Chicken Birria Tacos

Ingredients:

CHICKEN

3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

SPICES FOR ADOBO SAUCE

1 tablespoon black peppercorns (may sub 1 teaspoon ground pepper)

1 tablespoon cumin seeds (may sub 1 tsp ground)

1 tablespoon coriander seeds (may sub 1 tsp ground)

6 whole cloves (may sub ¼ teaspoon ground)

1/2 cinnamon stick smashed/broken up (sub ¼ teaspoon ground)

ADOBO SAUCE/CONSOMÉ

1 yellow onion, chopped

8 cloves garlic, minced

6 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed

4 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed

1 chili de arbol, stem and seeds removed

4 vine-ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or Roma tomatoes)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tsp EACH smoked paprika, dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 bay leaves

3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

TACOS

12-14 corn tortillas (like La Tortilla Factory)

12 ounces Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella separated into strings

1 recipe pico de gallo OR the following:

½ white onion chopped

¼ cup cilantro minced

1-2 tablespoons lime juice

pinch of salt

Instructions:

TOAST WHOLE SPICES AND CHILIES

Dry toast the whole spices for the adobo sauce (if using) in a large Dutch oven or braiser over medium heat until evenly toasted, stirring occassionally. They’re done once they smell super fragrant. Transfer to a bowl or plate.

Add the peppers and dry roast for a couple minutes per side; remove to a plate.

SEAR THE CHICKEN

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Season both sides of the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the now empty pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in an even layer and sear both sides until deeply browned (work in batches if needed); remove to a plate but leaving the drippings.

MAKE THE SAUCE

Add a drizzle of oil to the drippings if needed/seems dry; heat over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

Add the toasted spices to the pot followed by the deseeded chilies, and all the remaining Adobo Sauce ingredients (through broth). Bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are very soft, stirring occasionally.

Transfer the mixture to a high powered blender and purée until smooth, leaving a corner of the lid open and covered with a paper towel so steam can escape and it doesn’t explode. (NOTE: If you don’t have a high-powered blender, then strain the chili sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using rubber spatula to push the mixture through. The solids left behind are the spices so don’t toss them! You can wrap them in a cheese cloth or mash them and add them back to the sauce.)

BRAISE AND SHRED THE CHICKEN

Add the chicken back to the pot followed by the chili sauce, turn to coat the chicken. Cover, bring to a simmer, then transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 20-30 minutes or until chicken shreds easily and registers 175 degrees F on an instant read thermometer (165 degrees F if using chicken breasts). You can prep the toppings (below) while the chicken cooks).

Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a bowl; keep the sauce coating the chicken but leave most if it behind in the pot for dipping. Once cool enough to thandle, remove the bones and shred the chicken.

ASSEMBLE THE TACOS

In a medium bowl, make the pico de gallo if using, or mix together onion, cilantro, lime and salt to taste; set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working with one tortilla at a time, lightly dip it in the top of the sauce and add it to the skillet. Press the tortilla down with a spatula because it will start to bubble and pull away as it cooks. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is golden.

Flip the tortilla over and immediately cover the entire surface with shredded cheese. Cover, and cook until the cheese is mostly melted. Uncover and top half of the cheese with shredded chicken.

Cook until the bottom is lightly charred then fold the tortilla over in half to form a taco.

Transfer to a plate and serve with the pico de gallo or cilantro/onion mixture and a bowl of the consomé liquid (remaining sauce) as a dipping sauce. Dig in!

NOTES

Dried Chilies: Dried chilies can be found at any Mexican market as well as many grocery stores (and many super Walmart’s depending on your location) in either the Mexican aisle or produce section.

Many produce stores such as Sprouts and Whole Foods also carry packages of dried chilies. If you can’t find them or simply want a one-click option, then you can purchase them on Amazon here: ancho chiles, guajillo chili, arbol chiles.

Chicken: I highly recommend bone-in chicken thighs for the juiciest, richest tasting option, however, boneless chicken thighs are a close second. You may substitute with chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as needed and don’t overcook as they dry out easily.

Tortillas: Homemade corn tortillas, or packages that say, “freshly made,” “organic” or “made in small batches” are best so the tortillas don’t crack or tear. I love La Tortilla Factory Corn Tortillas which you can find on Amazon here. If using less quality corn tortillas, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds to warm before using.

Oaxaca cheese: should be easy to find at your grocery store or at least Sprouts or Whole Foods. If you are unfamiliar with Oaxaca cheese, it comes in a round package that is actually a log of cheese spiraled into a circle. You will want to peel the cheese into strips, much like string cheese, so it melts quickly. If you are unable to find Oaxaca, use freshly grated mozzarella, it tastes surprisingly similar.

To keep prepared tacos warm in the oven until serving: place tacos on a baking sheet in a single layer at 250 degrees F in the oven until all of the tacos are completed. Don’t stack the tacos at any time or they will steak and become soggy.

SHREDDED CHICKEN COOKING OPTIONS

Instant Pot Chicken Adobado: Add the seared chicken and adobo sauce back to the Instant Pot, and give the mixture a quick stir. Cook on high pressure for 13-15 minutes then let release naturally for 5 minutes.

Crockpot Chicken Adobado: Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Add the seared chicken and adobo sauce to the crockpot, and give it a stir to evenly coat the chicken. Cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender enough to shred.

Stovetop Chicken Adobado: Cover and gently simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is fall-apart tender. Keep an eye on the adobo sauce and add additional broth if needed because more liquid will evaporate on the stove.

PREP AHEAD

Spices: can be toasted and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 year!

Sauce: can be made and stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Chicken: can be seasoned, seared and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can proceed to bake the chicken and shred or simply add it to the chili sauce and bake the next day.

Cheese: string/shred the cheese and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Toppings: chop the onions and cilantro and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add the lime juice before serving.

STORAGE

Chicken Birria Tacos are best when served fresh. They won’t be as crispy when reheated unless you use an air fryer, but they will still be tasty.

Storage: store tacos in a single layer (with parchment paper in between layers if stacked) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze: wrap each taco individually in foil then add to a freezer bag or flash freeze the tacos by placing on a baking sheet without touching and freezing until solid. Transfer the solid tacos to a freezer bag

TO REHEAT

Air fryer: This is my #1 preferred method for reheating anything crispy – or formerly crispy. It restores the Chicken Birria Tacos to their former crispy glory as if they were freshly made – seriously amazing! Place your tacos in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400 degrees F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Stove: Heat a large nonstick skillet to low then add the taco(s). Cook until heated through, rotating as needed. Once the inside is warm, you can crank the heat to medium-high to quickly toast the outside.

Oven: Place tacos on a wire rack placed over a baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.

Microwave: This is my least favorite method because the exterior doesn’t crisp up, but it’s convenient for hands off reheating. Transfer tacos to a microwave safe plate and microwave on high or 45 seconds then at 15-second intervals as needed.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 taco

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.

However, you will need to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.

Can I substitute the dried chilies with chili powder?

Yes, you can substitute the dried chilies with chili powder.

Use about 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder as a replacement for the dried chilies in the recipe.

Adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness.

Can I make the adobo sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the adobo sauce in advance.

The sauce can be prepared and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheat it before using it to braise the chicken.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the tacos?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese for the tacos if Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella is not available.

Good alternatives include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Can I make the tacos gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the tacos gluten-free by using gluten-free corn tortillas.

Ensure that all other ingredients, such as spices, chicken broth, and toppings, are also gluten-free.

Check the labels of store-bought ingredients to verify if they are gluten-free or not.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in.

Keep in mind that boneless chicken thighs may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I make the adobo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the adobo sauce ahead of time.

Prepare the sauce as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat the sauce before using it to braise the chicken.

Can I make the tacos vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can modify the recipe to make vegetarian or vegan tacos.

Substitute the chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu, seitan, or jackfruit.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the cheese or use vegan cheese options.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices for the adobo sauce?

Yes, you can use ground spices instead of whole spices.

If substituting ground spices, use about 1/3 of the amount mentioned for whole spices.

Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

What are some recommended toppings for Chicken Birria Tacos?

In addition to pico de gallo or the onion-cilantro-lime mixture, you can add other toppings like diced avocado, chopped lettuce, sour cream, sliced radishes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Customize the toppings based on your preferences and desired flavors.