Shredded Chicken Tacos
Shredded chicken tacos turn cooked chicken into juicy, flavorful tacos with salsa, lime, and a few simple seasonings. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can choose from four easy ways to cook and shred your own.
Why These Tacos Belong in Your Dinner Rotation
Ready in 15 Minutes: Use rotisserie, boiled, fresh, or frozen chicken to get these tacos on the table fast.
Salsa Does the Work: It adds tomatoes, onions, peppers, and plenty of flavor without extra chopping.
Make Them Your Way: Set out your favorite toppings and let everyone build their own tacos.
A Reader’s Review
“I was looking for something to make with rotisserie chicken breasts. This was really tasty, easy and quick! The flavors melded well and were more complex than I expected. Thank you so much!”
Ingredients Needed for Shredded Chicken Tacos
Shredded Chicken: You will need 4 cups of cooked chicken. Use rotisserie chicken or one of the four cooking options below.
Salsa: Use chunky or smooth salsa in your preferred heat level.
Switch it Up: Flour tortillas, corn tortillas, and crunchy taco shells all work.
Taco Toppings: Try tomatoes, onion, shredded cheddar cheese, cotija, queso fresco, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, crema, olives, corn, fresh tomatoes, beans, rice, or cilantro.
Use the Chicken in Other Meals: Add it to taco salad, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, or nachos.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos
Once your chicken is cooked and shredded, the filling takes only a few minutes to make. Warm your tortillas while the chicken cooks so everything is ready at the same time. You’re gonna love this easy chicken taco recipe!
Cook the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Season: Add the shredded chicken, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and salt, then stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
Add the Salsa: Stir in the salsa, chicken broth, and lime juice.
Heat Through: Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is hot and juicy. Spoon the shredded chicken tacos into warm tortillas, then add your favorite toppings.
Four Ways to Prepare the Chicken
Boiled Chicken: This easy method makes moist chicken that is simple to shred. I like using two forks for simple shredding.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: A quick way to cook juicy chicken breasts with very little work.
Instant Pot Frozen Chicken: Forgot to thaw the chicken? Cook it straight from the freezer in your Instant Pot.
Rotisserie Chicken: The fastest option when you need dinner on the table right away.
Must Have Tools For This Recipe
Large Skillet: Heats the shredded chicken and sauce evenly.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Shredded Chicken (Cooked 4 Ways)
4 cups cooked and shredded boneless skinless chicken breasts
Tacos
2 tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon minced garlic about 1 clove2 teaspoons onion powder2 teaspoons chili powder1 teaspoon cumin½ teaspoon salt1 cup chunky salsa or salsa verde¼ cup chicken broth more if needed2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 large limeflour tortillas for serving
Instructions
Shredded Chicken (Cooked 4 ways)
Shredded Chicken Tacos
Video
Notes
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Nutrition
More Mexican Dishes
I love quick and flavorful Mexican recipes like these shredded chicken tacos! If you do, here are a few more favorites to try.