Zesty Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Tender, juicy chicken becomes the star of these mouthwatering chimichurri chicken tacos that burst with vibrant flavors.

The homemade creamy chimichurri sauce adds a zesty punch to every delicious bite.

Shredded chicken provides the perfect protein base for these irresistible tacos.

Fresh herbs and tangy ingredients create a sauce that dances across your palate with incredible depth.

Each taco promises a symphony of textures and tastes that will transform your weeknight dinner.

The simple yet elegant recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy cooks seeking maximum flavor.

Dive into these tacos and experience a culinary journey that celebrates bold, fresh ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Load Into Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates tender, flavorful base for tacos with perfect shredding texture..
• Chili Powder: Adds warm, smoky depth with gentle heat to enhance chicken's flavor profile..
• Cumin: Earthy spice that provides authentic southwestern undertone to the dish..
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers rich, slightly smoky flavor with vibrant red color..
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent, concentrated garlic essence throughout the chicken..
• Onion Powder: Introduces subtle sweet and savory background notes..
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate overall taste..
• Chicken Broth: Infuses moisture and extra flavor during cooking process..

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous green base that creates authentic sauce foundation..
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds zesty, citrusy undertone with classic Latin American flavor profile..
• Red Wine Vinegar: Introduces tangy acidity that cuts through rich chicken..
• Garlic: Provides pungent, aromatic kick to the sauce..
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat and complexity..
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth, emulsified texture while adding rich undertone..
• Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Transforms traditional chimichurri into creamy, luxurious sauce..

• Tortillas: Soft vessel for holding delicious chicken and sauce..
• Lettuce: Adds crisp, fresh texture and light crunch..
• Tomatoes: Brings juicy, bright element to balance rich chicken.

Tools To Build Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Essential for cooking chicken to tender perfection.
• Food Processor or Blender: Perfect for creating smooth, vibrant chimichurri sauce.
• Two Forks: Ideal for shredding cooked chicken quickly and easily.
• Skillet or Microwave: Quick method for warming tortillas.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping herbs and vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: For precise chopping of herbs and tomatoes.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps blend and stir sauce ingredients.

Steps To Make Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

• Chicken Preparation

Slow cooking transforms chicken into tender, flavor-packed goodness. Season chicken with aromatic spices and let the magic happen in a slow cooker or instant pot until perfectly shreddable.

• Vibrant Chimichurri Creation

Blend fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and zesty garlic into a luscious sauce that elevates the entire dish. The secret is balancing bright green herbs with creamy undertones for an irresistible flavor explosion.

• Taco Assembly

Gather warm tortillas and transform them into delectable parcels. Layer succulent shredded chicken, drizzle with creamy chimichurri, and crown with crisp vegetables and crumbly cheese.

• Final Touch

Serve these mouthwatering tacos immediately, accompanied by zingy lime wedges to awaken every single bite. Each taco promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Flavor Tips For Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

• Chicken Taco Mastery: Pro Tips & Twists
• Perfect Shredding Technique: Let cooked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding to retain maximum moisture and prevent dry meat.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with shredded pork, beef, or black beans for vegetarian options that deliver equally delicious results.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes in chimichurri sauce to create mild, medium, or fiery hot versions based on personal heat preference.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Skip tortillas and serve chicken over cauliflower rice or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly meal that's light and satisfying.

Serving Ideas For Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

• Flavor Fiesta Plate
• Taco Bar Adventure: Set up a DIY taco station with separate bowls of toppings like chopped cilantro, extra queso fresco, diced onions, and additional chimichurri sauce, letting everyone customize their perfect taco.
• Fresh Side Companion: Pair these tacos with a zesty Mexican street corn salad or a light black bean and quinoa salad to balance the rich, creamy chicken and add extra nutrition to the meal.
• Drink Pairing Magic: Serve with an ice-cold Mexican beer, a crisp margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca to complement the bold flavors of the shredded chicken and chimichurri sauce.

Storage Tips For Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

• Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping moisture and flavor locked inside. Seal the chimichurri sauce separately to maintain its vibrant green color and fresh herb taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze the cooked chicken in portion-sized containers for quick future meals. The shredded meat stays tender and ready to reheat within 2-3 months, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and make chimichurri sauce a day in advance. Keep ingredients separate to prevent soggy tortillas and maintain crisp textures. Refrigerate components in individual sealed containers for maximum freshness.
• Reheating Magic: Warm shredded chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Microwave tortillas wrapped in damp paper towels for 15-20 seconds, ensuring they remain soft and pliable without becoming tough or dry.

Tangy Shredded Chicken Tacos With Chimichurri Sauce

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Zesty shredded chicken tacos with creamy chimichurri sauce deliver a Mexican-inspired feast of flavors. Tender meat and herbal sauce invite you to savor each mouthwatering bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup fresh parsley (packed)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (packed)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco (or shredded cheese)
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Cooking: Nestle chicken breasts in a slow cooker or instant pot, lavishly coating with a symphony of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Submerge in chicken broth, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Cooking Method: For slow cooker, program on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. In an instant pot, engage poultry setting or pressure cook on high for 10 minutes until chicken becomes fork-tender and effortlessly separates.
3. Sauce Preparation: Pulse parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes in a food processor. Gradually stream olive oil while blending, then fold in mayonnaise or Greek yogurt until achieving a luxurious, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Chicken Preparation: Meticulously shred cooked chicken, allowing it to marinate in its own flavorful juices for enhanced moisture and depth.
5. Tortilla Warming: Gently heat tortillas in a skillet or microwave to optimize their flexibility and impart subtle toasted nuances.
6. Taco Assembly: Layer shredded chicken onto warm tortillas, cascade creamy chimichurri sauce, then crown with crisp lettuce, vibrant tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco.
7. Serving: Present immediately, garnishing with lime wedges to introduce a zesty, citrusy brightness that elevates the entire dish.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, preventing dryness while maintaining juicy texture.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust chimichurri’s thickness by gradually adding olive oil and yogurt, creating a smooth, spreadable sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Customize Spice Levels: Modify heat intensity by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, adapting the recipe to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Allow shredded chicken to rest in cooking liquid for 5-10 minutes after shredding, ensuring maximum flavor infusion and moisture retention.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg