Easy Shredded Chicken Tacos

Discover the key to effortless shredded chicken tacos without any specialized equipment required, and you’ll be ready to serve up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes!

These are going to be the easiest shredded tacos, you ever make, and they make a perfect choice for Taco Tuesday or for a quick lunch or dinner!

Yearning for succulent, flavorful shredded chicken tacos minus the fuss? Look no further—I’ve unearthed the ideal technique for achieving ultra-tender chicken that’s ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes! The secret lies in poaching chicken breasts in a richly flavored broth directly on the stovetop! Then, simmer them with Rotel and spices for incredibly tender, irresistibly tasty, one-skillet pulled chicken.

This shredded chicken taco recipe is so easy, you will fall in love with it! This is surely going to become one of your families favorite recipes, and served with your favorite taco toppings, makes for a great fun meal!

Try some of my other taco recipes, some of my favorites are air fryer chicken fajitas, Instant Pot chicken fajitas, air fryer steak fajitas, and this easy chicken fajita wrap.

Why You Will Love This Best Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe!

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
• Quick Cooking Time: With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, you can have flavorful shredded chicken tacos on the table in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: The simple yet flavorful combination of chicken, broth, Rotel, and spices can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and making it a convenient option for any meal.

Ingredients Needed For Pulled Chicken Tacos

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need for making chicken pulled tacos.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy chicken breasts serve as the base for the flavorful pulled chicken filling.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich and savory base for poaching the chicken, infusing it with flavor and moisture.
• Rotel: Adds a burst of flavor with its combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies, giving the pulled chicken a hint of heat and tanginess.
• Spices: A blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika enhances the flavor profile of the pulled chicken, adding depth and complexity.
• Tortillas: Soft and pliable flour tortillas serve as the vessel for holding the delicious pulled chicken filling, creating a satisfying taco experience.

How To Make Shredded Chicken Tacos

If you have been wondering how to make shredded chicken for tacos look no further, here are the step-by-step directions:

Poach the Chicken: In a large skillet, combine the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet.

Season the Chicken: Add the can of Rotel (undrained) to the skillet with the shredded chicken. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken mixture. Stir well to combine.

Simmer: Cook the chicken mixture over medium heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the flavors are well combined.

How to Assemble Pulled Chicken Tacos

Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas according to package instructions. Spoon some of the shredded chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.

Serve: Serve the Shredded Chicken Tacos immediately, with additional toppings on the side if desired. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Pro Tips For Best Shredded Chicken Tacos

• Use Chicken Broth for Flavor: Poach the chicken breasts in chicken broth instead of water for added flavor and moisture.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken generously with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for maximum flavor.
• Simmer for Flavor Infusion: Allow the chicken to simmer in the Rotel and spice mixture for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Shred While Warm: Shred the chicken while it’s still warm for easier shredding and to help it absorb more flavor from the spices. Use two forks, or a chicken shredder to shred you chicken.
• Customize Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro to let everyone customize their tacos to their liking.
• Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm the tortillas before serving to make them soft and pliable, either by heating them in a skillet or wrapping them in foil and placing them in a warm oven.
• Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos immediately after assembling to ensure they’re warm and fresh.
• Double Up on Tortillas: To prevent the tortillas from tearing, double up by using two tortillas per taco for added stability.

How To Serve Pulled Chicken Tacos

To serve Pulled Chicken Tacos, follow these steps for a delicious presentation:

• Prepare Toppings: Arrange an array of toppings in individual bowls, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or oven until they are soft and pliable, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for a few seconds.
• Fill Tortillas: Spoon a generous portion of the pulled chicken mixture onto each warmed tortilla, ensuring an even distribution of chicken throughout.
• Add Toppings: Invite guests to customize their tacos by adding their desired toppings on top of the pulled chicken mixture. Encourage creativity and experimentation with flavor combinations.
• Serve Immediately: Serve the Pulled Chicken Tacos immediately after assembling, allowing guests to enjoy them while they’re warm and fresh.
• Side Dishes: Consider serving additional side dishes alongside the tacos, such as rice and beans, corn salsa, guacamole, or tortilla chips, to round out the meal.
• Garnish: For a finishing touch, garnish the tacos with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness and flavor.

Shredded Tacos FAQ’s

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time/ storing shredded chicken tacos: Yes, you can prepare the shredded chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.

What can I do with leftovers? Leftover shredded chicken can be used in a variety of ways, such as in quesadillas, burritos, salads, or soups. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How to shred chicken: To shred chicken, first, ensure it is fully cooked through. Then, using two forks, gently pull the cooked chicken breasts apart in opposite directions until they are shredded into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer or hand mixer to quickly shred cooked chicken by placing it in the bowl and using the paddle attachment on low speed until shredded to your desired consistency.

Can I freeze the shredded chicken filling? Yes, you can freeze the shredded chicken filling for up to 2-3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How spicy are these tacos? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by controlling the amount of chili powder and Rotel used. If you prefer milder tacos, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or use mild Rotel.

Are these tacos gluten-free? The shredded chicken filling itself is gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of any store-bought ingredients, such as tortillas or taco seasoning, to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I make these tacos vegetarian? Yes, you can make vegetarian shredded chicken tacos by using a meat alternative such as shredded jackfruit or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust the seasonings and cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with these tacos? These tacos can be served with a variety of side dishes such as rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, or chips. Get creative and customize your meal to your liking!