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Close-up of shredded chicken tacos on corn tortillas topped with white onion, cilantro, and lime

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Tender chicken simmered in a smoky ancho chile tomato sauce and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh onion, cilantro, and lime. Ready in 45 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 16 oz tomato sauce two 8 oz cans
  • 3.5 tsp dried ancho chile powder
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp white distilled vinegar
  • 2 tsp dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp sugar
  • Adobo with pepper to taste
  • 10 oz corn tortillas one package, warmed
  • 0.25 cup white onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro coarsely chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • hot sauce to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Mixing bowl
  • Two forks for shredding

Method
 

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, white distilled vinegar, minced garlic, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and sugar. Season with Adobo to taste and stir until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with Adobo. Place them in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes total, turning once, until lightly golden brown on each side.
  3. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and fork-tender. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water if the sauce thickens too much.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool for 5 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat and discard the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
  5. Warm corn tortillas by wrapping in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds, or char them one at a time over a gas burner for about 15 seconds per side.
  6. Fill each tortilla with saucy shredded chicken. Top with chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For spicier tacos, increase ancho chile powder or add a diced jalapeno to the sauce. Substitute regular chili powder plus a pinch of smoked paprika if ancho chile powder is unavailable. Boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result with a reduced simmer time of 15 to 18 minutes. Chicken stores in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.