Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce bring vibrant flavors and creamy textures together in a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, they offer a fresh twist on classic tacos.

The image shows three soft tortillas on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each tortilla has multiple layers starting with thinly sliced light green avocado at the bottom, followed by fresh dark green lettuce leaves, then shredded golden-brown cooked chicken on top. A creamy white sauce with small green herb bits is drizzled over the chicken. The tortillas are soft and slightly charred with small brown spots, folded gently around the fillings, and placed close together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp. Mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellman’s)
  • 3 tbsp. plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp. minced Shallot
  • 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped Parsley
  • 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped Cilantro
  • 1 small clove Garlic (pressed or grated)
  • 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 2 tsp. Avocado Oil
  • 8 oz. Chicken Breast
  • 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked Black Pepper
  • 1 small Jalapeno (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro
  • 6 small Flour Tortillas (about 5″ in diameter)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Romaine Lettuce (or your favorite greens)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced Red Onion
  • 1/2 medium Avocado (sliced or diced)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce. Combine 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons minced shallot, 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, 1 small pressed or grated garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly, taste, and season with more salt if needed. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Season the Chicken. Mix 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. Rub this seasoning evenly over the 8-ounce chicken breast. Let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Heat 2 teaspoons avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a bowl and cover with foil. Let rest for at least 5 minutes, then shred the chicken in the bowl.
  4. Step 4: Cook the Jalapenos and Red Onions. In the same pan, add a couple of tablespoons of water and scrape the browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spatula to create a flavorful liquid. Add the sliced jalapenos and chopped red onion, cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly crispy.
  5. Step 5: Mix in the Shredded Chicken. While the jalapenos and onions cook, shred the chicken if you haven’t already. Return the shredded chicken and any juices back into the hot pan with the vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Add Cilantro. Stir in 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro with the chicken, jalapenos, and onions. Turn off the heat.
  7. Step 7: Build the Tacos. Warm the flour tortillas and layer each with shredded romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, and the shredded chicken mixture. Top with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle generously with the creamy chimichurri sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time—just warm and toss with sautéed jalapenos and onions.
  • For a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the chimichurri sauce.
  • Swap feta for cotija or queso fresco for different flavor profiles.
  • Try corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store leftover shredded chicken and chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or microwave before serving. The tortillas and fresh toppings are best prepared fresh to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A woman’s hand holds a soft white taco shell filled with three layers: the first layer is shredded light brown chicken, the second layer includes bright green leafy lettuce and slices of green jalapeño peppers, and the third layer is a creamy white sauce drizzled generously over the top with some fresh herbs mixed in. In the background, two similar tacos rest on a white tray with a spoon and a small white bowl. The setting is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy chimichurri sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more deeply, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of chicken breast?

You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, cooking thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.

Print

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

These Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce are a delicious and vibrant meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken cooked on the stovetop and paired with a tangy, herbaceous sauce. The tacos are layered with shredded romaine lettuce, avocado, and crumbled feta for a delightful texture and flavor combination perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

  • Author: Rita
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 small tacos 1x
  • Category: Lunch/Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

  • 3 tbsp. Mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellman’s)
  • 3 tbsp. plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp. minced Shallot
  • 1 heaping tbsp. finely chopped Parsley
  • 1 heaping tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro
  • 1 small clove Garlic (pressed or grated)
  • 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal)

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 tsp. Avocado Oil
  • 8 oz. Chicken Breast
  • 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal)
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked Black Pepper

Vegetables and Toppings

  • 1 small Jalapeno (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro
  • 6 small Flour Tortillas (about 5″ in diameter)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Romaine Lettuce (or favorite greens)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced Red Onion
  • 1/2 medium Avocado (sliced or diced)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of full-fat plain Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons minced shallot, 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, 1 small pressed or grated garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then set the sauce aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Rub this seasoning evenly over an 8-ounce chicken breast and let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it is nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan, place it in a bowl, cover with foil, and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Then shred the chicken using two forks.
  4. Cook the Jalapenos and Red Onions: Using the same pan, add a couple of tablespoons of water to deglaze the browned bits from the bottom by scraping with a wooden spatula. Add the thinly sliced jalapenos and chopped red onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and slightly crispy.
  5. Mix in the Shredded Chicken: While the jalapenos and onions cook, shred the chicken completely if not done yet. Transfer the shredded chicken and any juices from the resting bowl back into the pan with the jalapenos and onions.
  6. Add Cilantro: Stir in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro into the chicken mixture, then turn off the heat under the pan.
  7. Build the Tacos: Warm the flour tortillas, then layer each with shredded romaine lettuce, sliced or diced avocado, and the warm shredded chicken mixture. Top with thinly sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and drizzle generously with the creamy chimichurri sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture in the chimichurri sauce.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures juicy and tender meat when shredded.
  • Deglazing the pan with water captures flavorful browned bits for cooking the jalapenos and onions.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeno for desired spice level or omit for a milder taco.
  • Flour tortillas can be substituted with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, though texture and flavor will differ slightly.
  • Feta cheese adds a tangy contrast but can be omitted or swapped with cotija or queso fresco if preferred.

Keywords: shredded chicken tacos, chimichurri sauce, easy chicken tacos, stovetop chicken recipe, creamy sauce tacos, quick dinner, avocado tacos

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