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Mexican Pulled Chicken

Mexican Pulled Chicken: Juicy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Delight

This Mexican Pulled Chicken is a juicy, delicious dish perfect for any dinner, loaded with flavors and a versatile addition to your meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Swap in thighs for richer flavor.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth works as a great alternative.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil can be used instead.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white onions can replace it.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is ideal.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin Cumin seeds can be used—increase amount slightly.
  • 2 teaspoons Chili Powder Adjust to your spice tolerance.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Use either dried or fresh varieties.
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Omit if you prefer a savory dish.
  • 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper Reduce or omit if milder is better.
  • 1 lime Lime Juice Always go for fresh for the best impact.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Canned tomatoes are a suitable alternative.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Dutch oven
  • Cooking Spoon
  • Cutting Board
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add 1 chopped medium onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 additional minute. Then, add 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of oregano, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the juice of 1 lime and 1 cup of tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Remove chicken from the skillet, shred using two forks, and return to the skillet to soak up the sauce for 5-10 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve in tortillas, over rice, or as burrito filling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for customizing spices to suit your family's taste. Leftovers can be repurposed for enchiladas or salads.

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