Description
This Mexican Shredded Chicken recipe features tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts infused with smoky chipotle peppers, vibrant spices, and a tangy tomato base. Perfect as a flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or salads, this dish combines rich smoky heat with a hint of sweetness and citrus brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lb / 750g skinless boneless chicken breast (~3 halves)
- 1/2 cup chipotles in adobo sauce (approximately 4 chilies plus sauce)
- 14 oz / 400g can crushed tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp onion powder (or garlic powder)
- 2 tsp sugar (any kind)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chipotles in adobo sauce, crushed tomatoes, crushed garlic, dried oregano, cumin powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly to create a rich, smoky marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the chicken, though longer marinating can enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken and sauce into a slow cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot suitable for slow cooking. Cook on low heat for approximately 4 hours (240 minutes) until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to be shredded easily.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat finely. Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed and serve warm as a filling for tacos, burritos, or with rice and beans.
Notes
- Note 1: For less heat, reduce the quantity of chipotles or use only the sauce.
- Note 2: Adjust salt to taste, especially if using canned tomatoes that may have added sodium.
- Note 3: Olive oil adds richness but can be substituted with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
