Creamy And Aromatic Shredded Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this Shredded Chipotle Chicken Recipe! This recipe takes juicy, tender chicken breasts and infuses them with the smoky magic of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Imagine this: succulent chicken pieces bathed in a rich, earthy sauce that bursts with smoky heat, balanced by cool and creamy undertones. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering in anticipation.
But this shredded chipotle chicken isn’t just about the taste. It’s also a weeknight dinnertime hero. The beauty lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, you can have this dish simmering away while you go about your day. Plus, shredded chicken is incredibly versatile! Pile it high on tacos, burritos, or nachos. Toss it with a salad for a protein-packed lunch. Stuff it into enchiladas for a crowd-pleasing fiesta. The possibilities are endless!
So ditch the takeout menus and the endless recipe browsing. This Shredded Chipotle Chicken Recipe is your shortcut to restaurant-quality flavor at home, without the hassle or the hefty price tag. Let’s get cooking!
Shredded Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes1200
kcalSpice up your meals with this easy recipe for shredded chipotle chicken! Made with tender chicken in a smoky chipotle sauce, it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads. This flavorful recipe is sure to be a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The stars of the show!
1 onion, chopped: The onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, adding a savory punch.
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: These add a touch of acidity and body to the sauce.
1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The smoky heart and soul of this dish. We’ll adjust the amount for spice preference later.
1 cup chicken broth: This creates a flavorful base for simmering the chicken.
½ teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that complements the smokiness from the chipotle peppers.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings a subtle herbal touch, rounding out the flavor profile.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: These essential flavor enhancers allow you to personalize the taste to your liking.
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Cilantro adds a bright, citrusy note for a refreshing finish (especially delicious when served cold in salads).
Directions
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
- Build the Flavor Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Next, add the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Here’s where you control the heat! Start with one or two peppers, depending on your spice tolerance.
- Simmer and Shred: Stir in the chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Recipe Video
Tips For Shredded Chipotle Chicken Recipe
Our shredded chipotle chicken recipe is a flavorful foundation, but just like any good musician, you can add your personal touch to create a flavor masterpiece. Here are some tips to help you experiment and find your perfect balance of smoky goodness:
- Spice Control: Remember, you can always add more heat, but taking it away is a one-way trip! Start with one or two chipotle peppers and taste the sauce after simmering. If you crave more fire, add another pepper and simmer for a few more minutes before shredding the chicken.
- Veggie Medley: Don’t be afraid to add some colorful companions to the party! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can simmer alongside the chicken, adding sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Short on time? This recipe is a slow cooker dream! Combine all the ingredients except the cilantro in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be fall-apart tender and bursting with flavor.
- Double Duty Chicken: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Make a double batch and shred the extra chicken. Use it for quick and easy lunches or to add protein to future meals.
- Cilantro Twist: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the smoky chipotle flavor. Chop some fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over your finished dish before serving.
Serving Tips Shredded Chipotle Chicken Recipe
We’ve simmered, we’ve shredded, and now it’s time to unleash the flavor explosion that is your shredded chipotle chicken! This versatile dish can be the star of countless meals. Here are some serving suggestions to transform your shredded chicken into culinary masterpieces:
- Taco Takeover: Pile high your shredded chipotle chicken on warm tortillas. Don’t forget the classic taco fixings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, crumbled cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
- Burrito Bonanza: Spread a layer of shredded chicken in a warmed tortilla. Add your favorite burrito fillings like rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and any other toppings your heart desires. Chipotle chicken burritos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Nacho Ordinary Nachos: Level up your nacho game with a generous helping of shredded chipotle chicken. It pairs beautifully with all the classic nacho toppings – cheese, salsa, sour cream, jalapenos, and guacamole. These smoky-spicy nachos are sure to disappear in a flash!
- Salad Sensation: Shredded chipotle chicken adds a protein punch to any salad. Toss it with mixed greens, black beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, avocado, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing. This salad is both satisfying and delicious.
- Enchilada Extravaganza: This shredded chicken is perfect for homemade enchiladas. Stuff warmed tortillas with the chicken mixture, top with your favorite enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Enchiladas are a fun and festive way to enjoy this flavorful dish.
Nutrition in Shredded Chipotle Chicken Recipe
We’ve talked about taste and versatility, but let’s not forget about nourishment! It’s important to consider the nutritional content of the meals we create. So, let’s delve into the specifics of our shredded chipotle chicken recipe.
The exact nutritional breakdown can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. However, this recipe generally provides a good source of lean protein thanks to the chicken breasts. Chicken is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids for your body needs to build and repair tissues.
The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a smoky depth of flavor without a significant increase in calories or fat. Additionally, this recipe uses olive oil, a heart-healthy fat, for cooking.
Here’s a ballpark estimate of the key nutrients per serving (approximately 1 cup of shredded chicken):
- Calories: Around 300 calories per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30 grams of protein per serving
- Fat: Roughly 10 grams of fat per serving (including a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats)
- Carbohydrates: Around 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving (including some natural sugars from the tomatoes)
Conclusion
This shredded chipotle chicken recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality flavor made easy at home. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s both versatile and delicious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to crank up the heat with extra chipotle peppers, add your favorite veggies for a nutritional boost, or explore slow cooker magic for a hands-off approach. This shredded chipotle chicken is your blank canvas, ready for you to create endless culinary masterpieces.
So ditch the takeout menus and say goodbye to boring dinners. This recipe is your weeknight hero, offering a flavorful and protein-packed option that can be enjoyed in countless ways. From tacos and burritos to salads and enchiladas, the possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Does Chipotle have shredded chicken?
Yes, Chipotle offers shredded chicken as one of the protein options on their menu. Customers can choose shredded chicken as a filling for burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, and other customizable menu items.
What kind of chicken is used at Chipotle?
Chipotle uses a seasoned, all-white-meat chicken for their shredded chicken option. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices before being cooked and shredded.
What does Chipotle chicken taste like?
Chipotle chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and citrus juices, giving it a flavorful and savory taste with hints of smokiness and tanginess. The seasoning blend typically includes ingredients such
Marie Johnson is an accomplished recipe blog writer, blending her passion for cooking with her knack for storytelling. With years of experience in the culinary world, Marie’s writing transports readers into the heart of her kitchen, where every dish tells a delicious tale. Her recipes are not just instructions; they’re invitations to embark on culinary adventures, exploring flavors, cultures, and traditions.
