Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos, known as "Tacos de Pollo Deshebrado," are a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic taco. These tacos feature tender, slow-cooked shredded chicken seasoned with traditional Mexican spices and served in warm corn tortillas. With the addition of fresh toppings and zesty salsa, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite.
Shredded chicken tacos are a popular Mexican street food and home-cooked meal. The chicken is simmered until tender and infused with the flavors of cumin, chili powder, and garlic. This recipe showcases the authentic Mexican way of preparing chicken for tacos. Topped with fresh garnishes like chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos are a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
2 lbs (about 1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups chicken broth or water
8 small corn tortillas
1/2 cup diced onions (for serving)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Salsa of your choice (salsa verde, salsa roja, or pico de gallo)
Sliced radishes (optional)
Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (optional)
8 Servings
Prep Time:
0 Hrs 15 Mins
Cook Time:
2 Hrs 0 Mins
Total TIme:
0 Hrs 0 Mins
Directions
Step
In a large pot, combine the chicken, onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth or water until the chicken is fully submerged.
Step
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step
If there's a significant amount of cooking liquid remaining in the pot, you can strain it and save it for other recipes like soups or sauces. Alternatively, reduce it by simmering until it thickens slightly.
Step
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are pliable. Place a generous portion of the shredded chicken on each tortilla.
Step
Top the chicken with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add your preferred salsa for extra flavor and, if desired, sliced radishes for a crunchy element.
Step
If you like, sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese on top of the tacos.
Step
Serve the shredded chicken tacos immediately, and let everyone customize their tacos with additional salsa or toppings to their liking.
Tips for this recipe
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the shredded chicken in some of the cooking liquid before serving. This will infuse the meat with even more deliciousness.
