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Mexican Pulled Chicken

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Mexican Pulled Chicken for Tacos and More

This Mexican Pulled Chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with vibrant flavors, perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice dishes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Simmering Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust based on spice tolerance
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional for extra heat
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice Fresh
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drizzle in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm for about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion into the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir in lime juice and tomato sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  6. Submerge the chicken breasts in the sauce, cover, and let cook for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the skillet and toss in the sauce until well-coated.
  8. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes over low heat before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 45gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For juicier meat, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.

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