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Mexican Pulled Chicken

Spicy Mexican Pulled Chicken for Tacos You'll Love

This Mexican Pulled Chicken recipe bursts with bold flavors and is perfect for tacos or burritos.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 3 pounds Chicken Breasts Substitute with skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Opt for low-sodium to control saltiness.
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for sautéing onions.
  • 1 Onion Choose yellow or red for a milder taste.
  • 3 Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is more potent than pre-minced.
For the Spices
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin Crucial for authentic Mexican flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Switch to regular paprika if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Dried oregano is easier to use.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon A little goes a long way.
  • 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper Reduce for a milder dish.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Consider low-sugar varieties if preferred.
  • 1 Lime Juice Fresh juice is always best.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add one chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon each of ground cumin and chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of smoked paprika and oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan.
  6. Stir in the juice of 1 lime and 1 cup of tomato sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Add 3 pounds of chicken breasts, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  8. Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return it to the skillet.
  9. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
  10. Serve warm in tacos, burritos, or over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider marinating chicken for deeper flavor. Check internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

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