Tender, juicy, and flavorful this traditional Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe is your next to-die-for favorite. Tacos are great foods because, aside from being portable and yummy, it is also very versatile.
There are a variety of recipes for tacos. This recipe is another special spin on the classic taco recipe. It is a simple yet flavorful version of every one’s all-time favorite Mexican dish that does not require too much energy or time, just enthusiasm for delightful gastronomic experiences.
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Why does this recipe work?
What’s in a good taco? Everything that this recipe has! Let me tell you some of its best features.
- This recipe provides a fun spin on the classic beef taco.
- This Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos recipe is jampacked with filling ingredients that will leave you wanting more servings.
- This is a very versatile meal, especially for people on the go, because not only does it not take a long time to make, but it is also filled with enough protein to keep you full whatever your endeavors are.
- Some people are not a fan of spicy foods, so this recipe is certified palate friendly for kids and adults who like their food to be on the milder side, heat-wise.
- Aside from being a full and filling meal, this taco recipe also doubles as a snack for midnight cravings or random cravings.
- This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep; you can also make a double batch of the filling and freeze it until needed.
- This is a delicious recipe for family taco night; the whole family will love it.
What is in the recipe?
The recipe has simple ingredients:
Taco Shells: What’s a taco without the taco shells? This is essentially the packaging of your taco. It also adds texture by giving your taco that irresistibly crunchy texture. If you like soft tacos, you can use flour tortillas instead.
Olive oil: Gives a subtle earthy flavor to your dish and is a good base that allows for flavors to be absorbed well by the meat.
Red onion: Red onions taste sweet when they are cooked and thus add, a bit of sweetness to your taco.
Taco seasoning: Taco seasoning is an easy way to flavor your meat; it is usually used in Mexican food. You can get your favorite brand of taco seasoning in the grocery. Taco seasoning is a combination of spices and seasonings that gives flavor to your tacos. Use either store-bought or homemade taco seasoning.
Shredded cooked chicken: Shredded chicken is the main meat used in this recipe and is well known for retaining its juiciness and absorbing flavors.
Kidney beans: Kidney beans are staples in tacos. It has a meaty flavor and dense texture. It also makes your tacos more filling. Kidney beans have a slightly sweet taste and therefore add more depth of flavor to your recipe. However, black beans work well too.
Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese blends well with the flavor of meat and adds a creamy texture to the dish. Cheddar cheese is the best substitute for mozzarella cheese.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are great toppings for tacos for their tangy flavor.
Avocado: Mashed avocadoes also add flavor and creamy texture to tacos.
Fresh cilantro: Cilantro provides a citrusy aroma to your dish and never fails to make any dish appetizing when used as a garnish.
How to make Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos?
One: Preheat oven to 220°C / 428°F.
Two: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, add the onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Three: Add chicken, taco seasoning, beans, and water. Let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn off the heat and get a fork and shred the chicken into medium strips.
Four: Now, divide the chicken mixture between the taco shells, sprinkle cheese on top.
Five: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Top the baked tacos with tomatoes and a tablespoon of mashed avocado.
Six: Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Top tips!
To make the best tacos, follow these no-fail top tips:
- Make sure to use boneless skinless chicken breasts, so it’s easier to shred and get lots of meat.
- Make sure that the slice of your meat isn’t too thick. This will help the meat to absorb the flavors better and will also allow for it to cook easier. A thick cut of meat might be undercooked.
- You can also poke holes in your chicken meat by using a fork. This will make the flavors seep into your meat better.
- Make sure that you are cooking over medium heat to avoid overcooking (high heat) and undercooking (low heat).
- Be creative, Tacos are versatile dishes; you can pair chicken with other meats and beans.
Other Shredded Chicken Taco Toppings
- Beans: Black Beans, kidney beans.
- Salsa: Tomato salsa, Salsa verde or mango salsa.
- Veggies: Lettuce, Cauliflower, spinach, rocket, avocado, mushrooms or cabbage (red or green).
- Sour cream, greek yoghurt, guacamole.
- Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella.
- Meat: Ground beef, chicken, duck or turkey.
- Fresh herbs: cilantro, basil or parsley.
Recipe variations
- If you are a fan of heat, you can add hot sauce as a topping to your taco.
- If you’re feeling a little bit fancy, you can also swap hard taco shells for soft taco shells.
- To make for a creamier avocado topping, add a dollop of sour cream to your mashed avocadoes.
- You may use chicken broth or chicken stock instead of water.
- You may use flour or corn tortillas instead of taco shells.
- Cook the taco filling in the instant pot instead of the stove top.
Serving suggestions
These Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos are best served hot. If served for a large party, you can separate the different ingredients into different containers, and it is up to the guests to make their tacos.
This way, you can have a more creative way of presenting the dish and have your guests make the tacos to their preference.
Serve with Cabbage Salsa or Cabbage Patties. You can also serve this tasty dish with your favorite toppings or a bowl of taco salad.
Storage
To store: It’s best to keep your meat and your toppings stored in the fridge but keep them separate.
To freeze: You can freeze the meat to make it last longer, but the vegetables might not taste as good if frozen. Keeping them chilled is best. You may also reheat your meat in the microwave or bake them again in a preheated oven.
Make sure to have your veggie toppings at room temperature before serving.
Recipe FAQs
You can check if your chicken has been cooked by doing the chopstick method. If you can stick a chopstick easily into the meat of the chicken, then you’re good to go.
Yes, you can cook the meat in a slow cooker. Cook chicken breasts for 3 to 4 hours and chicken thighs for 4 to 6 hours.
Do not let your taco shells be exposed to air for too long. Keep them sealed in an airtight container. Taco shells are safe to store at room temperature. Read labels to check how long the taco shell is good for.
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Recipe
Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 12 taco Shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion , finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 3 cups cooked chicken , shredded
- 400 g kidney beans , drained
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 avocado , mashed
- 1 tomato , chopped
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro , roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C / 420°F.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, add onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 red onion
- Add chicken, taco seasoning, beans and water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn off the heat.2 tablespoon taco seasoning, 3 cups cooked chicken, 400 g kidney beans, ½ cup water
- Now, divide the chicken mixture between the taco shells, sprinkle cheese on top and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted.12 taco Shells, 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Top the baked tacos with tomatoes and a tablespoon of mashed avocado.1 avocado, 1 tomato
- Garnish with cilantro.2 tablespoon fresh cilantro
Notes
- Make sure to use boneless skinless chicken breasts, so it’s easier to shred and get lots of meat.
- Make sure that the slice of your meat isn’t too thick. This will help the meat to absorb the flavors better and will also allow for it to cook easier. A thick cut of meat might be undercooked.
- You can also poke holes in your chicken meat by using a fork. This will make the flavors seep into your meat better.
- Make sure that you are cooking over medium heat to avoid overcooking (high heat) and undercooking (low heat).
- Be creative, Tacos are versatile dishes; you can pair chicken with other meats and beans.
Meghan
These were so good! They had so much flavor and were easy to make.
April
Can I make this with a pressure cooker? If so, what are the directions for that?
Radwa
I never made this recipe in the pressure cooker.