These shredded chicken tacos are a dream! Juicy chicken paired with a creamy chimichurri sauce makes each bite full of flavor. Plus, they are super easy to whip up!
Honestly, who can resist tacos? I love how you can pile them high with toppings! Try adding some crunchy veggies or extra chimichurri—yum!
Making these tacos is a breeze! Just cook the chicken, shred it, and mix in that delicious sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun taco night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken, but rotisserie chicken is a great option for its convenience and flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, try replacing it with shredded jackfruit or mushrooms for a similar texture.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos, but feel free to use flour tortillas for a softer bite. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn or gluten-free tortillas available in stores.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: For a lighter sauce, you can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayonnaise. This option ups the protein content while keeping it creamy.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro are key for flavor. If you’re out of cilantro, try using basil or even a bit of chives for a different flavor profile.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you want more heat, use diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper instead. Adjust it to your spice preference!
How Can I Make Sure My Tacos Don’t Fall Apart?
Assembling tacos can be tricky! To ensure they hold together well, here are some tips:
- Warm the tortillas before filling. Heat makes them more pliable and less likely to crack.
- Don’t overfill! Just a small portion of chicken, some spinach, and avocado will keep them together.
- Load the sauce on top rather than adding it inside. This prevents excess moisture from making the tortillas soggy.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly intact tacos that are easy to handle and delicious to eat!
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the chicken and the creamy chimichurri sauce, warming the tortillas, and putting everything together. It’s a quick and tasty meal perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your cooked shredded chicken with salt and pepper in a medium bowl. If you like, you can heat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until it’s warmed through. This will give it a nice flavor and texture.
2. Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together until well mixed. Taste your sauce and season with a little salt and pepper to make it just right!
3. Warm the Tortillas:
Heat up the tortillas in a hot skillet or over an open flame for just a few seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fold and adds a bit of warmth to your tacos.
4. Assemble Your Tacos:
Take a warmed tortilla and lay a generous amount of shredded chicken on it. Top it with a few spinach leaves and some slices of avocado for a fresh flavor.
5. Add the Creamy Sauce:
Drizzle the creamy chimichurri sauce generously over your chicken and vegetable fillings. Don’t be shy—this sauce adds so much delicious flavor!
6. Fold and Serve:
Fold the tortillas over the fillings to form your tacos. Serve them immediately, and if you like, add a little extra chimichurri sauce on top for a finishing touch.
Enjoy your flavorful Shredded Chicken Tacos with a rich and zesty creamy chimichurri sauce!
Can I Use Store-Bought Shredded Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought shredded chicken is a great time saver. Just make sure to check for any added seasonings or preservatives, and adjust the salt and pepper in your recipe accordingly.
How Can I Make a Lighter Version of the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce?
To lighten up the sauce, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. It offers a healthy twist while still giving you that creamy texture and flavor. You can also add a splash of water to thin it out if needed.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be used instead – about a third of the amount. For instance, use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro. Keep in mind that fresh herbs will provide a brighter flavor, so consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish!
How to Store Leftover Tacos and Sauce?
Store any leftovers separately. Keep the assembled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that the tortillas may become soggy. The chimichurri sauce can be stored in a sealed container for about a week. Just give it a good stir before using!
