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Shredded Chicken Recipe
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Tastes exactly like the real deal!|So juicy and perfectly seasoned!|Kids requested this three nights straight!|Freezes beautifully for quick meals!|Better flavor than drive-thru version!|Made awesome meal prep bowls!|Perfect spice level for everyone!|Chicken stayed tender for days!
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Taco Bell

Shredded Chicken Recipe

Master this copycat Taco Bell shredded chicken recipe with simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep time. Learn how to cook restaurant-quality chicken with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors in under 30 minutes for quick and easy tacos, burritos, or quesadillas that taste just like the real thing.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

25 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

220

Ingredients

Directions

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g boneless chicken breasts</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml chicken broth</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp taco seasoning (or mix of paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt (or to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp lime juice</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Place chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center. A meat thermometer should register 75°C when inserted into the thickest part.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate until cool enough to handle. Using two forks, shred the chicken into thin strips. The finer you shred it, the more it will resemble Taco Bell's texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan - these contain lots of flavor!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Add all the seasonings: taco seasoning (or the individual spices: paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder), additional ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes so the spices can bloom in the hot liquid.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat with the seasoned sauce. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more chicken broth. If too wet, continue simmering until some liquid evaporates.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice, which adds brightness and enhances all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Use the shredded chicken in soft tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or nachos. If you're creating a Taco Bell copycat meal, serve in soft flour tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sour cream.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Shredded Chicken Recipe

What ingredients are used in Taco Bell Chicken from Taco Bell?

Taco Bell's shredded chicken recipe requires chicken breasts, vegetable oil, onion, garlic, tomato paste, chicken broth, and a blend of spices including taco seasoning, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice for authentic flavour.

How to cook Taco Bell Chicken from Taco Bell at home?

Learn how to cook Taco Bell Chicken from Taco Bell by boiling chicken breasts until cooked through, shredding them finely, then sautéing with onions, garlic, and a flavourful blend of spices. The secret lies in simmering the shredded chicken in a sauce of tomato paste, chicken broth, and taco seasonings, finished with fresh lime juice for that authentic taste.

How do I achieve that authentic Taco Bell chicken texture?

For authentic Taco Bell texture, shred the chicken as finely as possible using two forks. Make sure to simmer it long enough in the seasoned sauce to absorb flavours and achieve that signature moisture level – not too dry, not too wet.

Can I make a spicier version of this shredded chicken recipe?

Absolutely! For a spicier kick, simply increase the amount of chili powder or add some cayenne pepper. You could also incorporate finely diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during the simmering stage for extra heat that infuses throughout the meat.

What's the best way to store leftover taco-seasoned chicken?

Store leftover seasoned chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center. A meat thermometer should register 75°C when inserted into the thickest part." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Shred chicken", "text": "Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate until cool enough to handle. Using two forks, shred the chicken into thin strips. The finer you shred it, the more it will resemble Taco Bell's texture." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Sauté aromatics", "text": "In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add tomato base", "text": "Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan - these contain lots of flavor!" }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Season mixture", "text": "Add all the seasonings: taco seasoning (or the individual spices: paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder), additional ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes so the spices can bloom in the hot liquid." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Combine and simmer", "text": "Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat with the seasoned sauce. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more chicken broth. If too wet, continue simmering until some liquid evaporates." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Finish with lime", "text": "Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice, which adds brightness and enhances all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "Use the shredded chicken in soft tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or nachos. If you're creating a Taco Bell copycat meal, serve in soft flour tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sour cream." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "This shredded chicken recipe is better than Taco Bell's! The spice blend is perfect and the chicken stays so moist. My kids ask for it every week now.", "name": "Better Than The Original", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sanjay Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "I've tried many copycat recipes and this one nails the Taco Bell flavor profile perfectly. The addition of lime juice at the end really makes a difference. Delicious!", "name": "Perfect Copycat Recipe", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Chen", "datePublished": "2024-05-20", "reviewBody": "So flavorful and versatile! I've used this chicken in tacos, quesadillas, and even on top of nachos. The seasoning is spot on and it's so easy to make.", "name": "Versatile and Delicious", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-22", "reviewBody": "This recipe saved our taco night! Much healthier than fast food but with all the flavor. I even made a double batch to freeze for easy weeknight meals.", "name": "Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amara Okafor", "datePublished": "2024-05-25", "reviewBody": "The detailed instructions made this recipe foolproof! The chicken turned out perfectly tender and flavorful. I added a bit more chili powder as we like it spicy, and it was amazing!", "name": "Perfectly Spiced", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ], "url": "https://www.grittychef.com/recipes/taco-bell-shredded-chicken-recipe" }
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