Description
These shredded chicken tacos are rich, flavorful, and slow-simmered to tender perfection. Served in crispy corn shells, they make a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup mild salsa
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 corn taco shells
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- Add salsa, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, chipotle chili pepper, oregano, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir in grated cheddar cheese, and cook on low for 15–20 minutes to absorb liquid.
- Warm or crisp taco shells by heating in a skillet or directly over a flame until slightly charred and heated through.
- Alternatively, fry tortillas in hot oil for about 30 seconds per side, fold into taco shape, and cook until crispy. Drain on paper towels and remove toothpicks before serving.
- Fill taco shells with shredded chicken and serve warm.
Notes
- If chicken does not shred easily, simmer longer until fully tender.
- Store leftover chicken filling in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze shredded chicken filling for up to 1 month.
- Top with lettuce, sour cream, or extra cheese if desired.
- Use store-bought taco shells to save time if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
