These Shredded Chicken Tacos are quick, tasty, and perfect for any day. With tender chicken mixed with spices and served in warm tortillas, they’re sure to be a family favorite!
I love how easy they are to make. Just throw everything in a pot, and before you know it, dinner is ready! Plus, you can pile on your favorite toppings for extra fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use any cooked shredded chicken here, like rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try replacing it with shredded jackfruit or lentils for a similar texture and great flavor.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor to the chicken. If you want to make it vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth instead. Homemade broth can also elevate the taste if you have it on hand!
Taco Seasoning: Feel free to use store-bought seasoning or make your own with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference; I often add a pinch more for extra flavor.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a nice authentic touch, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Soft taco shells work too! If gluten-free is your goal, opt for corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps.
Fresh Cilantro: This adds a fresh, herby flavor. If you’re not a fan, swap in parsley or omit it altogether. You won’t miss it too much if you load up on other toppings.
How Do You Warm Tortillas Properly?
Warming tortillas makes them soft and easy to fold, which is crucial for good tacos. Follow these steps for perfect tortillas:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Don’t add oil; just use the dry pan.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet and warm for about 30 seconds (watch it closely).
- Flip and heat for another 30 seconds until both sides are soft and slightly warm.
- Keep the warmed tortillas covered with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while you heat the rest.
Remember, the key is to heat them just enough to make them pliable, but not so much that they get crispy. Enjoy your taco assembly!
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 5-7 minutes to heat the chicken. In just about 15-17 minutes, you’ll have delicious shredded chicken tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
Start by placing the cooked shredded chicken in a medium saucepan. Add the chicken broth and taco seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and you’ll want it hot and tasty!
2. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is heating up, it’s time to warm the tortillas. Grab a dry skillet and place it over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them to be pliable, so they’re easy to fold. Keep them warm by covering them with a clean kitchen towel as you finish.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part—assembling your tacos! Take a warmed tortilla and add a generous portion of the shredded chicken filling in the center. Don’t be shy—load them up!
4. Add the Toppings:
Top each taco with the diced tomatoes and finely chopped red onion. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to make them even tastier. You can mix and match your toppings based on what you like!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
To finish, serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top for a burst of freshness. Now, dig in and enjoy your delicious shredded chicken tacos!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor. Just shred the chicken and skip straight to step 1, mixing it with the broth and taco seasoning to heat through.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing together 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spice levels to your taste for a customized flavor!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. For tortillas, it’s best to keep them separate to avoid sogginess.
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving and warm the tortillas right before assembling to keep them fresh and tasty.
