These shredded chicken tacos are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken serves as the star, topped with a creamy chimichurri sauce that brings fresh flavors and a bit of zing.
They’re so easy to make, you’ll be whipping them up for taco night in no time. I love piling on the toppings and maybe sneaking an extra taco or two. Who can resist? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken if you’re in a hurry. It’s tender and flavorful. For a lighter option, try shredded turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian take.
Tortillas: You can choose corn for a traditional taste or flour for softness. If gluten-free, look for corn tortillas or almond flour alternatives!
Avocados: Perfect for creaminess, but if you don’t have them, guacamole or even hummus can add a nice texture and flavor.
Fresh Greens: Spinach is great for nutrients but feel free to swap with arugula for a peppery bite or cabbage for crunch. It’s all about what you enjoy!
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan, parsley works well too. It won’t be exactly the same, but still fresh and tasty!
How Do I Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Smooth and Flavorful?
Making the sauce is simple but requires the right balance of ingredients. This sauce adds a zesty kick to your tacos. Follow these tips to get it right!
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Rinse and dry them before chopping to avoid any moisture.
- When blending, start with the olive oil and vinegar as the base, then add herbs, garlic, and yogurt. This helps everything mix smoothly.
- Taste as you go! You can always add more garlic or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- If it’s too thick, drizzle in more olive oil until you reach your desired consistency.
Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes putting together the creamy chimichurri sauce and assembling the tacos, plus another 10 minutes to heat the tortillas and get everything ready to serve. Quick and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, take your shredded cooked chicken and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. If you want to brighten up the flavors, feel free to add a splash of lime juice. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together well.
2. Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
Grab a food processor and toss in the chopped parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend this mixture together until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure to taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed; you want it to be just right!
3. Heat the Tortillas:
Put a skillet over medium heat and warm the tortillas one at a time, cooking for about 1-2 minutes on each side. You want them to be warm and slightly charred at the edges, which adds nice flavor!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! On each tortilla, start by layering some sliced avocado, followed by fresh spinach or lettuce, then the seasoned shredded chicken, and top it off with diced tomato. It’s a delicious mix!
5. Drizzle with Chimichurri Sauce:
Generously drizzle the creamy chimichurri sauce over the top of each taco. Don’t be shy; this sauce is what makes the tacos truly special!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tacos immediately. You can garnish them with extra herbs or lime wedges for that extra zing. Enjoy your meal with friends or family, and relish the delightful flavors!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken from the rotisserie and season it with salt and pepper as instructed in the recipe. The added flavor from the rotisserie will work wonderfully in your tacos!
Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce a day in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate. If it thickens up too much, a little extra olive oil can help loosen it up.
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the shredded chicken, sauce, and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave and assemble the tacos fresh for the best texture!
Can I Use Different Tortillas for This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out corn or flour tortillas for whole wheat, gluten-free, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just make sure to warm them up as instructed for the best flavor and texture!
