Category: Lunch & Dinner
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: ~2 hrs 20 mins
Yields: 12–15 tacos
🧡 Why You’ll Love These Chicken Birria Tacos
Imagine biting into a crispy corn tortilla, filled with tender, juicy chicken simmered in a smoky, rich birria marinade—and then dipping it in warm, flavorful consomé. These Chicken Birria Tacos are more than just a dish—they’re an experience.
Whether you’re making them for taco night, a weekend treat, or a family gathering, they always steal the show!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Birria Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3–4 dried guajillo chiles
- 2–3 dried ancho chiles
- 1 medium onion (roughly chopped)
- 5–6 garlic cloves
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 12–15 corn tortillas
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Jalapeños or serrano peppers (optional for heat)
🔥 How to Make Chicken Birria Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
Remove stems and seeds from dried guajillo and ancho chiles. Lightly toast them in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let them burn!
Step 2: Blend the Marinade
In a blender, combine toasted chiles, onion, garlic, chicken broth, vinegar, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a bowl or ziplock bag, pour the marinade over them, and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight preferred for deeper flavor).
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer marinated chicken (with marinade) to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 2 hours until tender.
Shred the chicken with forks and save the cooking juices—this is your consomé for dipping!
Step 5: Assemble & Crisp the Tacos
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla on it, sprinkle mozzarella on one half, add shredded chicken, and fold. Cook 2–3 mins each side until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with cilantro, diced onion, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with a small bowl of the warm consomé on the side. Dip. Bite. Repeat.
✅ Tips for the Best Tacos
- Shortcut: Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
- Add-ons: Avocado slices, pickled onions, or hot sauce take it to the next level.
- Leftovers: Use extra chicken in quesadillas, nachos, or burrito bowls.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate and cook a day ahead, then reheat and assemble tacos fresh.
🥗 Are Chicken Birria Tacos Healthy?
Yes—with balance! Chicken is a great source of protein, and you’re using real spices for flavor.
Here’s how to keep it lighter:
- Use low-sodium broth
- Choose leaner chicken (can sub some breast meat)
- Control cheese portion
- Serve with a side salad or grilled veggies
Everything in moderation means you can enjoy flavor and stay mindful of nutrition.Z
🌟 Final Thoughts
Chicken Birria Tacos are the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and fun. From the aroma of toasted chiles to the crispy golden tortillas, each bite is a burst of tradition and taste.
Make them once—and they’ll become a favorite at every gathering. Try it, tweak it, and make it yours.
