Description
Tender, juicy shredded chicken simmered in bold Mexican-inspired spices. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or quesadillas, this Mexican Pulled Chicken offers a flavorful and versatile main dish that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This enhances the sweetness and depth of the dish.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the bold flavors.
- Add chicken and simmer: Place the chicken breasts into the sauce, ensuring they are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook chicken: Cover the skillet and let cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and use two forks to shred it finely.
- Combine shredded chicken with sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat with the flavorful mixture.
- Add lime juice and garnish: Stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, cook the chicken in a slow cooker on LOW for 6 hours instead of stovetop simmering.
- Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
