Chicken Birria Tacos are a delicious Mexican dish featuring tender, spiced chicken served in soft tortillas and often accompanied by a flavorful broth for dipping. This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Birria:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 dried guajillo chilies (stemmed and seeded)
• 2 dried ancho chilies (stemmed and seeded)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Tacos:

• Corn tortillas
• Chopped onion (for topping)
• Chopped cilantro (for topping)
• Sliced radishes (optional, for serving)

Timing

Making the Chicken Birria Tacos takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 1 hour for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chilies

1. Soak Chilies: In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Add the guajillo and ancho chilies and let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. Blend Marinade: In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Combine Chicken and Marinade: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken thighs and pour the marinade over them. Add the bay leaf.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Prepare the Tacos

1. Warm Tortillas: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas until pliable.
2. Assemble Tacos: Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the chicken birria mixture. Top with chopped onion and cilantro.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve with Broth: Serve the tacos with a small bowl of the cooking broth for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your Chicken Birria Tacos with additional toppings like sliced radishes if desired!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Chicken Birria Tacos (per taco, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	20g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or serrano peppers to the marinade for extra heat.
• Taco Variations: Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Birria Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Mexico right to your table. With tender chicken and a rich broth for dipping, these tacos are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful recipe!