Speedy Savory Chipotle Lime Shredded Chicken
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some shredded chicken that’s bursting with flavour? This Speedy & Savory Chipotle Lime Shredded Chicken recipe is your answer! It's got smoky, zesty, and a little bit spicy vibe going on.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good shredded chicken ?
Brief Overview
This recipe takes inspiration from the flavors of the Southwest. It’s an easy peasy recipe. It takes only 35 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 4-6 servings.
Main Benefits
This easy shredded chicken recipe is a great source of protein. I love making this for shredded chicken for meal prepping on a Sunday to use in lunches during the week.
It’s what makes this recipe special, so give it a go!
Why This Homemade Shredded Chicken Rocks
I remember the first time I tried to make shredded chicken , it was dry and tasteless. Nightmare! But after loads of trial and error, I've cracked it.
This easy shredded chicken recipe is foolproof! You know? The shredded chicken is moist, flavorful, and oh-so-versatile. We are talking a proper winner for a quick tea.
This versatile shredded chicken is delicious in tacos. You can also use it in salads and even on baked potatoes.
It’s a great base for so many meals! My family loves it especially in Chipotle shredded chicken tacos . It's also a star in a Southwest shredded chicken bowl .
Honestly, you can't go wrong!
Let's Talk Ingredients
Right, here’s what you need to make this magic happen. Grab 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as these are easier to shred.
You'll also need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing. A chopped yellow onion adds sweetness, and minced garlic adds a kick.
Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. This recipe would not be complete without diced tomatoes, and 1 to 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Don't forget the chicken broth, a lime, salt, pepper, and some fresh cilantro. Sorted!
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you wanna whip up some proper Chipotle Lime Shredded Chicken ? Brilliant choice! This recipe is easy shredded chicken heaven.
It's all about that flavour, innit? Think smoky, zesty, and totally versatile. Honestly, once you've tried this easy shredded chicken recipe , you'll be making it every week.
Main Ingredients: The List!
Okay, let's get this show on the road. Here's what you need, measurements and all.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 pounds (900g) . Quality matters here, yeah? Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or slimy. If you’re doing shredded chicken for meal prepping , get extra.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Any decent olive oil will do the trick.
- Yellow onion, chopped: 1 medium (about 1 cup/150g) . Don't sweat it if your chopping skills aren't top-notch.
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves . Fresh is best, but jarred stuff works in a pinch.
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . This stuff adds a real depth of flavour.
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) (optional, for heat). Go easy on this if you’re not a spice fiend.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced: 1-2 (adjust to your spice preference). These are the stars of the show! Start small. You can always add more.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (240 ml) (low sodium preferred).
- Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime . Freshly squeezed is always better.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: For garnish (optional). I love a bit of green, but it's your call.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town!
The spice combo is key here. Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika it’s like a Southwest party in your mouth! Those chipotle peppers are essential.
They bring the smoky heat that makes this dish amazing. No chipotles? A teaspoon of chipotle powder will work. It won't be quite the same, but it's a decent sub.
For an extra tasty Southwest shredded chicken bowl , add a bit of your favorite hot sauce.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don’t need fancy gear for this shredded slow cooker chicken style recipe.
- Large pot or Dutch oven. A normal large pot will do just fine.
- Two forks for shredding. Or, and this is my little secret, a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. It's ridiculously easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Honestly, you can make this with just the basics. No need to go buy a load of new stuff. You can even make a batch of shredded chicken in a crockpot if you want.
You know? Just add all the ingredients, chuck it in and let it do its thing on low for like 6- 8 hours.
Proper Crock Pot Chicken Recipes Meal Prep material!
Speedy & Savory Chipotle Lime Shredded Chicken
Oh my gosh, you guys! Let’s talk shredded chicken . It's not just boring chicken. This easy shredded chicken recipe is a total flavor bomb.
Think smoky chipotle meets zesty lime. This recipe transforms simple shredded chicken into something amazing . Honestly, it's so versatile! You can use it in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or even just a bowl of rice.
It is a winner for quick weeknight meals!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place, darling! We need our ingredients ready to roll. Chop the onion. Mince the garlic.
Get your spices lined up. This saves time and avoids frantic scrambling later. This is essential for a Homemade Shredded Chicken .
Safety note : always wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Nobody wants salmonella surprise!
The Main Event: Chipotle Lime Chicken Time
Alright, time to cook! Here’s how to nail this versatile shredded chicken :
- Sauté the onion in olive oil. Medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes .
- Add minced garlic, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using). Cook 30 seconds . Your kitchen should smell amazing!
- Add diced tomatoes (undrained) and minced chipotle peppers.
- Add chicken breasts and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Then, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20- 25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Or, and this is my little secret , use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. It's ridiculously easy! This is the best way to make Shredded Slow Cooker Chicken .
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in lime juice. Simmer for 5- 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game
- Spice it right : Start with one chipotle pepper. You can always add more heat, but taking it away is a pain!
- Don’t overcook : Overcooked chicken is dry chicken. Aim for easy-to-shred tenderness. The key to a good Shredded Chicken In A Crockpot is to not overcook it.
- Rest it : Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. It will be juicier, I promise.
This shredded chicken for meal prepping is perfect. You can whip up a batch of Crock Pot Chicken Recipes Meal Prep on Sunday and use it all week.
Think Chipotle shredded chicken tacos on Monday, a Southwest shredded chicken bowl on Tuesday, and chicken salad sandwiches on Wednesday.
See? Versatile! Honestly, this recipe has saved my bacon (or, should I say, chicken ?) more times than I can count.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Your Chipotle Lime Shredded Chicken Guide
Alright, so you're about to make this Speedy & Savory Chipotle Lime Shredded Chicken ? Great! Let's quickly run through some tips and tricks I've picked up.
Honestly, I’ve made my fair share of interesting culinary choices over the years! These recipe notes will help you to have a successful and tasty dish.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
How you serve this versatile shredded chicken is key! For tacos, warm those tortillas. A bit of cheese and salsa? Absolute yes.
For a salad, toss it with some avocado and a zingy lime vinaigrette. I love a good Southwest shredded chicken bowl myself.
Rice, chicken, maybe some black beans? Chef's kiss . A lime wedge and pico de gallo also make great additions!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! For refrigeration, chuck the shredded chicken in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
If you’re thinking long term, freezing is your friend. Portion it out and it'll keep for about 2-3 months. To reheat, microwave or simmer on the stove with a splash of broth.
No one wants dry shredded chicken !
Variations: Making it Your Own
Fancy a bit of a twist? For a dietary adaptation, you can skip the chili powder or cayenne pepper to tone down the spice.
This makes the easy shredded chicken recipe milder! Seasonally speaking, in summer, throw in some grilled corn for extra sweetness.
A Tex-Mex twist will be great by adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans. Homemade shredded chicken just tastes better when you tailor it to your tastes, you know?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
So, each serving clocks in at roughly 280 calories. You're getting a whopping 40g of protein, so that's a win.
Fat's around 8g. Carbs are about 12g with 3g of fiber. It is also good to know that sodium can vary depending on ingredients.
Remember, these are estimates, but it's a genuinely good source of protein and flavour! It’s great shredded chicken for meal prepping .
The slow cooker shredded chicken breast variation means you can set it and forget it. This Shredded Chicken In A Crockpot is a time saver, honestly.
This is one of those crock pot chicken recipes meal prep dreams are made of. Don't be scared to make this Chipotle shredded chicken tacos .
Honestly, this is a very yummy Shredded Slow Cooker Chicken that will become a staple in your house.
There you have it! A bunch of ways to make this recipe your own. Now get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my shredded chicken isn't dry? I've had some right dust bowls in the past!
Nobody wants shredded chicken drier than the Sahara! The key is to avoid overcooking it. Cook until it's just cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Also, don't forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking and before shredding; this helps retain moisture.
And if it still seems a bit dry, add a splash more chicken broth to the sauce.
Can I use a different cut of chicken for this shredded chicken recipe? I've got a glut of chicken thighs in the freezer.
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and will give you even more flavour. Because they contain more fat, they will be extra tender and juicy. The cooking time might need to be adjusted slightly just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
How long does this chipotle lime shredded chicken last, and what's the best way to store it?
Proper storage is crucial, mate! Once cooled to room temperature, store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a little broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
I'm not a fan of spicy food. Can I still make this, or is it going to blow my head off?
No worries, we can dial back the heat! The chipotle peppers are the main source of spiciness, so start with just half of one, or even omit them entirely and use 1 tsp of chipotle powder instead. You can always add more spice later if you're feeling brave. You can also leave out the cayenne pepper.
What are some tasty ways to use this Speedy & Savory Chipotle Lime Shredded Chicken? I'm looking for a bit of inspiration!
This shredded chicken is incredibly versatile! Think tacos loaded with your favourite toppings, vibrant salads with avocado and a zesty dressing, or hearty grain bowls with rice or quinoa. It's also great in sandwiches, quesadillas, or even stirred into a creamy mac and cheese for a flavour boost. Get creative!
Can I use an Instant Pot or slow cooker to make this shredded chicken? Seems like it would be a right doddle!
Good shout! Both options work brilliantly. For the Instant Pot, sauté the aromatics as per the recipe, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
For a slow cooker, simply combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred and enjoy!
Speedy Savory Chipotle Lime Shredded Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
