Description
These Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos combine tender shredded chicken with melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, layered in warm tortillas and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime. Perfect for quick, customizable, and comforting dinners or gatherings, they offer a delightful blend of savory flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tsp taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder blend)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
Other Ingredients
- 8 soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Optional Garnishes & Variations
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (for spice)
- Diced red onions
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Crispy fried onions or toasted pepitas
- Chipotle powder or smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a slow cooker or on the stovetop, cook the chicken together with chopped onion and minced garlic until tender enough to shred easily with two forks, approximately 3-4 hours on low in a slow cooker or about 25-30 minutes simmering on the stove.
- Shred the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and shred thoroughly using two forks or your hands. Return the shredded chicken to the cooking juices or pan to soak up flavor.
- Add Cheese: While the chicken is still warm, mix in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until the cheese melts evenly and binds with the chicken for a creamy, gooey texture.
- Warm the Tortillas: Gently heat the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven until soft and pliable, which makes them easier to fold and fill.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous scoop of the cheesy pulled chicken onto each warm tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and your choice of additional garnishes such as diced onions, avocado slices, or sour cream for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful shredded meat.
- Cook chicken low and slow to keep it tender and moist.
- Add lime juice at the end just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Blend cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for best melt and flavor.
- Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean towel to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (stovetop) to 3-4 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking, Stovetop, Warming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: cheesy pulled chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, pulled chicken recipe, cheesy tacos, Mexican dinner, comfort food, taco night