Mexican Pulled (Shredded) Chicken
User Reviews
5
Mexican Pulled (Shredded) Chicken
Description
This Mexican Pulled (Shredded) Chicken features boneless chicken thighs coated in a spice blend including smoked paprika, ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder, and lime zest and juice. The marinade infuses the meat with a smoky and tangy flavor profile. After marinating, the chicken is seared in a skillet to create a browned, crispy exterior on one side before finishing the cooking process.
The searing step provides caramelization that enhances texture and taste, while the careful balance of spices and citrus keeps the chicken aromatic and juicy. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded for use in various dishes, offering tender, seasoned meat that works well in Mexican-inspired meals like tacos or grain bowls.
The recipe includes adaptations for different skillet types and chicken cuts, and storage guidance for maintaining quality when refrigerated or frozen. It highlights versatility with optional lime and cilantro as fresh garnishes which add brightness to the rich flavors of the pulled chicken.
Proper cooking ensures the chicken remains moist, and using skinless thighs offers a combination of tenderness and flavor without excessive fat.
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lb. chicken thighs see notes for breasts, boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for skillet, if needed
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- lime juice and zest of one
- lime for serving, optional, wedges and fresh
- cilantro for serving, optional, wedges and fresh
Instructions
- Mix the olive oil (2 tablespoons), smoked paprika (1 tablespoon), ground coriander (1 teaspoon), ground cumin (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), kosher salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), and lime juice and zest (from one lime) in a small bowl or glass measuring cup.
- Place the chicken thighs in a container, bowl, or large plastic bag. Pour the marinade on top (it will be thick) and or stir to coat each piece of chicken evenly (if in a bag, just smoosh it around until everything is evenly coated). Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or as long as 24 hours.
- Heat a large (12-inch) non-stick skillet over medium high heat (see notes for other skillets). Add marinated chicken; sear without moving on one side for 5-7 minutes (check that it's not burning after 2-3 minutes- you may want to turn the heat down to medium if you have very hot burners or flip it earlier if it's cooking fast).
- Once the seared side is browned and looking crispy, flip to other side and sear, until chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees F or meat is no longer pink (another 5-10 minutes, depending on thickness and size of chicken. Turn the heat down to medium or medium-low if both sides are seared but inside is not yet cooked the whole way). If you have a lid to your skillet, you can cover it to speed up the cooking time a bit.
- Remove chicken from skillet to a cutting board. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks. Optional: for an extra punch of flavor, you can return the shredded chicken to the skillet to coat in the cooking juices.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired. Use in enchiladas, on tacos or burritos, in bowls, or on its own as a main course.
Notes
- For chicken breasts, cut into smaller pieces and cover during cooking to retain moisture and prevent drying.
- Add extra olive oil when using cast iron or stainless steel pans to avoid sticking during searing.
- Lemon juice can be substituted for lime, and fresh minced garlic may replace garlic powder if preferred.
- Store shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked shredded chicken in a sealed bag or container for up to 4 months; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 184 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 184kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 490mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 316mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 602IU | 12% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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