Try these epic Shredded Chicken Tacos! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, Taco Tuesday, or a weekend fiesta. These delicious pulled chicken tacos are packed with flavour, easy to make and ideal for meal prep. Use my Mexican Shredded Chicken for authentic flavours, or grab some leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein. Add all your favourite toppings, such as black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo or a spicy salsa, and you’ve got yourself a healthy and delicious dish!
What you need to make these Shredded Chicken Tacos
The beauty of homemade tacos is that you can add anything you want. Keep it simple or go to town with loads of topping options. Here’s how I made this version of chicken tacos, but I’ll give you some more topping ideas later on!
To make these authentic Mexican shredded chicken tacos, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Corn tortilla wraps: Soft and perfect for holding all the delicious fillings. Corn tortillas are more authentic and are a great gluten-free option as well! If you prefer flour tortillas, feel free to use those.
- Mexican shredded chicken: This juicy, flavourful shredded chicken is the star of the show! You can make it ahead of time and even freeze it. Alternatively, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken; just shred it into smaller pieces to make filling the tacos easier.
- Stovetop roasted black beans with cumin: These roasted black beans add a rich, smoky flavour. They also add loads of fibre, plant-based protein and essential nutrients.
- Charred corn: Sweet and slightly smoky, charred corn adds a pop of brightness to the other ingredients.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh and tangy, this salsa fresca balances out the richness of the chicken and avocado. A scoop of pico de gallo makes every bite fresh and tasty.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and cuts through any spicy flavours. Alternatively, you can use guacamole or avocado crema.
- Coriander leaves (cilantro): Sprinkle on some roughly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herbaceous kick.
- Jalapeños: Top with pickled jalapeños if you love a bit of heat.
- Salsas or hot sauces: Optionally, add your favourite salsas or hot sauce for extra spice and flavour.
How to make Shredded Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Reheat your Mexican Shredded Chicken and keep warm. If using plain leftover or rotisserie chicken, mix it with your favourite salsa or sprinkle some Homemade Mexican Seasoning on top while reheating.
Step 2: Prepare the veggie toppings
Cut and prep all your desired veggie toppings and set aside. This makes assembling the tacos quick and easy. You can also set out all the individual ingredients on the dinner table and let everyone assemble their own tacos.
- Avocado: Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit and peel off the skin. Cut the avocado halves into thin slices and set aside (or make a creamy guacamole).
- Roasted Black Beans: Drain a can of black beans, heat a skillet on medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the beans with salt, pepper and a teaspoon of cumin seeds until they burst open. Set aside.
- Pico de Gallo: Make a fresh and zingy pico de gallo, by combining tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, lime juice, salt and fresh coriander (cilantro).
- Charred Corn: Roast (precooked) corn on the cob in a skillet (or on a BBQ for bonus points!). I usually do this in the same skillet I used for the black beans so they pick up some of that cumin flavour. Once they are nice and charred cut of the corn kernels and set aside.
- Garnish: Roughly chop up a small handful of fresh coriander leaves (cilantro).
Step 3: Prepare the Corn Tortilla Wraps
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable and slightly charred. Keep them covered and warm until ready to serve.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Start with a warm corn tortilla.
- Add a layer of sliced avocado (or creamy guacamole).
- Spoon on a tablespoon of pico de gallo.
- Add as much or as little of the shredded chicken as you like.
- Top with a heaped tablespoon of black beans.
- Add a couple of pieces of charred corn.
- Garnish with a few coriander leaves and slices of jalapeño for an extra kick.
- Add a drizzle of your favourite salsa or hot sauce.
Step 5: Serve the tacos hot
Tacos are best enjoyed while they are still warm for the best flavour and texture. Fill your taco, eat and repeat is the way to go!
Taco Topping Ideas
Tacos can be filled with whatever your heart desires. Keep them vegetarian, switch up the protein, add extra veggies, amp up the heat. The options are truly endless. Here are some of the most popular taco toppings:
- Guacamole: This classic avocado topping adds creaminess.
- Avocado crema: Blend avocados with sour cream and lime juice for a perfect dressing.
- Sour cream: A classic creamy addition; you can also use avocado crema or Greek yoghurt.
- Grilled corn: Adds colour and sweetness; charring adds extra flavour.
- Black beans: Black beans are super versatile and full of health benefits. Add them plain or cook them with some salt, pepper and cumin seeds for a flavour explosion.
- Pickled red onions: A delicious tangy addition.
- Nopales: Pickled cactus leaves for a quick topping.
- Lettuce: Thinly chopped romaine or iceberg for crunch.
- Red cabbage: Thinly chopped red cabbage adds crunch and a pop of colour.
- Cheese: Keep it authentic and add some crumbled cotija cheese. Or go for Tex Mex flavours and add some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese.
- Salsas: Make or buy your favourite salsa for a flavourful topping.
- Pico de Gallo: A colourful and fresh salsa fresca.
- Hot sauce: Spice up your tacos with your favourite hot sauce.
- Coriander (cilantro): These green leaves will cause a divide, some people love them, others hate them. Either way, they do add a lot of flavour to Mexican cooking. Sprinkle on some roughly chopped leaves for a touch of green.
Tips & Alternatives for Shredded Chicken Tacos
- Tortilla Options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and give that authentic flavour. Other options are flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
- Veggie Boost: Add other veggies like diced bell peppers or shredded lettuce or red cabbage for more crunch. Check out my list of topping ideas for more veggie inspiration.
- Heat level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Meal Prep: These tacos are perfect for meal prep. Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat just reheat the ingredients, assemble your tacos and enjoy!
Are you looking for more Mexican recipes?
If you enjoyed these Shredded Chicken Tacos, be sure to check out these other Mexican-inspired recipes:
- Mexican Shredded Chicken - This juicy pulled chicken is bursting with vibrant flavours, easy to make, a one-pot recipe and perfect for meal prep.
- Mexican Spice Blend - This versatile homemade seasoning enhances all your favourite dishes with authentic flavours.
- Guacamole - Easy and authentic creamy guacamole, the perfect dip or topping for every Mexican feast.
- Pico de Gallo - The best fresh and vibrant colourful salsa fresca.
- Mexican Shrimp Salad - All the flavours of an exciting fiesta, wrapped into a healthy salad!
