Shredded Chicken Chimichurri Tacos

Shredded chicken tacos with creamy chimichurri sauce are my answer when I want something comforting but still fresh and bright. These tacos pack in juicy chicken, a punchy drizzle, creamy and crisp toppings, and all the color you could want on a weeknight. The sauce makes everything irresistible and brings gourmet flair to a simple meal.

I first made this after finding leftover herbs and some chicken breasts in my fridge I whipped it up for a movie night taco bar and my friends now request it every time they come over

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: gives the sauce rich creaminess choose a high quality brand for best flavor
• Full-fat plain Greek yogurt: adds tang and body to the chimichurri look for thick and creamy yogurt
• Minced shallot: brings subtle bite and depth use a fresh shallot not onion for a mild crunch
• Fresh parsley and cilantro: add freshness and color pick bright leafy bunches without wilt
• Small clove garlic: for gentle heat finely grate for best flavor
• Extra virgin olive oil: makes the sauce smooth and rounds out flavors use a peppery high quality oil if possible
• Red wine vinegar: sharpens and balances the sauce try to find one with bright color and aroma
• Kosher salt: enhances and connects the sauce flavors choose a flake like Diamond Crystal
• Avocado oil: for cooking is light and neutral use it for juicy and flavorful chicken
• Chicken breast: is mild and shreds beautifully look for organic or air chilled if possible
• Garlic powder black pepper and kosher salt: for boosting the chicken seasoning go for freshly ground black pepper
• Jalapeno and red onion: for aromatic punch use glossy jalapenos and a deeply colored onion
• Flour tortillas: bring softness and subtle flavor choose small five inch rounds and warm them for best texture
• Romaine lettuce: for crunch and freshness wash and dry well before shredding
• Avocado slices: give creamy richness pick a just ripe one for buttery mouthfeel
• Feta cheese: for tang and saltiness try a block packed in brine and crumble it yourself

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:

In a small bowl whisk the Greek yogurt mayonnaise minced shallot parsley cilantro olive oil red wine vinegar garlic and kosher salt until fully blended Taste and adjust salt if needed Set aside

Season the Chicken:

Mix garlic powder kosher salt and black pepper in a bowl Pat the chicken breast dry and rub the seasoning all over Let it sit for about ten minutes at room temperature This allows the flavors to penetrate

Cook the Chicken:

Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and cook for about four to five minutes on each side until a golden crust forms and the inside reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit Transfer the chicken to a clean bowl and cover with foil to rest for at least five minutes Resting keeps the juices inside

Shred the Chicken:

After resting shred the chicken in its bowl using two forks Pull the chicken into fine strands to get the right texture for tacos

Sauté the Jalapenos and Red Onions:

Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in a couple tablespoons of water Using a wooden spoon scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan These bits carry rich chicken flavor Add sliced jalapenos and chopped red onion Cook for three to four minutes stirring occasionally until softened and just crisp at the edges

Mix in the Shredded Chicken:

Transfer the shredded chicken and any juices back into the skillet Combine with the cooked jalapenos and onions Stir well so every strand picks up flavor and turn off the heat

Add Fresh Cilantro:

Mix in the chopped cilantro while the chicken is still hot The herb will wilt slightly giving a bright lift

Assemble the Tacos:

Warm the flour tortillas either in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven Layer each one with shredded romaine chicken mixture sliced avocado thin red onion and crumbled feta cheese Drizzle generously with the creamy chimichurri sauce Serve while warm and enjoy every messy bite

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Feta cheese is always my secret weapon in these tacos Salty tangy and crumbly it pulls everything together I remember my niece was a feta skeptic until she tried these and now she insists on extra feta every time we make them

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers Refrigerate for up to three days Warm the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling tacos If the sauce thickens in the fridge loosen it with a tiny splash of water or olive oil

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breast with boneless thighs for extra juiciness If you need to avoid dairy use coconut yogurt and vegan mayo in the sauce Cotija or queso fresco work instead of feta and you can use corn tortillas for a gluten free version

Serving Suggestions

Serve with lime wedges and extra herbs on the side For a heartier spread add black beans or grilled corn on the cob I love to lay everything out family style and let everyone build their own

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Cultural Historical Context

While these tacos have roots in classic American weeknight cooking their flavors draw from Argentinian chimichurri and Mediterranean toppings It is a fun fresh mix that brightens up the regular taco night

Recipe FAQs

→ What protein is used for these tacos?

They use shredded chicken breast, seasoned and cooked until juicy and tender before shredding and mixing with veggies and herbs.

→ How is the creamy chimichurri sauce made?

The sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, full-fat Greek yogurt, fresh parsley, cilantro, shallot, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar, whisked until smooth.

→ What toppings are best with these tacos?

Toppings include crisp romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of the creamy chimichurri sauce for extra flavor.

→ Can the chicken be made ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken can be cooked and shredded in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling the tacos.

→ Are flour tortillas required or can I use something else?

Flour tortillas are recommended for softness, but corn tortillas can also be used for a slightly different texture and flavor.

→ Is the chimichurri sauce spicy?

The sauce itself is mild, but the tacos get a gentle heat from sautéed jalapeños. Adjust amounts to your taste.