Description
Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos combine tender shredded chicken with melty cheddar cheese, wrapped in soft tortillas and seasoned with a bold blend of spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos deliver comfort food vibes with vibrant, savory flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Customize with your favorite toppings for a family-friendly, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 lime wedges
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse it with bold, savory flavors.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant to build a rich flavor base.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Add the seasoned shredded chicken to the skillet and cook briefly, stirring to warm through and to let the spices fully infuse. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted and gooey.
- Warm and Assemble Tacos: Heat tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable. Spoon the cheesy pulled chicken mixture evenly onto each tortilla, then sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the top for brightness.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Add optional toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices to each taco. Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and warm.
Notes
- Use warm tortillas to keep them soft and prevent cracking.
- Freshly shred cheese for better melt and texture compared to pre-shredded.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin to control spice level according to your preference.
- Shred chicken while still warm for easier pulling and better texture.
- Add fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten all the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 tacos
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg