Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipes

MEXICAN PULLED (SHREDDED) CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix the olive oil (2 tablespoons), smoked paprika (1 tablespoon), ground coriander (1 teaspoon), ground cumin (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), kosher salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), and lime juice and zest (from one lime) in a small bowl or glass measuring cup.
• Place the chicken thighs in a container, bowl, or large plastic bag. Pour the marinade on top (it will be thick) and or stir to coat each piece of chicken evenly (if in a bag, just smoosh it around until everything is evenly coated). Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or as long as 24 hours.
• Heat a large (12-inch) non-stick skillet over medium high heat (see notes for other skillets). Add marinated chicken; sear without moving on one side for 5-7 minutes (check that it's not burning after 2-3 minutes- you may want to turn the heat down to medium if you have very hot burners or flip it earlier if it's cooking fast).
• Once the seared side is browned and looking crispy, flip to other side and sear, until chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees F or meat is no longer pink (another 5-10 minutes, depending on thickness and size of chicken. Turn the heat down to medium or medium-low if both sides are seared but inside is not yet cooked the whole way). If you have a lid to your skillet, you can cover it to speed up the cooking time a bit.
• Remove chicken from skillet to a cutting board. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks. Optional: for an extra punch of flavor, you can return the shredded chicken to the skillet to coat in the cooking juices.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired. Use in enchiladas, on tacos or burritos, in bowls, or on its own as a main course.

SLOW COOKER SHREDDED MEXICAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix chile powder, paprika, onion, garlic, and cumin together in a small bowl.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Lightly coat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Coat all sides of chicken with seasoning mix.
• Pour 1/2 of the salsa in a slow cooker and spread to cover the bottom. Place chicken on top and cover with remaining salsa.
• Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 4 hours, until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Shred chicken with tongs and stir thoroughly so it can absorb remaining juices in the slow cooker.

MEXICAN SHREDDED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place chicken breasts into the bottom of a slow cooker. Add enough water to just cover. Add onion, salsa, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper; stir.
• Cook until chicken breasts are no longer pink in the centers, on High for 6 hours or Low for 8 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Remove chicken to a plate and shred with 2 forks.

MEXICAN SHREDDED CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a large crockpot place chicken and fill with chicken broth until chicken breasts are submerged.
• Then place the rest of the ingredients in and mix.
• Cook on high for 3.5-4 hours.
• Pull out chicken breasts and shred.
• Turn crockpot to warm and return chicken to simmer in juices for 30 minutes. Serve to your liking. Suggestions: Taco or Burrito.

SHREDDED MEXICAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Remove remaining fat and skin from chicken.
• Rub lime halves all over chicken and allow to sit to impart flavor.
• In a large pot, bring next 6 ingredients to a boil.
• Add chicken, reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked (about 20 minutes, depending on size).
• Meanwhile, mix salsa, cumin and chili powder in a large bowl.
• Drain chicken until it is cool enough to handle.
• Add chicken to salsa mixture and shred chicken with two forks, stirring to distribute salsa and seasoning.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.