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Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4 from 26 reviews

These shredded chicken tacos offer a quick, flavorful dinner option perfect for taco nights. Tender chicken breasts are gently poached to retain moisture, then shredded and sautéed with aromatic spices and salsa. Served warm in tortillas with your favorite toppings, this recipe balances ease and rich taste for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)

Sautéed Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • ½ yellow onion (minced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup salsa

Instructions

  1. Poach Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender.
  2. Shred Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or bowl and shred it thoroughly using two forks to achieve a pull-apart texture suitable for tacos.
  3. Sauté Onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, which builds the flavor base.
  4. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Then add ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, and salt. Cook the mixture for another minute to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors.
  5. Add Salsa and Combine: Pour in the salsa and stir well to combine with the seasoning. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it. Allow the mixture to warm through and meld.
  6. Mix Chicken with Sauce: Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet and mix thoroughly with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the rich, spiced flavors.
  7. Serve: Spoon the seasoned shredded chicken into warmed tortillas or taco shells. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, lime, cheese, or avocado to enhance the experience.

Notes

  • This shredded chicken taco recipe is perfect for a fast and easy taco night.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep the chicken juicy and tender.
  • Add toppings like chopped onions, fresh cilantro, salsa, or avocado to elevate the flavors.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts if a juicier texture is preferred.