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Mexican Pulled Chicken

Mexican Pulled Chicken: Easy, Flavorful Tacos for Any Night

This Mexican Pulled Chicken is a flavorful dish perfect for tacos and busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts consider using thighs for added juiciness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil ideal for sautéing aromatics
  • 1 cup chicken broth homemade or store-bought is fine
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium onion diced; yellow or white onions are great choices
  • 4 cloves garlic freshly minced is preferable
For the Spices
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin adds earthy warmth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder adjust the spice level to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika delivers smokiness and color
  • 1 teaspoon oregano Mexican oregano is ideal for authenticity
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon adds subtle warmth
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper omit for a milder dish
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice always use fresh juice for the best taste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce forms the base of the sauce

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • skillet
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Incorporate 4 minced garlic cloves into the pan, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of oregano, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom flavors.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Allow to simmer for a minute.
  5. Mix in the juice of 1 lime and 1 cup of tomato sauce, stirring well. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gently place 2 pounds of chicken breasts into the simmering sauce, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet.
  8. Allow the shredded chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Serve hot in warm tortillas or over rice, topped with fresh cilantro and diced onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Mexican Pulled Chicken will surely become a beloved meal in your home, perfect for tacos and beyond.

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