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Mexican Shredded Chicken 70.png

Mexican Shredded Chicken

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🍗 Tender, salsa‑infused shredded chicken delivers protein‑rich flavor in minutes.
🔥 Versatile for tacos, salads, bowls, or any Mexican‑style dish, making weeknight meals effortless.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes (quick‑cook methods)
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup store-bought or homemade salsa

Instructions

1-Slow-cooker (5-6 h): 1. Pat the thighs dry, then season both sides with the salt and pepper. 2. Place the chicken in the slow-cooker, drizzle the olive oil over it, and pour the salsa around the pieces. 3. Set to high and cook 5-6 hours, until the meat falls apart easily. 4. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the cooker, letting it rest in the salsa for extra flavor before serving.

2-Dutch-oven or heavy skillet (about 30 min): 1. Season the thighs as above. 2. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. 3. Add the chicken with tongs and sear 3 min per side, until a golden crust forms. 4. Add the salsa, cover tightly with a lid, reduce heat to medium and cook 25-30 min. Flip the pieces after 20 min for even cooking. 5. Turn off the heat, then shred with two forks.

3-Instant-Pot (pressure-cook): 1. Season the thighs. 2. Select Sauté on the Instant-Pot, add the olive oil and let it heat briefly. 3. Sear the chicken 3 min per side until browned. 4. Add the salsa, secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and choose the Poultry setting (about 12 min at high pressure). 5. Quick-release pressure, then shred the meat with two forks.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥣 Make‑ahead: Portion cooked chicken into zip‑lock bags; it freezes up to 3 months.
🌶️ Flavor twist: Substitute salsa with roasted‑tomato blend, chipotle‑adobo, or mild pico de gallo.
🌮 Serving idea: Use as a filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or top salads and grain bowls.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes (Dutch‑oven) / 5–6 hours (slow‑cooker) / ~12 minutes + 5 minutes release (Instant‑Pot)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker / Dutch Oven / Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: High‑protein, Gluten‑free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 200 g (approx.)
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 577 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.03 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 161 mg