Taco lovers, meet your new favorite dish: Chicken Birria Tacos. This Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe takes the rich, savory flavors of traditional Mexican birria and adapts them for a healthier, faster option using tender chicken. Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, these tacos are packed with bold flavors—thanks to a fragrant mix of dried chiles, spices, and slow-simmered chicken. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student looking for quick meals, or a food enthusiast craving something new, these tacos will be your go-to meal for weeknights or special occasions.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Chicken Birria Tacos step by step, including tips for customization, substitutions for dietary needs, and advanced techniques to perfect the recipe. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb diet, we’ve got you covered.
So, get ready to whip up these juicy, flavor-packed tacos and impress your family or guests!
Benefits and Advantages of Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe
Why choose this Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe over other taco options? Let’s break down its numerous advantages.
1. 1. Faster Cooking Time with Chicken Birria Tacos
Traditional birria, often made with beef or goat, can take hours of slow cooking to achieve its tender, fall-apart texture. However, with chicken, you can reduce that cooking time significantly without losing any of the depth of flavor. Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe, as they cook quickly while retaining moisture and tenderness.
2. Healthier Alternative to Traditional Birria Tacos
For those watching their calorie and fat intake, using chicken instead of red meat makes these birria tacos a healthier option. Chicken is lower in fat and calories compared to beef or goat, making it an excellent source of lean protein. If you’re aiming to maintain a balanced diet, this recipe helps you enjoy all the flavor of birria tacos without the guilt.
3. Customizable and Gluten-Free Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe
Since corn tortillas are used, this Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Additionally, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your dietary needs. If you’re avoiding dairy, simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. And if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, swap the tortillas for lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
4. Meal Prep-Friendly Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe
One of the best things about this Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe is that it’s meal-prep friendly. You can cook the chicken and broth in advance, then simply assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat. The birria broth, or consommé, becomes even more flavorful when it sits for a day or two in the fridge, making these tacos ideal for batch cooking.
5. Restaurant-Quality Chicken Birria Tacos at Home
Birria tacos have taken the food world by storm, with many restaurants offering their own versions. But why go out when you can make this restaurant-quality meal at home? This Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe lets you bring that rich, delicious experience into your own kitchen at a fraction of the cost.
Ingredients Overview for the Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Chicken Birria Tacos:
- 1 kg chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): The star of the dish. Chicken thighs are juicy and tender when cooked slowly in the birria broth.
- 6 dried guajillo chiles: These mild chiles give the birria sauce its signature smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
- 2 dried ancho chiles: For deeper, richer notes. These chiles are mildly spicy and provide a robust base for the sauce.
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Adds a smoky, spicy element to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic: Essential for flavoring the broth and sauce.
- 1 large tomato: Provides natural sweetness and acidity to balance the spice.
- 1 medium onion (divided): Half goes into the broth, and the other half is used for garnishing.
- 2 bay leaves: Adds a subtle herbal flavor.
- 1 cinnamon stick: A unique addition that brings warmth and complexity to the broth.
- 1 tsp cumin: A classic Mexican spice that gives the dish a deep, earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Enhances the sauce with a slightly floral and aromatic touch.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The base of the birria broth.
- 12 corn tortillas: The vessel for the tacos, usually fried to a crispy perfection.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional): Cheese is typically added for quesabirria-style tacos, which melts into the chicken filling.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness to the tacos.
- Chopped onions: For garnish.
- Lime wedges: A must for adding acidity to balance the richness.
Dietary Substitutions for Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe
1. Gluten-Free
Since the recipe calls for corn tortillas, it’s already gluten-free. However, always check the packaging to make sure they haven’t been cross-contaminated during production. If you’re particularly sensitive to gluten, consider making your own tortillas or using a certified gluten-free brand.
2. Dairy-Free
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply skip the cheese. You can also opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives made from almond or coconut, which melt similarly to traditional cheese.
3. Low-Carb
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, substitute the corn tortillas with lettuce wraps, low-carb tortillas, or serve the chicken birria over cauliflower rice or a salad for a taco bowl experience.
4. Vegetarian/Vegan
For a plant-based twist on this recipe, swap the chicken with jackfruit or portobello mushrooms. Jackfruit shreds similarly to chicken when cooked and will soak up all the delicious flavors of the birria sauce. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Preparing Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s dive into the process of making these delectable Chicken Birria Tacos step by step. Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect birria tacos every time.
1: Toast and Soak the Chiles
- Toast the Chiles: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the guajillo and ancho chiles for about 2 minutes, flipping occasionally until fragrant. Exercise caution to avoid burning them, since this may result in bitterness.
- Soak the Chiles: Extract the chilies from the pan and transfer them to a bowl. Cover them with hot water and let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
2: Prepare the Birria Sauce
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, tomato, cumin, oregano, cinnamon stick, and about 1 cup of the water used to soak the chiles. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the Sauce: Strain the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large pieces of chile skin or seeds. This will give you a smoother birria sauce.
3: Cook the Chicken
- Sear the Chicken: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pot until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the strained birria sauce into the same pot and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Broth and Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaves and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
4: Shred the Chicken
- Shred the Chicken: After the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the saucepan and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix it with the remaining birria sauce.
5: Prepare the Tacos
- Heat the Tortillas: In a skillet, heat the corn tortillas until warm and pliable. For extra flavor, dip each tortilla briefly into the birria broth before frying it in the skillet.
- Assemble the Tacos: Distribute a substantial amount of shredded chicken onto each tortilla.Add cheese if desired, and fold the tortillas in half.
- Crisp the Tacos: Fry the folded tacos in the skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese (if used) has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6: Serve with Garnishes
- Serve with Consommé: Ladle the leftover birria broth into small bowls for dipping.
- Add Garnishes: Top each taco with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Mastering Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
Want to take your Chicken Birria Tacos to the next level? Furthermore, here are some sophisticated strategies and alternatives to consider.
1. Spice It Up
For those who like their tacos with a bit more heat, add a couple of arbol chiles to the birria sauce. You can also include a fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper in the blending step for an extra kick.
2. Cheesy Quesabirria Tacos
If you love cheesy tacos, turn these into quesabirria tacos by adding a thick layer of cheese inside each taco before frying. The cheese will melt and create an irresistibly gooey filling alongside the tender chicken.
3. Smoky Variation
For an added layer of complexity, grill the onions, garlic, and tomatoes before blending them into the sauce. This will impart a smoky flavor that complements the dried chiles beautifully.
4. Birria Tacos with Beef
Although this recipe focuses on chicken, you can use beef chuck or short ribs as a substitute. If using beef, extend the simmering time to 2-3 hours until the meat is tender enough to shred.
How to Store Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe: Best Practices
Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, here are the best ways to store your Chicken Birria Tacos.
Refrigeration
- Separate Storage: Store the shredded chicken and birria broth separately in airtight containers. Additionally, this will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. Both can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a pan over medium heat until well heated. Warm the birria broth in a saucepan and use it to dip the tacos or pour over the chicken.
Freezing
- Freezing the Chicken: The chicken birria can be frozen for up to 3 months. Additionally, make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
- Freezing the Broth: Freeze the birria broth in small, portioned containers so you can reheat just what you need without thawing the entire batch.
Reheating Frozen Birria
- Thawing: Finally, defrost the chicken and broth in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken on the stovetop and heat the broth separately. Additionally, if the tortillas have already been assembled into tacos, reheat them in the oven or skillet to maintain their crisp texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe
Furthermore, here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits you can expect from this Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe.
Calories
A serving of two chicken birria tacos provides roughly 300-400 calories, depending on whether you include cheese or fry the tortillas in extra oil. It’s a relatively balanced meal, offering a mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
Protein
With chicken as the main ingredient, these tacos are packed with protein—approximately 20-25 grams per serving. Therefore, this makes them an excellent post-workout meal or a satisfying option for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
Fat
The fat content will depend largely on whether you use skinless chicken thighs, the amount of cheese, and how much oil is used for frying the tortillas. You can adjust this by using less oil or opting for baked tortillas instead of fried.
Carbohydrates
Each corn tortilla contains around 12-15 grams of carbohydrates. Therefore, for those adhering to a low-carbohydrate diet, try using lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas to reduce the carb count.
Fiber and Micronutrients
Corn tortillas offer some fiber, and the dish is also a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamins from the chicken, spices, and garnishes like cilantro and onions.
FAQs: Optimizing Your Experience with Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After frying the chicken, add it and the birria sauce to a slow cooker. After that, cook for 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. The result will be tender, flavorful chicken ready for shredding.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas and check that your broth is gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check the labels on store-bought products to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
3. How do I adjust the spice level?
To make the dish milder, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit them altogether. For more heat, add an extra chipotle pepper or include a fresh chili pepper like serrano in the sauce.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, both the chicken birria and the broth freeze well. Store them in separate freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.