Description

These Shredded Chicken Tacos are tender, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or taco night, the chicken is seasoned with a smoky, zesty blend and served in warm tortillas for a delicious meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds (680 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
½ yellow onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup (120 g) salsa

Instructions

Poach the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
Shred the chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or bowl. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the sauce: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Season the mixture: Stir in cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 more minute to release the spices’ aroma.
Add salsa: Mix in salsa (add a splash of water if needed) and let it warm through.
Combine chicken and sauce: Add shredded chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Spoon into warmed tortillas or taco shells and top with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, avocado, or sour cream.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. Use a kitchen thermometer for perfect results. Warm tortillas before serving for the best texture. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chicken seems dry while simmering with salsa. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Chicken
Method: Poaching and Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: shredded chicken, tacos, easy dinner, chicken recipe, Mexican-style