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Mexican Pulled Chicken

Savory Mexican Pulled Chicken for Tacos and Burritos

This Savory Mexican Pulled Chicken combines tender meat with bold flavors, perfect for tacos and burritos.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with chicken thighs for juicier texture.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion, Chopped Can be swapped with shallots.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, Minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
For the Spice Blend
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin Essential for authentic flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder Opt for mild if you prefer less heat.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Can be omitted.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Use sparingly.
  • 1 dash Cayenne Pepper Adjust spice level to preference.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Homemade or store-bought work well.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Fresh is best.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Can be switched with crushed tomatoes.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to personal taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to personal taste.

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Mexican Pulled Chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until hot. Add olive oil.
  2. Add chopped medium onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Mix in spices and stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to bloom.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
  6. Add lime juice and tomato sauce, stirring until combined.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
  8. Submerge chicken in the sauce, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  9. Remove chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
  10. Return shredded chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Serve with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or pickled onions for added crunch and flavor.

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