(Image: A mouthwatering photo of birria chicken tacos, dripping with cheese and broth, garnished with cilantro and lime.)
Birria tacos. Just the name conjures images of rich, flavorful stewed meat nestled in a crispy, cheese-laden tortilla, begging to be dipped into a savory, comforting broth. They’re the food trend that refuses to fade, and for a very good reason: these tacos are ridiculously delicious! But let’s be honest, traditional birria, typically made with beef or goat, can be a bit of a project. It requires patience, specific cuts of meat, and hours of simmering to achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
What if I told you that you could have that same authentic birria flavor, that same soul-satisfying experience, in a fraction of the time, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen? Enter: Birria Chicken Tacos! This recipe gives you all the craveable taste of classic birria, without the lengthy cooking process or the need to hunt down specialty meats. We are talking delicious, easy to make, birria chicken tacos recipe easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
This easy birria chicken tacos recipe delivers authentic flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably flavorful and surprisingly simple dish.
Why Chicken Birria Tacos Are a Game-Changer
Let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t have the time or the inclination to spend all day tending to a stew. That’s where the beauty of chicken birria tacos really shines. It’s a total game changer!
One of the biggest advantages of using chicken is accessibility. While finding specific cuts of beef or goat for traditional birria can sometimes be a challenge, chicken is readily available at almost any grocery store. It’s a staple in most households, making it a convenient and familiar ingredient. You don’t need to make a special trip to a butcher shop or specialty market.
Then there’s the speed factor. Beef and goat require long simmering times to break down the tough connective tissues and develop that characteristic tender texture. Chicken, on the other hand, cooks much faster. We are talking about significantly reduced cooking time. This means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
While this recipe prioritizes flavor and convenience, chicken also offers a potentially leaner protein option. This isn’t the main focus of this indulgent dish, but it’s a nice bonus for those who are mindful of their calorie intake. This dish is all about flavor, but having a healthier protein source adds to the appeal.
The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy the convenience of chicken birria tacos. The key is in the spice blend. By using a combination of dried chiles, aromatic vegetables, and warming spices, you can create a deeply flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. This recipe ensures that you get that authentic birria taste, even with the chicken substitution.
(Image: A close-up shot of shredded birria chicken, showing the rich color and texture of the meat.)
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Birria Chicken Tacos
Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create these amazing birria chicken tacos. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
First, let’s talk about the chicken. For the best results, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which means they’ll stay moist and flavorful during cooking. About two pounds of chicken thighs should be perfect for this recipe.
The heart of birria lies in its sauce, and the key to that sauce is the chile component. You can either use dried chiles to make your own chile paste, or you can take a shortcut and use a store-bought chile paste. For making the sauce from scratch, I suggest using a combination of guajillo chiles and ancho chiles. These chiles have a fruity, slightly sweet flavor with a mild to medium heat. If you prefer a spicier birria, you can add a few arbol chiles for an extra kick. If you’re opting for the store-bought route, look for a high-quality chile paste that contains a blend of dried chiles. Be sure to check the ingredients list to avoid any unwanted additives or preservatives.
Of course, we can’t forget the aromatic vegetables that form the base of our birria sauce. You’ll need one medium yellow onion, roughly chopped; several cloves of garlic, minced; and a can of diced tomatoes (or about two cups of fresh tomatoes, chopped). A couple of bay leaves will also add a subtle depth of flavor.
Next up are the spices. We’re going to use a blend of cumin, oregano, chili powder (if you’re not using a chile paste), cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper. These spices will create a warm, complex flavor profile that’s characteristic of birria. The amount of each spice can be adjusted to your personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
To help the chicken cook and develop its flavor, we’ll need some broth. Chicken broth is the most obvious choice, but you can also use beef broth for a richer, more intense flavor. About four cups of broth should be enough to cover the chicken.
Finally, we need the tacos themselves! Corn tortillas are a must for authentic birria tacos. Look for high-quality corn tortillas that are pliable and don’t crack easily. You’ll also want some toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced white onion, and lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos. Consider adding some shredded Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or mozzarella cheese.
(Image: A collage of all the ingredients needed for the recipe, laid out on a table.)
Making Birria Chicken Tacos: The Easy Recipe
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these easy birria chicken tacos:
First, let’s prepare the chicken. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until lightly browned. This step helps to develop flavor, but it’s not essential, so don’t worry if you don’t have time. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Next, we will make the birria sauce. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about five minutes. Stir in the chile paste or the rehydrated chiles (if using) and cook for another minute. Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, chili powder (if using), cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
Now, add the broth to the pot and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot and make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for thirty to forty minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside.
Its time to prepare the tacos. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Dip each tortilla into the birria broth, making sure to coat both sides. Place the dipped tortilla on the hot griddle and fill it with shredded chicken and cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco.
Cook the tacos for two to three minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, chicken, and cheese.
Finally, serve the birria chicken tacos immediately. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced white onion, and lime wedges. And don’t forget the extra birria broth for dipping! That’s the best part.
(Image: Step-by-step photos of making the tacos, including dipping the tortilla, filling with chicken and cheese, and cooking on the griddle.)
Tips for Perfect Birria Chicken Tacos
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve birria taco perfection:
Dipping the tortillas in the broth is absolutely crucial for both flavor and texture. It infuses the tortillas with the rich, savory taste of the birria, and it also helps them to crisp up nicely on the griddle. Don’t skip this step!
Use good quality corn tortillas. Thin, flimsy tortillas will fall apart easily, so look for tortillas that are sturdy and pliable.
I recommend using Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or mozzarella cheese. Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, but these are generally considered the best choices for melting and flavor.
Adjusting the spice level is easy to do. If you prefer a milder birria, use less chile paste or remove the seeds from the dried chiles. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the heat.
The birria chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated. This makes it even more convenient for weeknight dinners. Simply store the shredded chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator, and reheat them before making the tacos.
Store any leftover birria chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations & Additions
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
For extra spicy birria, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
If you want to use jackfruit or mushrooms, you can easily use these as a vegetarian option.
Try Birria Ramen! Serve the birria broth with ramen noodles and shredded chicken for a fusion dish.
Try Birria Quesadillas with the chicken in quesadillas.
Even try Birria Pizza! Spread the birria chicken as a pizza topping.
Serving Suggestions
Birria chicken tacos are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with complementary sides. Consider serving them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.
Mexican beer, agua fresca, or margaritas all pair well with birria tacos.
Conclusion
This easy birria chicken tacos recipe truly is a winner. It’s quick, convenient, and packed with authentic flavor. With minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. The birria chicken tacos recipe easy is a guarantee way to have a memorable dinner.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag me in your birria chicken taco creations on social media! I am excited to see your take on this dish.
Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport you to birria heaven! Enjoy!
