These shredded chicken tacos are a tasty treat, filled with juicy chicken and topped with a creamy, zesty chimichurri sauce. They’re perfect for a fun meal or a casual get-together!
Honestly, who doesn’t love tacos? I can never resist adding extra sauce because it’s just that good! Great for busy nights, these come together in no time and are always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is crucial for flavor and texture. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option for convenience. If you have leftover chicken, it works beautifully too!
Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas are great, but you can switch to whole wheat or even lettuce wraps for a healthier, low-carb alternative.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds freshness and nutrition. If you don’t have spinach, you could use kale or mixed greens instead.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute, and it offers a nice tang. If you prefer dairy-free, try coconut yogurt.
Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients: Fresh parsley and cilantro are essential for that vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to just use parsley or add some basil for a different twist.
How Do I Make Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Without a Blender?
Don’t worry if you lack a blender; you can still make a delicious chimichurri sauce by hand. Just chop your herbs and garlic really finely, and then mix them thoroughly with the other ingredients.
- Start by mincing the garlic and chopping the parsley and cilantro finely.
- In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, and chopped herbs.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and let it sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.
By doing this by hand, you control the texture and get a bit of a rustic feel to your sauce, which can actually be really nice in the tacos!
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the chicken and sauce, and another 10 minutes assembling the tacos. It’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, take your cooked shredded chicken and drizzle a little olive oil over it. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Warm it up for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
2. Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
While the chicken is warming, grab another bowl. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Heat the Tortillas:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on both sides, just until they are soft and slightly toasted. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place a few spoonfuls of the warm shredded chicken on each tortilla. Top the chicken with fresh spinach and a couple of slices of avocado.
5. Add the Sauce and Serve:
Drizzle the creamy chimichurri sauce generously over the toppings. Serve the tacos immediately while they’re warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor. Just shred the chicken and follow the recipe as directed. No need to add extra seasoning since it’s often already flavorful.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt works as an excellent substitute. It will maintain that creamy texture while adding a bit of tang. If you prefer a non-dairy option, try using cashew cream or coconut yogurt.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the shredded chicken, toppings, and tortillas separate in airtight containers. The chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet before assembling the tacos again. This prevents soggy tortillas and keeps everything fresh!
Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy chimichurri sauce up to 2 days in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using, as some separation may occur, but it will still be delicious!
