Shredded chicken tacos are a fun and tasty meal! Juicy chicken mixed with spices sits in soft tortillas, ready to be topped with your favorite veggies and sauces.
These tacos are super easy to make! I love how I can whip them up quickly on a busy night, and everyone can customize their own just how they like it. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try grilled chicken or even shredded turkey. Plant-based options like jackfruit or lentils also work if you prefer a vegetarian taco.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas offer a traditional flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to handle. If you’re gluten-free, there are various options made from corn or almond flour available in stores.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give a nice crunch, but you can use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t on hand. For a spicier kick, try diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Red Onion: While red onions add sweetness and color, you can swap them for white or yellow onions if needed. You can also try pickled onions for a tangy twist!
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a healthier choice. You can also use avocado or a dairy-free alternative if you like.
How Do You Warm Tortillas Without Them Getting Stiff?
Warming tortillas properly is key to enjoying soft tacos. You’ll want them pliable, so they don’t crack when you fill them. Here’s how you can do that:
- In a skillet, heat your tortillas on medium for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Watch for bubbling, which means they’re ready.
- If you prefer the microwave, place a stack of tortillas between damp paper towels and microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
- Consider keeping them warm in a clean kitchen towel or tortilla warmer after heating, to hold onto that softness until serving.
Delicious Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 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
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and assemble the ingredients, plus additional time for warming the tortillas. In total, you can have these tasty shredded chicken tacos ready to enjoy in about 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by taking a medium bowl and adding your cooked shredded chicken. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together really well so that the chicken gets coated with all those yummy spices. This will add great flavor to your tacos!
2. Warm the Tortillas:
Next, it’s time to warm those tortillas. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat. Just heat them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re warm and easy to bend. If you prefer, you can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds.
3. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now we’re ready to build our tacos! Grab a tortilla and place a nice portion of your seasoned shredded chicken right in the center. Don’t be shy, you want to get a good amount on there!
4. Add Your Toppings:
Next, top the chicken with some diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and a generous dollop of sour cream. Yum! And don’t forget that fresh cilantro sprinkle for an extra burst of flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side. Just squeeze a bit of lime juice over the tacos before digging in, and enjoy your homemade shredded chicken tacos!
Can I Use Different Proteins for These Tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute the shredded chicken with pulled pork, ground beef, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly to match the flavors of your chosen protein.
How to Store Leftover Tacos
To store leftovers, keep the chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave and warm the tortillas just before serving to maintain their texture.
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the seasoned shredded chicken in advance. Just refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
What Toppings Can I Add to My Tacos?
Feel free to get creative! You can add toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, cheese, or your favorite salsa. Just remember to balance the flavors and textures for an even more delicious taco experience!
