Zesty Tex-Mex Spicy Pulled Chicken Tacos Recipe for Taco Night

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with these mouthwatering spicy pulled chicken tacos that pack a serious flavor punch.

Tender chicken simmered in zesty spices creates a meal that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The secret lies in slow-cooking chicken until it falls apart with incredible ease.

Bold Mexican-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with remarkable depth and complexity.

Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, these tacos bring restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

Grab some tortillas, chop your favorite toppings, and get ready to transform an ordinary evening into a fiesta of flavor.

How to Make Juicy Pulled Chicken Tacos

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken with a zesty blend of spices, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Brown and Simmer

Sear the chicken for a couple of minutes on each side until it develops a gorgeous golden crust. Pour in chicken broth and salsa, then cover and let it simmer, transforming the meat into a tender, juicy delight.

• Shred and Mingle

Carefully remove the chicken and use two forks to pull it apart into delectable, succulent strands. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, stirring in a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavors.

• Warm and Assemble

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet until they’re soft and pliable. Pile on the pulled chicken with a generous hand.

• Dress and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh cilantro, scatter red onion bits, fan out creamy avocado slices, and add a sprinkle of cheese. Finish with a zesty lime squeeze.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate alongside rice, black beans, or crispy tortilla chips. Get ready for a flavor fiesta that’ll transport you straight to culinary heaven!

Pro Tips for Flavor-Packed Pulled Chicken Tacos

• Flavor Boost: Marinate chicken in citrus juices like orange or lime for deeper, more complex taste before cooking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Pulled chicken can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container, making meal prep super convenient.
• Dietary Swaps: For gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour. Swap chicken with jackfruit for vegetarian version or use turkey for leaner protein alternative.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantity to manage heat intensity. Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase according to personal preference.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion cooked pulled chicken into freezer-safe containers for quick future meals. Freeze up to 3 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently in skillet.

Best Sides and Serving Ideas for Pulled Chicken Tacos

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a vibrant taco bar where guests can build their own pulled chicken tacos with an array of colorful toppings and sauces.
• Fresh Fiesta Sides: Pair the tacos with zesty Mexican street corn, refreshing lime-cilantro rice, or a crisp jicama slaw to add exciting textures and flavors.
• Drink Pairing Delight: Complement the spicy pulled chicken with an ice-cold Mexican beer, tangy margarita, or refreshing agua fresca for a complete meal experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, using it in salads, quesadillas, nachos, or stuffed peppers for quick and delicious meals.

Stash and Reheat Pulled Chicken Tacos with Ease

• Meal Prep Magic: Shred chicken ahead of time and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners.
• Fridge Storage Strategy: Keep pulled chicken in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: Portion shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
• Reheating Smart: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore original texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Must-Haves for Pulled Chicken Tacos

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides tender, shreddable meat perfect for tacos.
• Olive Oil: Creates a flavorful base for searing and helps develop rich caramelized notes.

• Cumin: Earthy spice that adds depth and authentic Mexican warmth to the chicken.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful reddish color.
• Chili Powder: Delivers a mild heat and robust southwestern character.
• Garlic Powder: Offers concentrated garlic flavor without moisture.
• Onion Powder: Introduces sweet and savory undertones without chopping.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a spicy kick for adventurous palates.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and amplify other spices.

• Chicken Broth: Tenderizes meat and creates a succulent cooking liquid.
• Salsa: Introduces vibrant tomato tanginess and extra moisture.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the dish with citrusy freshness and balances rich flavors.

• Tortillas: Soft carriers that cradle the spicy pulled chicken.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright, herbal notes and traditional Mexican flair.
• Red Onion: Provides crisp texture and sharp, zesty bite.
• Avocado: Creamy element that cools and softens spicy undertones.
• Cheese: Melty component that adds richness and comfort.

Gear Up for Pulled Chicken Taco Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for searing and cooking chicken stovetop method.
• Slow cooker: Perfect alternative for hands-off cooking chicken.
• Two forks: Ideal for shredding chicken into tender pieces.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping fresh toppings like cilantro and onions.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure spices for seasoning.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning chicken while cooking.
• Microwave or additional skillet: Great for warming tortillas quickly.

Spicy Pulled Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican pulled chicken tacos combine tender, spice-rubbed meat nestled in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro and zesty salsa. Crisp ingredients and bold flavors make these tacos an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) salsa or enchilada sauce (optional for extra flavor)
• Small corn or flour tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced red onion
• Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Craft a robust spice blend by mixing cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Meticulously coat chicken pieces with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage.
3. Cooking Initiation: In a spacious skillet heated to medium temperature with olive oil, sear seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and salsa into the skillet, completely submerging the chicken pieces, then cover and reduce heat to allow gentle simmering for 20 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Alternative Slow Cooking Method: Transfer seasoned chicken to slow cooker, add chicken broth and salsa, then cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender.
6. Chicken Shredding: Extract chicken from cooking liquid using tongs, then utilize two forks to meticulously transform the meat into delicate, stringy fragments.
7. Flavor Enhancement: Reintroduce shredded chicken to the remaining cooking liquid, gently stirring to harmonize flavors, then splash with fresh lime juice and allow brief marination.
8. Tortilla Preparation: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they become slightly pliable and flexible.
9. Assembly and Garnishing: Pile shredded chicken generously onto tortillas, then embellish with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, creamy avocado slices, and crumbled cheese.
10. Final Touches: Conclude by adding an additional lime squeeze for vibrant brightness, and serve immediately alongside complementary sides like rice, black beans, or crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Spice Blend Precision: Mix spices thoroughly to ensure each chicken piece gets an even, robust flavor coating for maximum taste depth.
• Temperature Control: Monitor heat carefully during stovetop searing to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken.
• Moisture Management: Keep chicken covered while simmering to retain tenderness and prevent drying out during cooking process.
• Flavor Enhancement: Let shredded chicken rest in cooking liquid for 5-10 minutes after shredding to absorb maximum seasoning and maintain juiciness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg