Description
Authentic shredded chicken tacos featuring tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with traditional Mexican spices. This easy recipe creates restaurant-quality tacos with simple ingredients and time-tested cooking methods.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 large white onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
16 corn tortillas
1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
4 lime wedges
Salsa for serving
Instructions
1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne
2. Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat
3. Brown chicken thighs on both sides, about 4 minutes per side
4. Add quartered onion and minced garlic to pot
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to boil
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours until chicken shreds easily
7. Remove chicken from pot and let cool slightly
8. Shred chicken using two forks, removing any excess fat
9. Return shredded chicken to pot with small amount of cooking liquid
10. Warm corn tortillas on dry skillet or comal until pliable
11. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken
12. Top with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and squeeze of lime
13. Serve immediately with salsa on the side
Notes
Chicken thighs stay more moist than breasts during long cooking
Save cooking liquid to keep chicken moist during storage
Can be made in slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours
Store leftover chicken refrigerated up to 3 days
Warm tortillas just before serving for best texture
Adjust spice levels according to family preferences
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg