slow cooker using tongs. Place it on a cutting board and use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir, mixing it with all those yummy juices.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are nice and soft. This will help them hold up when you fill them with all that chicken goodness!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and pile on a generous amount of shredded chicken. Top it off with diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for that tasty finish.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Don’t forget the lime wedges! It adds a zesty kick that pairs perfectly. Serve your tacos with lime on the side and dig in. Enjoy your delicious shredded chicken tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken breasts, just add an extra hour to the cooking time. Make sure they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding. You might want to check for doneness at around the 4-hour mark on high or 7-hour mark on low.
What Can I Substitute for Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own! Combine 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust according to your taste preference!
How to Store Leftover Shredded Chicken?
Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to let it cool before refrigerating or freezing for the best results!
Can I Make the Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the shredded chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it gently before serving on tortillas. Keep toppings like tomatoes, onions, and sour cream separate until it’s time to serve for the freshest taste!
