Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema

These shredded adobo Chipotle Chicken Tacos are healthy and flavorful! They're made in a skillet on the stovetop and topped with lime crema.

This is one of those dishes that provides maximum flavor with minimal effort. These Shredded Chicken Tacos are smoky, spicy, drizzled with a tangy lime crema, and ready in a little more than 30 minutes.

It's safe to say that I enjoy tacos of all kinds. One of the reasons for this is that tacos are so versatile. You can take any combination of fillings and toppings, wrap them in a tortilla, and call it good. I love to make tacos at home, order them in a restaurant, or grab a couple from a food truck.

These chipotle chicken tacos are reminiscent of chicken tinga, which is a Mexican dish made with shredded chicken simmered in tomato sauce, adobo sauce, onions, chilis, and spices.

This recipe is a simplified version of chicken tinga made with only a few ingredients, but for a simple dish it packs a lot of flavor. It's made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are sautéed in a skillet on the stovetop, simmered in a smoky adobo tomato sauce, and then shredded.

I love to serve these tacos on corn tortillas with black beans, avocado, crunchy veggies, and lime crema. The only real challenge for me is not to completely stuff my face with these things.

Jump to:

• How To Add Flavor To Chicken Tacos
• Ingredients For Chipotle Chicken Tacos
• What Are Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce?
• How To Make Skillet Chicken Tacos
• How Long Do Shredded Chicken Tacos Take To Cook?
• How To Make Lime Crema
• What To Serve With Chicken Tacos
• How Long Does This Chicken Last In The Fridge?
• Can It Be Frozen?
• Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema

How To Add Flavor To Chicken Tacos

One reason I love these chicken tacos is that they're prepared without a seasoning packet or any type of premade sauces.

These tacos are made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which can be both juicy and flavorful when prepared correctly.

• For optimal flavor, it's important to sear the chicken breasts in a skillet over high heat. This helps to seal in the juices and results in more flavorful chicken breasts.
• It's equally important not to overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken is tough and unappealing.
• Make sure to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This helps to bring out the flavor of all the other ingredients.
• Adding lots of garlic and onions to any dish provides a great boost of flavor. Sauté the garlic, onions, and spices in oil for optimal flavor.
• Make sure the dish has a balance of flavors. These tacos are smoky, spicy, tangy, earthy, and a little sweet.
• Bump up the flavor with the addition of your favorite toppings and garnishes.

Ingredients For Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Here's what you'll need to make them.

• 1 ½ lbs. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 6 cloves Garlic
• 1 Onion (any color)
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Dried Oregano
• 1 8 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• ½ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1-2 Chipotles in Adobo Sauce (or 1-2 Tbsp. of adobo sauce)
• 1 tsp. Agave Syrup (can sub honey or maple syrup)
• ½ tsp. each Kosher Salt and Pepper
• 1 can Black Beans (can sub pinto or refried beans)
• Corn Tortillas (can use flour tortillas if not gluten free)
• ½ cup Sour Cream
• 2 Tbsp. Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 Tbsp. Lime Juice plus zest of 1 lime

What Are Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce?

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are smoked and dried jalapeno peppers that are rehydrated and canned in a tangy and spicy sauce made from tomato puree, vinegar, and spices.

You can find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the Mexican section of your local grocery store. It's important to look for a brand that is gluten free if gluten is an issue for you.

I love to keep a can of chipotles in adobo on hand at all times. It's a great way to add flavor to any of your favorite Mexican or Tex Mex dishes.

It's important to keep in mind that both the chipotle peppers and the adobo sauce are spicy! You can use either the peppers themselves, or just the adobo sauce if you'd like to keep the spice level to a minimum.

This recipe calls for either 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers (if you prefer spicier tacos) or 1-2 Tbsp. of just the adobo sauce (for less spice).

If you find that the sauce is too spicy after its cooked, simply add a bit more agave syrup (or honey or maple syrup) to balance out the spice levels.

How To Make Skillet Chicken Tacos

The process of making these chicken tacos begins with searing the chicken breasts in a skillet on the stovetop with olive oil, salt and pepper.

The chicken is then removed from the skillet and the minced garlic and onions are added, along with some dried spices.

The chicken is returned to the skillet and simmered in a savory and spicy tomato sauce. The sauce thickens a bit as it cooks down. Once the chicken is fully cooked, it's shredded and tossed in the sauce.

1. Start by mincing 6 cloves of garlic and 1 onion (any color).
2. Heat 1 can of black beans (can sub pinto or refried beans) in a small sauce pan on the stovetop according to package instructions.
3. Place a skillet on the stovetop and heat to medium-high. Add 2 Tbsp. olive oil to the skillet.
4. Once heated, add 1 ½ lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet (the chicken should sizzle as it hits the oil). Add ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper to chicken and sauté for 3 minutes on the first side.
5. Flip the chicken and add another ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 3 minutes on the second side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. Add the minced garlic and onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally (scrape up any brown bits with a wooden spatula).
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and add 1 tsp. each cumin and dried oregano. Sauté for 1 minute, or until the spices are fragrant.
8. Add ½ cup low sodium chicken broth, 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce, 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or just 1-2 Tbsp. of the adobo sauce), and 1 tsp. agave syrup to the skillet. Stir all of the ingredients until combined.

How Long Do Shredded Chicken Tacos Take To Cook?

The chicken takes about 10 minutes to cook in the sauce once added to the skillet. Cooking times may vary slightly, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

It cooks over medium heat and is flipped halfway through the cooking process to help ensure that it cooks evenly. The sauce should bubble as it cooks.

It's important that the chicken is fully cooked, but not overcooked, or it may become tough. The chicken is fully cooked when there is no pink remaining.

The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit and may be checked using a food thermometer if you have any questions.

1. Cook the chicken breasts in the sauce for 10 minutes over medium heat, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
2. After 10 minutes, shred the chicken breasts with two forks. Toss the chicken until completely coated in the sauce.
3. Simmer the shredded chicken for an additional couple of minutes to ensure that it is fully cooked.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

How To Make Lime Crema

Lime crema is so easy to make and adds great flavor to any dish!

I love adding lime crema to these Chipotle Chicken Tacos because the creamy texture and tangy flavor help to balance out the spice of the sauce.

This lime crema can be prepared while the chicken is cooking on the stovetop or made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

1. For the crema, simply add ½ cup full fat sour cream to a small bowl.
2. Add the zest of 1 lime using a Microplane grater zester.
3. Cut the lime in half and add 1 Tbsp. of fresh lime juice to the sour cream.
4. Add 2 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream (can sub any milk that you have on hand) along with a pinch of kosher salt.
5. Stir the mixture until completely combined using a fork or a small whisk.

What To Serve With Chicken Tacos

Tacos are incredibly versatile and can be topped any way you like.

I love to serve these tacos with some black beans (or beans of choice), a generous helping of the shredded chicken, and a drizzle of the lime crema on warmed corn tortillas along with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

I enjoy these tacos with some sliced avocado, radishes, fresh greens, and a bit of cilantro. However, you can top them with any fresh veggies you like.

Here are some great taco topping ideas:

• Pickled Red Onions
• Shredded Cabbage
• Guacamole or Poblano Avocado Sauce
• Pico de Gallo
• Hot Sauce
• Shredded Cheese or Queso Fresco
• Diced Bell Peppers
• Sautéed Vegetables
• Salsa

As for side dishes, Spanish rice, Cilantro Lime Coleslaw, Southwest chipotle slaw, cilantro lime rice, or corn salad are all great options.

You can also serve this shredded chipotle chicken on top of tortilla chips, in a burrito, over rice, or on top of a bed of greens instead of on corn tortillas if you prefer.

How Long Does This Chicken Last In The Fridge?

Any leftover shredded chipotle chicken may be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Make sure to allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to the refrigerator for storage.

Any leftover Mexican crema may be stored for 2-3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can It Be Frozen?

Yes!

Chipotle chicken tacos make a great freezer meal. Simply prepare the chicken as directed and allow it to come to room temperature.

How To Freeze

1. Prepare the chicken as directed and allow to cool completely before transferring to the freezer for storage.
2. Transfer the chicken to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container, label with the date, and store up to 3 months in the freezer.

How To Thaw

1. Place the frozen container of chicken in the fridge and allow to thaw for 24 hours before serving.
2. Place the chicken in a skillet and add a bit of chicken broth or water. Heat until completely warmed though and serve.
3. Prepare the lime crema and all other toppings just before serving.

Love tacos? Check out these recipes!

• Pan Fried Fish Tacos
• Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos
• Roasted Veggie Tacos
• Slow Cooker Barbacoa Tacos
• Sweet Potato Avocado Tacos
• Air Fryer Fish Tacos
• Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
• Cajun Shrimp Tacos

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