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chicken birria tacos

Chicken Birria Tacos

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These chicken birria tacos are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with bold Mexican flavors. Made with tender shredded chicken, rich birria consomé, and melted cheese, this easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful homemade taco night.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) (For the Chicken Birria)
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles (stems & seeds removed)
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • salt to taste
  • 8 10 10 corn tortillas (For the Tacos)
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 to 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
  • lime wedges (for serving)

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Soak dried guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for 10 minutes.
    Add softened chiles, garlic, cumin, oregano, pepper, paprika, chipotle in adobo, vinegar, and broth into a blender.
    Blend until smooth. Strain if needed for a smoother sauce.
  2. Pour the sauce into a large pot or Dutch oven.
    Add chicken thighs, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.
    Simmer on medium-low heat for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
  3. Remove chicken and shred using forks.
    Return shredded chicken to the pot and let it soak in the rich birria broth (consomé).
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
    Dip each tortilla lightly into the birria broth.
    Place on skillet, add cheese and shredded chicken.
    Fold the tortilla in half.
  5. Cook tacos for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
    Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  6. Serve hot with a side of birria consomé for dipping.
    Top with diced onion, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 780mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for the best juicy texture
  • Don’t over-soak tortillas, it prevents crispiness
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or less chipotle

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