Shredded Chicken Tacos (Printable)

Slow-cooked chicken, seasoned and shredded, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
02 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices

05 - 1 ½ tsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - ½ tsp dried oregano
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Sauce

11 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
12 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
13 - 1 tbsp lime juice

→ To Serve

14 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
15 - Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken thighs or drumsticks in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Scatter chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
03 - In a small bowl, blend chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper; sprinkle this mixture uniformly over chicken and vegetables.
04 - Pour diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and chicken broth over the contents in the slow cooker.
05 - Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and shreds easily.
06 - Remove chicken from the slow cooker, discard bones, then shred the meat using two forks.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to incorporate with the sauce, then mix in lime juice.
08 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
09 - Fill warm tortillas with shredded chicken and garnish as desired with toppings; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple ingredients and preparation for an easy main dish
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd and customizable with your favorite toppings
02 -
  • Leftovers are excellent for quesadillas or burrito bowls
  • Using corn tortillas keeps this recipe gluten-free
03 -
  • Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smoky heat
  • For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and reduce slow cook time
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