Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These shredded chicken tacos with creamy chimichurri sauce offer a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Juicy chicken pairs perfectly with a tangy, herb-packed sauce, making each bite irresistible and vibrant.

The image shows three open soft tacos on a white plate set on a white marbled texture. Each taco has a light tan tortilla base with small dark toasted spots. On top of the tortillas, there are green leafy lettuce and slices of avocado placed at the bottom layer. The middle layer consists of shredded cooked chicken with a light brown color and some grilled marks. The chicken is topped with a drizzle of creamy white sauce that has green herb flecks. The tacos are close together, filling the plate but not overlapping entirely. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellman’s)
  • 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp minced shallot
  • 1 tbsp (heaping) finely chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp (heaping) finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 small clove garlic (pressed or grated)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp avocado oil
  • 8 oz chicken breast
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 small jalapeno (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
  • 6 small flour tortillas (about 5″ in diameter)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 medium avocado (sliced or diced)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make the creamy chimichurri sauce by combining Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced shallot, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Whisk until thoroughly combined, taste, and adjust salt if needed. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken breast with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for about ten minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a bowl, cover with foil, and let rest for at least five minutes, then shred the chicken in the bowl.
  4. Step 4: In the same pan, add a few tablespoons of water and scrape up any browned bits. Add sliced jalapenos and chopped red onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly crispy.
  5. Step 5: While the jalapenos and onions cook, finish shredding the chicken if needed. Transfer the shredded chicken and any juices back into the pan with the vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the chopped cilantro with the chicken and vegetables, then turn off the heat.
  7. Step 7: To build the tacos, warm the flour tortillas and layer with shredded romaine, sliced avocado, and the warm chicken mixture. Top with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle generously with the creamy chimichurri sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add a dash of hot sauce to the chimichurri.
  • Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
  • Use grilled chicken leftovers if short on time; just shred and reheat with the jalapenos and onions.
  • Mix in diced tomatoes or roasted corn for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover shredded chicken and chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan over medium heat to avoid drying out. The chimichurri sauce is best served cold or at room temperature and may require a stir before using again.

How to Serve

The image shows three grilled chicken tacos on a white plate, resting on a white marbled texture surface. Each taco has a soft, lightly charred tortilla base, topped with thin slices of green avocado at the bottom layer, followed by fresh green leafy lettuce. The third layer consists of shredded grilled chicken with a slightly browned and crispy texture. The tacos are finished with a drizzle of creamy white sauce mixed with finely chopped green herbs, spread evenly over the chicken and lettuce. In the background, there is part of a white bowl with a similar creamy sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shredded chicken and chimichurri sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then warm the chicken and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or a vegan yogurt alternative works well and will maintain the creamy texture of the chimichurri sauce.

Print

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

These Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce combine tender, seasoned chicken breast cooked on the stovetop with vibrant jalapenos and red onions. Topped with fresh avocado, romaine lettuce, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy creamy chimichurri sauce made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs, these tacos deliver a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 small tacos 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

  • 3 tbsp. Mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellman’s)
  • 3 tbsp. plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp. minced Shallot
  • 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped Parsley
  • 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped Cilantro
  • 1 small clove Garlic (pressed or grated)
  • 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal)

Chicken

  • 2 tsp. Avocado Oil
  • 8 oz. Chicken Breast
  • 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal)
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked Black Pepper

Vegetables and Garnishes

  • 1 small Jalapeno (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro
  • 6 small Flour Tortillas (about 5″ in diameter)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Romaine Lettuce (or your favorite greens)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced Red Onion
  • 1/2 medium Avocado (sliced or diced)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of full-fat plain Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons minced shallot, 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, 1 small pressed or grated garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal). Whisk thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal), and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Season the 8 oz. chicken breast evenly on all sides with this mixture. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast and cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side, until it is nicely browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and transfer it to a bowl. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
  4. Cook the Jalapenos and Red Onions: In the same pan used for cooking the chicken, add a couple of tablespoons of water. Use a wooden spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, creating a flavorful browned liquid. Add the thinly sliced jalapenos and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly crispy.
  5. Shred the Chicken and Combine: While the jalapenos and onions cook, shred the rested chicken in the bowl using two forks. Transfer the shredded chicken and any juices from the bowl back into the pan with the jalapenos and onions.
  6. Add Cilantro and Finish Chicken Mixture: Stir in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro to the chicken mixture. Turn off the heat under the pan and mix thoroughly so the flavors meld without further cooking.
  7. Build the Tacos: Warm the 6 small flour tortillas (about 5 inches in diameter). On each tortilla, layer shredded romaine lettuce, sliced or diced avocado (about 1/2 medium avocado divided), and the warm shredded chicken mixture. Top with crumbled feta cheese (about 1/3 cup total) and thinly sliced red onions (1/4 cup divided). Drizzle the creamy chimichurri sauce over each taco. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with corn or gluten-free tortillas.
  • You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos or removing seeds.
  • The creamy chimichurri sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for better flavor development.
  • Make sure to rest the chicken after cooking to ensure it stays juicy when shredded.
  • Use fresh herbs for the chimichurri sauce to maximize flavor.

Keywords: shredded chicken tacos, creamy chimichurri sauce, stovetop chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, healthy tacos

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