Lunch & Dinner

Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes

Name: Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 - cloves of garlic, peeled; 1/2 - medium onion, roughly chopped; 2 - boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 - chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce; 2 - ripe plum tomatoes; 4-5 - fresh tomatillos, husked; 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; - A pinch of ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt; - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Willie Regan April 16, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the intricacies of authentic Mexican shredded chicken, let’s chat about what pairs wonderfully with this dish. Picture this: a fresh taco or a crispy tortilla, perhaps filled with salsa and guacamole.

Maybe you’re envisioning a vibrant cilantro-lime rice dish or even a zesty corn salad. The flavors are endless!

But wait, there’s more. You can slide that sumptuous shredded chicken into a hearty burrito or pile it onto a crisp salad for a refreshing meal.

Trust me, once you wrap your taste buds around this delightful chicken, you’ll want to experiment with all sorts of pairings.

Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe

What is Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken?

Authentic Mexican shredded chicken is a dish where chicken breasts are slow-cooked until tender and then shredded into succulent strands.

The key lies in the seasoning: a mix of chipotle peppers, tomatoes, and spices that create a rich flavor profile. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s face it: not all shredded chicken recipes create that irresistible flavor. This one, however, stands out. The combination of chipotle in adobo sauce adds a smokiness that resonates deeply with traditional Mexican cuisine.

Plus, the fresh tomatillos and tomatoes bring a delightful acidity to the dish. This is not just about cooking chicken; it’s about balancing flavors to create something unforgettable.

My secret ingredient? Patience. Allowing the chicken to simmer in its own juices means you’ll end up with tender, flavorful goodness that easily pulls apart.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Let’s gather our essentials. You’ll need the following ingredients to embark on this delicious adventure:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 4 cloves of garlic, peeled

– 1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

– 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce

– 2 ripe plum tomatoes

– 4-5 fresh tomatillos, husked

– 1 teaspoon lime juice

– 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

– A pinch of ground cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

– Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

These ingredients collectively create a dynamic flavor explosion that you won’t soon forget.

Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken Copycat Recipe

How to Make Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken

I’m excited to guide you through the process. It’s simple, yet rewarding. Now let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the cooking.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. The aroma will wrap around you like a warm hug. Sauté until the onions are translucent. This step sets the stage for the flavors to come.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, add your chicken breasts into the skillet. Make sure they are coated with the sautéed mixture. This is the starting point for all the flavors that will work together.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, plum tomatoes, and tomatillos. Blend until smooth. You should have a vibrant, spicy sauce that reflects the heart of Mexican cooking.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the blended sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Add lime juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated in deliciousness. Let it simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes. This is where the magic of flavors truly happens.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the skillet. The meat should fall apart with ease, ready to be enjoyed in various dishes. Don’t forget to mix it in the sauce for extra flavor!

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Take a moment to taste the mixture. Depending on your preferences, you may want to adjust the spice level with more black pepper or even additional hot sauce.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables lead to a more flavorful dish. Look for the ripest tomatoes and firm tomatillos.
Don’t Rush It: Slow cooking is key. Letting the chicken simmer allows all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Experiment with Cooking Methods: This chicken works well in a slow cooker if you’re looking to prep in advance.
Save the Leftover Sauce: That sauce leftover is pure gold! Use it as a base for soups or stews.
Make it Spicy or Mild: Adjust the amount of chipotle based on your spice tolerance. You can create a milder version simply by reducing it.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover shredded chicken (which is a rare occurrence because it’s so good), store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It should last for about three to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Just remember to separate them into meal-sized portions for easy access later.

How Would I Recommend Serving Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken?

Now, let’s get to the fun part – serving suggestions! Here are several ways to enjoy this delicious chicken:

Tacos: Serve the shredded chicken in soft or hard taco shells. Add fresh toppings like diced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The combination of textures and flavors will have your guests asking for more.
Burrito Bowls: Layer the shredded chicken over rice or quinoa, top with black beans, corn, and your favorite veggies for a wholesome meal. Don’t forget the salsa!
Nachos: Spread tortilla chips and load them up with the shredded chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s a perfect party dish that will disappear fast.
Stuffed Peppers: Mix the chicken with rice and cheese, stuff it inside bell peppers, and bake. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s great for any dinner.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?

Sometimes the grocery store might send you on a treasure hunt for specific ingredients. Here are a few substitutions to keep you cooking:

Chicken Thighs in Place of Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a different cut of meat, chicken thighs can add extra juiciness.
Canned Tomatoes for Fresh Ones: In a pinch, canned tomatoes can replace fresh. Just drain a bit of the liquid for the right consistency.
Roasted Red Peppers Instead of Chipotle: If chipotles are scarce, try using roasted red peppers combined with some hot sauce for a similar smoky flavor.
Green Peppers Instead of Tomatillos: If tomatillos aren’t available, green peppers offer a crisp substitute, though you’ll miss the tartness.

Best Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe

Conclusion

Authentic Mexican shredded chicken is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings everyone around the table. I hope this guide inspires you to give it a try.

The process is straightforward, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.

Whether you’re enjoying it in tacos, on a bed of rice, or even as a snack, this shredded chicken is sure to become a staple in your home. Happy cooking!

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Authentic Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes

Author: Willie Regan Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 176 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

As a food enthusiast and a registered dietitian, I often find myself experimenting in the kitchen. One evening, I decided to bring the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexico into my home.

That’s when I stumbled upon what would become one of my top recipes: authentic Mexican shredded chicken. It’s a dish bursting with flavor and versatility, and it starts with just a handful of ingredients.

When I first made this, I remembered the tantalizing aromas wafting through my kitchen. The sound of sizzling garlic and onions filled the air, and soon enough, I knew I was in for something special. This shredded chicken is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors and textures.