Stovetop Shredded Chicken Taco Filling

I almost always make my shredded chicken for tacos in the slow cooker but this past weekend I was doing some meal prep on Sunday night and suddenly decided I really wanted shredded chicken instead of the grilled chicken I had planned on. Since it was already late and I didn't have time for the slow cooker, I made this simple stovetop version instead.

The key to keeping the chicken nice and tender is to start the chicken in cold water or broth instead of adding it to already boiled water. Then once it is boiled, just let it simmer covered for 8-10 minutes and you have perfectly moist chicken.

You can add any spices you like to the broth to kick up the flavor. I like a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Homemade taco seasoning would also work great.

Then use the delicious shredded chicken for tacos, taco bowls, burrito bowls, salads, or quesadillas.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes that you will start making all the time, here's why:

• It's versatile. Use it for tacos, burritos, bowls, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and more. 
• It's healthy. This dish is made with chicken breast, chicken broth, and spices. It is packed with protein, lean, and 
• It's adaptable. Use the same method to make this with chicken thighs, lean pork, or bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• It's affordable. It's much cheaper to make your own taco chicken than to buy packaged or restaurant versions. Buy the chicken breast in bulk or when it's on sale for even more savings.
• It's flavorful. Poaching the chicken in broth and spices adds a ton of flavor. 

Key Ingredients and Pantry Swaps

Here is everything you need to make this tasty shredded chicken, plus some easy swaps to use whatever you have on hand.

• Chicken: This recipe works with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken legs. Bone-in and boneless will work, although boneless skinless is the easiest option. Just plan on poaching the chicken longer if you are cooking with bone-in chicken. Then remove the skin and bone when shredding.
• Chicken broth: To add more flavor to the chicken, it is poached in broth.  You can also use water or vegetable broth. When using water, add some quartered onion and garlic to the water for more flavor. 
• Spices: This uses a quick spice blend of chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You could swap in taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, or another southwest seasoning blend.

What to Make with Shredded Taco Chicken

Although this recipe is intended for tacos, it works for all kinds of Mexican dishes, salads, bowls, and more. Here are some ideas:

• Tacos: Serve this tasty shredded chicken in warmed corn tortillas or baked crispy taco shells with lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and shredded cheese. Serve some refried beans or Mexican cauliflower rice on the side.
• Burritos: Grab some cooked rice, black beans, and this chicken in large flour tortillas to make a delicious burrito. Jazz things up with Pico de Gallo, avocado, and cheese.
• Bowls: Burrito bowls more your style? Make some quick weeknight bowls with corn salsa, lettuce, shredded cheese, avocado, and canned beans.
• Taco salad: Grab a big bowl of greens, crispy vegetables, and this chicken. Serve it with this delicious jalapeno ranch and some baked tortilla chips for crunch.
• Quesadillas: Make some tasty lunch quesadillas with black beans, cheese, and sauteed vegetables. Or add shredded chicken to these easy Breakfast Quesadillas.

Easy Recipe Ideas and Customizations

Love switching things up in a recipe? Here are some ideas:

• Add more veggies: Once the chicken is shredded, consider adding in a can of drained diced tomatoes or your favorite chunky salsa. You could also saute any veggies you like and add it to the shredded chicken.
• Spice it up: Cook the chicken in a combination of chicken broth and salsa verde for a spicier option. You could also add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Add beans: Make a heartier taco filling by adding a can of black beans or pinto beans to the shredded chicken. Canned corn would be delicious as well, especially if you also add your favorite red salsa.
• Add aromatics: Add flavor to the poaching liquid with chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Bay leaves, cilantro, or parsley can be added as well.

How to Store Leftovers

The leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.

This chicken also freezes well. Let fully cool and then store for up to 3 months in the freezer. Let defrost overnight in the fridge to use.