Chicken Birria Tacos: A Flavorful Celebration of Tradition 🌮🍗🔥
1. Introduction to the Ultimate Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe

Welcome to the savory world of Chicken Birria Tacos, where traditional flavors meet modern culinary artistry! This authentic chicken birria tacos recipe brings together tender, marinated chicken and vibrant spices, creating mouthwatering tacos that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a family dinner, planning a special celebration, or simply craving a satisfying and flavorful meal, these tacos are sure to impress. Elevate your dining experience by enjoying them with a side of rich consomé for dipping, and relish in the complex and comforting flavors that define this classic dish! If you’re looking for something to spice up your meal even further, check out this zesty chili lime treat!
2. Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Birria Tacos
To create these delectable chicken birria tacos, you’ll need the following high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the authentic taste and texture that makes this chicken birria tacos recipe truly exceptional. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations, but this is the perfect place to start.
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless preferred)
- 4 dried guajillo peppers
- 2 dried ancho peppers
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium is recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Diced white onion for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rich and Flavorful Marinade

Begin by rehydrating the dried guajillo and ancho peppers. Place them in a bowl and cover with hot water for about 10-15 minutes until they are softened. Once softened, remove the stems and seeds from the peppers. In a blender, combine the rehydrated peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth, adding a bit of the chicken broth if necessary to achieve a smooth, saucy consistency. This vibrant marinade is what gives our chicken birria tacos recipe its signature taste. If you’re a pizza lover, maybe you should check out this recipes.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until they are nicely golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Searing adds a crucial depth of flavor to your chicken birria tacos recipe, creating a delicious crust that enhances the overall taste. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; sear in batches if necessary.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Birria Sauce

Pour the blended marinade over the seared chicken, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are well-coated. Then, add the remaining chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot tightly and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is incredibly fork-tender. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, ensuring it soaks up all those delicious, savory flavors! For a great dinner, check out this section!
Step 4: Assemble Your Chicken Birria Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat until they are pliable and slightly charred. Dip each tortilla in the birria sauce before adding the chicken to infuse them with even more flavor. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the shredded chicken birria, then top with fresh, chopped cilantro and diced white onion. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for that essential burst of acidity!
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4. Storage Tips for Your Chicken Birria Tacos Leftovers
Leftover chicken birria can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken birria in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the chicken birria overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble fresh tacos just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. Don’t hesitate to try a different recipe, like this giant dinosaur beef ribs feast!
5. Serving Suggestions for Chicken Birria Tacos
These incredibly flavorful chicken birria tacos are best enjoyed warm, served immediately after assembly. Pair them with a side of the rich and savory consomé (the broth from cooking the birria) for dipping – this is a must! You can also serve them with refried beans, Mexican rice, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to garnish with additional fresh cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and maybe even a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for an extra layer of richness.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Birria Tacos
1. Can I use different cuts of chicken for this chicken birria tacos recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are recommended for their higher fat content and tenderness, you can also use chicken breast or a combination of different chicken parts according to your preference. Keep in mind that chicken breast may require slightly less cooking time to prevent it from drying out. For more recipes you can take alook at this recipes.
2. How spicy is this chicken birria tacos recipe?
The heat level of this chicken birria tacos recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. Guajillo peppers are typically mild, while ancho peppers add a subtle sweetness with minimal heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a dried árbol pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the spices accordingly.
3. Can I make this chicken birria tacos recipe in advance?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, the flavors of the chicken birria deepen and become even more delicious when allowed to sit. You can prepare the chicken birria a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken birria and assemble the tacos.
4. What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken birria tacos?
Consider serving your chicken birria tacos with the traditional consomé (the broth from cooking the birria) for dipping. Other great side dishes include pickled red onions, a crunchy cabbage slaw, Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple avocado salad for a cool and refreshing contrast.
7. Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Birria Tacos!
In conclusion, this authentic chicken birria tacos recipe offers a truly rich and rewarding culinary experience, deeply rooted in tradition and bursting with incredible flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or even a simple weeknight dinner, these tacos are a delightful celebration of textures and tastes that are guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and enjoy the authentic flavors of homemade chicken birria tacos today! If spices are your favorites, check out this section!
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Chicken Birria Tacos
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chicken Birria Tacos, where tender marinated chicken meets vibrant spices, creating a delightful culinary experience perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 4 dried guajillo peppers
- 2 dried ancho peppers
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- Cilantro and onion for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Rehydrate dried guajillo and ancho peppers in hot water for about 10 minutes, then remove stems and seeds. Blend with onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth, adding chicken broth if needed.
- In a pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Pour blended marinade over chicken, add remaining broth, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for about 45 minutes until chicken is fork-tender. Shred chicken and mix into sauce.
- Warm corn tortillas, fill with shredded chicken, top with cilantro and onion, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze shredded chicken birria in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Flavors deepen when made a day in advance.
- Adjust spice levels to personal preference by using fewer spices or milder peppers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg