Pulled Chicken Tacos

These Pulled Chicken Tacos are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or casual gathering. Tender shredded chicken is seasoned with bold spices, slow-cooked (or quickly made in an Instant Pot), and piled high in warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings. They’re versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and flavorful – Perfectly seasoned chicken with tender, pull-apart texture.
• Quick and easy – Made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or cheese.
• Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
• Great for gatherings – A fun, interactive meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pulled Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Chicken broth
• Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

For Serving:

• Small tortillas (corn or flour)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Diced onions
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese
• Lime wedges

Directions

this recipe

Slow Cooker Method

1. Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add seasoning: Mix together chicken broth, tomato paste, garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the sauce. Stir in fresh lime juice.
5. Assemble tacos: Warm tortillas, fill with pulled chicken, and top with your favorite ingredients.

Stovetop Method

1. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken, seasonings, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Shred and serve: Shred the chicken, return it to the skillet, and let it absorb the sauce for another 5 minutes before assembling tacos.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (stovetop)
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker) or 40 minutes (stovetop)

Variations

• Spicy Pulled Chicken Tacos – Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for extra heat.
• BBQ Chicken Tacos – Replace tomato paste with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
• Chipotle Chicken Tacos – Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky-spicy flavor.
• Vegan Version – Substitute chicken with jackfruit or shredded mushrooms for a plant-based option.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve the pulled chicken in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Shred the cooked chicken and simmer it with the sauce for 10-15 minutes to infuse flavor.

What’s the best type of tortilla for these tacos?

Both corn and flour tortillas work great—choose whichever you prefer.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally before shredding.

How do I make the chicken extra juicy?

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, and cook on low heat for tender, juicier meat.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, bell peppers, corn, or black beans are great additions to the taco filling.

Are pulled chicken tacos gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free tortillas and check the ingredients in the seasoning mix.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated before serving.

What toppings go well with pulled chicken tacos?

Try guacamole, sour cream, fresh salsa, shredded cheese, pickled onions, or hot sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours if using frozen chicken in a slow cooker.

What sides pair well with pulled chicken tacos?

Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or chips and guacamole.

Conclusion

These Pulled Chicken Tacos are flavorful, juicy, and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Whether you cook them in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot, the result will always be tender, flavorful chicken paired with your favorite toppings. Try this recipe today for a taco night everyone will remember!

Print