Mexican Pulled Chicken

Introduction

Few dishes deliver as much flavor and versatility as Mexican Pulled Chicken. This recipe combines succulent shredded chicken with bold Mexican spices, resulting in a dish that’s not only packed with taste but also perfect for meal prepping. Serve it in tacos, burritos, salads, or even on nachos—Mexican Pulled Chicken is sure to become a household favorite for fast, delicious weeknight dinners.

Flavorful & Fuss-Free Mexican Pulled Chicken

What makes Mexican Pulled Chicken so special is its effortless blend of smoky, spicy, and savory notes. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the spices infuse every bite with intense flavor. It’s a crowd pleaser that’s easy to prepare—simply set it and forget it, making this recipe ideal for busy families and anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine without sacrificing taste.

Secrets to Succulent & Flavorful Pulled Chicken

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender result. The chicken simmers gently in a mixture of aromatics, tomato sauce, and a lively combination of spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. After cooking, the chicken is simply shredded and tossed back into the sauce, where it soaks up every bit of flavor for a truly irresistible meal.

Versatile Ways to Enjoy Mexican Pulled Chicken

Serve your Mexican Pulled Chicken in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime, or layer it over rice for a hearty burrito bowl. It’s also excellent in enchiladas, quesadillas, or as a protein-packed salad topper. Make a big batch and enjoy effortless lunches and dinners all week long.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, with each serving averaging about 220-250 calories (not including tortillas or toppings). It’s high in protein, gluten-free, and fits seamlessly into a range of meal plans.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create a smart shopping list with all ingredients sorted by grocery section. Shop efficiently for your week—and let CookifyAI handle the organizing!

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper (plus cayenne, if using). Cook spices until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add chicken breasts or thighs to the skillet. Pour tomato sauce and chicken broth over the chicken, making sure it’s mostly covered in liquid.
5. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender (an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F).
6. Transfer chicken to a bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. Return shredded chicken to the skillet, toss with sauce, and simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir in lime juice.
8. Serve hot with your choice of toppings and tortillas, or use as a filling for burritos, bowls, nachos, salads, and more.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Mexican Pulled Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge and is perfect for multiple meals throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to seamlessly plan dinners and lunches—your shopping list will automatically consolidate all ingredients for a stress-free trip to the store.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total quantities of ingredients across all recipes for the week
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section for efficient shopping
– Prevents double buying and missing key ingredients
– Makes prepping meals and rotating leftovers simple and organized

Pro tip: Schedule all your weekly recipes together to see ingredient overlaps—Cut down on waste and stretch your grocery dollar, especially when prepping several protein-based meals like this one!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy the convenience and robust flavors of Mexican Pulled Chicken—an effortless, versatile dish that’ll make meal planning and weeknight cooking a breeze!