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Shredded chipotle chicken tacos topped with corn, avocado, cilantro, and cotija cheese on corn tortillas

Shredded Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Juicy shredded chicken coated in a smoky creamy chipotle sauce, served in warm corn tortillas with avocado, corn, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 348

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp cotija cheese or more to taste
  • 2 avocados sliced
  • 6 corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce NOT jarred
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for lighter option
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo use 1 for milder heat
  • 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or stock pot
  • Small blender or food processor
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Two forks

Method
 

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place in a large saucepan and cover completely with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then maintain a steady boil and cook for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F with no pink inside. Cook time may range from 15 to 25 minutes depending on size.
  2. While the chicken boils, add the tomato sauce, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and salt to a small blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds. Taste and adjust salt or lime if needed.
  3. Heat or cook the corn in a small skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. Chop the cilantro, slice the avocados, and warm your tortillas. For a gas stove, carefully char each tortilla directly over the flame for 15 to 20 seconds per side.
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into strips. If any pink remains, return the chicken to the hot water for 5 more minutes before shredding.
  5. Add the shredded chicken to a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the chipotle sauce over the chicken and stir to coat every piece. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warm and the chicken is fully coated.
  6. Assemble the tacos by adding chipotle chicken to each tortilla, then top with corn, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and cotija cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store chipotle chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate and assemble tacos fresh before serving. The chipotle sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. For a lighter version, substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.