Description
Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce are a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Tender, shredded chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked until juicy and full of flavor. The tacos are then topped with a creamy chimichurri sauce, made with fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of cream, adding a zesty and herbaceous kick. Wrapped in soft tortillas, these tacos offer a perfect balance of smoky, savory chicken and the tangy, herb-packed creaminess of the chimichurri sauce, making them a deliciously unique and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the shredded chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
For the creamy chimichurri sauce:
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (halal-certified)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For assembling the tacos:
- 8 small soft corn tortillas
- Fresh toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken: Chicken breasts are lean and cook up tender, making them perfect for shredding and absorbing the flavors of the seasonings.
- Chimichurri Sauce: Chimichurri is an Argentine sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It has a tangy and herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats. The creamy version in this recipe adds a smooth, rich texture.
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt gives the creamy chimichurri sauce a smooth and tangy texture, without making it too heavy. It’s a great substitute for sour cream, offering a healthy twist.
- Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas are the perfect vehicle for all the delicious fillings and toppings. They have a light and slightly earthy flavor that complements the chicken and chimichurri sauce.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
Cook the Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to ensure an even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned. Then, pour the chicken broth (or water) into the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan. Let the chicken simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
- Chop the Herbs and Veggies: While the chicken is cooking, chop the parsley, cilantro, red onion, and garlic for the chimichurri sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, garlic, red onion, oregano, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Add the red wine vinegar and olive oil, and stir to combine.
- Make it Creamy: Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The creamy chimichurri sauce should have a balance of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the soft corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until warm and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Tacos: To assemble, place a few spoonfuls of shredded chicken on each tortilla. Drizzle with the creamy chimichurri sauce. Add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while warm with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g