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Weeknight • Chicken

Hearty Mexican Shredded Chicken

Tender, flavorful shredded chicken simmered in a savory chipotle-tomato sauce, perfect for tacos or bowls.

Prep
10 min
Cook
45 min
Servings
6
Level
Weeknight
Hearty Mexican Shredded Chicken

Get ready for your new favorite meal prep hero! This Hearty Mexican Shredded Chicken is incredibly versatile and bursting with smoky, savory flavor. Use it for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, or bowls throughout the week. It’s slow-simmered perfection that’s hands-off and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (or more to taste), plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in Rotel, tomato sauce, chicken broth, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.

  4. Step 4

    Return chicken to the pot, ensuring it's mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is very tender and easily shreddable.

  5. Step 5

    Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  6. Step 6

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, in tacos, burritos, or over rice.

Tips

  • For a spicier kick, add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
  • This chicken freezes beautifully, making it excellent for meal prep.
  • If you don't have a Dutch oven, a slow cooker works too! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours after searing.

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