Speedy Southwestern Shredded Chicken
Right, let's dive into the delicious world of shredded chicken recipes ! ever stood in front of the fridge wondering what to make for dinner? i have.
Loads of times. that's when a versatile, flavour packed recipe is a lifesaver. this one's about to become your new best friend.
Speedy Southwestern Shredded Chicken
This speedy southwestern shredded chicken is your ticket to flavour town. think smoky, slightly spicy, and utterly delicious. it's based on southwestern flavours but tweaked for speed.
It is perfect for busy weeknights, and honestly, you will love it.
Where Does This Magic Come From?
This shredded chicken recipe draws inspiration from the vibrant flavors of the southwest. it's chicken healthy and a fantastic way to incorporate some god mat goodness into your meal.
It's a crowd pleaser, and i swear, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.
Quick, Easy, and Oh-So-Good
This recipe is labelled easy bbq . it's genuinely straightforward. prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking is around 25 minutes if you poach the chicken or 4- 6 hours in a slow cooker.
That's it! it makes about 4-6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.
Benefits Galore
Apart from tasting amazing, this chicken is a powerhouse of protein. it's a great option for a healthy dinner recipes chicken , helping you stay on track with your nutritional goals.
Serve it at your next casual get-together or whip it up for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. honestly, this chicken can be used anywhere.
From My Kitchen to Yours
Honestly, i've tried so many tostadas recipe over the years. this one is definitely on the short list for delicious quick meals.
It started when i was looking for a way to make easy bbq chicken . from there, i adapted it to make killer bbq chicken tostadas .
Ingredients That Pop
You'll need chicken breasts, olive oil, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken broth. don't forget the spice blend.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. all these spices make it so delicious. it is so much better than any cupcake receptek , at least for dinner!
Ready to get cooking? Next up, we’ll get into the nitty gritty of making this amazing Chicken Tostadas recipe.
Alright, let's dive into the heart of this "speedy southwestern" shredded chicken recipes . this is where we lay down the groundwork for seriously tasty eats.
I'm excited to share this with you because it's just so versatile. you know? you can use it in practically anything.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, so before we get our aprons on, let's make sure we've got all our bits and bobs in place.
I've made this recipe so many times, sometimes i feel like i could do it in my sleep. but trust me, having everything prepped makes the whole process way smoother.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: We're talking 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Now, here's the thing: quality matters. Look for chicken that's pink and plump, not pale or slimy. Nobody wants chicken that smells off, honestly.
- Aromatics: 1 medium onion, chopped. Aim for around 1 cup (150g) . Also 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Roughly a teaspoon, 5g , should do it. These guys are crucial for building that flavour base.
- Tomatoes & Chillies: We need 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Don't skimp here! And 1 (4 oz/113g) can of diced green chilies to give it a little kick.
- Broth: 1 cup (240ml) of chicken broth. This will stop it drying out.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, this is where the magic happens. These essential spice combinations transform simple chicken into something special. Think smoky, a little spicy, and totally God Mat (a.k.a. delicious).
- The Spice Blend: You'll need 1 tablespoon (15ml) chili powder. Also, 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin, 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) each of garlic powder and onion powder.
- Heat: Don't forget about the ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of cayenne pepper. This is optional , but I personally love a bit of heat. Easy Bbq spice for the soul!.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course.
- Substitutions: If you're missing smoked paprika, just use regular paprika with a tiny dash of liquid smoke. Honestly, nobody will know. Or, if you're looking for chicken healthy and less sodium, be mindful of the salt!.
Equipment Needed
Right, so here’s what you’ll need. Nothing too fancy, promise!
- Pot/Slow Cooker: A big pot, Dutch oven, or slow cooker.
- Fork: You'll need this to shred the chicken later. Two forks are even better.
- Measuring Tools: Measuring spoons and cups.
- Knife & Board: A knife and cutting board for chopping.
Remember those bbq chicken tostadas you saw on tv? this chicken is perfect for that! or why not try some tostadas recipe ideas?.
It's also great for cupcake receptek , no wait, wrong thing.
This shredded chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and it's got that "can't stop eating it" quality. which is probably why it has become one of our favorite healthy dinner recipes chicken .
Enjoy.
Alright, let's whip up some seriously tasty shredded chicken recipes ! i'm thinking of that perfectly versatile, flavourful chicken that you can throw into pretty much anything.
This recipe is gonna be your new best friend. honestly, i use it all the time . we're going for a bit of a southwestern vibe.
It's like sunshine in a bowl, you know?
Speedy Southwestern Shredded Chicken
This ain't your average chicken recipe, love. this is easy bbq , zesty southwestern goodness that is perfect for chicken tostadas , salads, or straight out of the bowl.
It's tender, it's juicy, and it's so quick to make.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate!
First things first, let's get organised. you know what they say, 'a clean space is a clear mind'. so, dice up your onion and mince your garlic.
It's just better god mat when you're all prepped. get your spices all measured out too. essential mise en place makes cooking so much smoother.
I learnt this from a cupcake receptek masterclass once. it applies to everything!
step-by-step Process: Easy Peasy!
- Lightly drizzle 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté 1 chopped onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for 1 minute .
- Stir in 1 14.5oz can of diced tomatoes, 1 4oz can of green chilies, 1 cup of chicken broth, and the spice blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, etc.). Bring to a simmer.
- Gently place chicken into the sauce. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20- 25 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for 5- 10 minutes to absorb the flavours.
Pro Tips: My Secret Weapons
Wanna take this up a notch? don't overcook the chicken! that's the golden rule. also, feel free to throw in a squeeze of lime at the end.
Honestly, it makes all the difference. you could also try adding a spoon or two of cream cheese for creamier shredded chicken.
Remember a good healthy dinner recipes chicken , should also taste amazing!. if you are looking for tostadas recipe , here you have the chicken you need.
And there you have it! Perfect shredded chicken recipes . Use this chicken to make some Bbq Chicken Tostadas or just have it for lunch.
Alright, so you're after some extra bits to make those shredded chicken recipes even better, eh? let’s get down to it.
Here's how to take my speedy southwestern shredded chicken to the next level, like when you find that perfect song to blast on a sunny day.
Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own
Plating? Think Instagram , but Easy.
Honestly, plating isn't just for fancy restaurants. grab a colourful bowl and think about layers . start with your rice or lettuce, then heap that shredded chicken high.
A dollop of sour cream or avocado? yes, please! chopped cilantro? chef's kiss . if you are using this shredded chicken on your bbq chicken tostadas recipe, try to give it some height.
Just think: if it looks good, it tastes even better, you know?
Sidekicks and Refreshments
This easy bbq chicken is wicked versatile. for sides, think fresh . corn on the cob, a simple black bean salad, or even just some crunchy tortilla chips will do the trick.
As for drinks? a classic lime margarita pairs perfectly. or, you know, god mat , a cold beer always hits the spot.
I've had some amazing cupcake receptek afterwards; adds something to the meal!
Storage Ace
Got leftovers? lucky you! this healthy dinner recipes chicken will last three to four days in the fridge. just pop it in an airtight container.
For freezing, portion it out first. thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a pan or microwave. pro tip: add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep it moist.
Remix Time!
Fancy a change? for a low-carb version, ditch the tortillas and serve it in lettuce wraps. i've even swapped out the diced tomatoes for roasted butternut squash in the fall for a seasonal twist.
Honestly the combinations you can do with this recipe are endless! also try this recipe as a topping for your chicken tostadas , the result will be divine.
The Good Stuff Inside
Okay, let's get a bit "serious" for a sec. this chicken healthy recipe is packed with protein, which is great for keeping you full and energised.
The spices? they're not just for flavour. cumin and chili powder have some antioxidant properties. it is really is the best tostadas recipe you will find out there.
Look, it's not a superfood, but it's way better than ordering a takeaway, right?
Honestly, shredded chicken recipes don’t have to be scary. this one is dead simple. get creative, have fun, and don't worry about messing up.
Cooking should be enjoyable. so get in that kitchen, get messy, and create some culinary magic! and who knows, it could be your next family favourite!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my shredded chicken isn't dry? It's happened to me before, like a Thanksgiving turkey gone wrong!
The key to juicy shredded chicken is to avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken out when it reaches 165°F (74°C). Also, simmering it in the sauce after shredding helps the chicken reabsorb moisture and flavor, preventing that dreaded dry-as-dust result.
Think of it like giving it a nice little spa bath!
What are some yummy ways to use these shredded chicken recipes besides just tacos? I'm feeling a bit adventurous, like trying a new Heston Blumenthal recipe!
This Southwestern shredded chicken is super versatile! Try it in salads with black beans, corn, and avocado for a Tex-Mex bowl. It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling, or you can pile it on top of rice or quinoa.
For something a bit different, consider using it as a pizza topping with some southwest inspired veggies.
Can I make this shredded chicken recipe ahead of time? I'm all about meal prepping these days, like a regular Joe Wicks!
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Once cooked and shredded, the chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cool it down completely before refrigerating or freezing.
I'm watching my weight. Is this Southwestern shredded chicken recipe a healthy option? Is there anything I can adjust?
Yes, it can be a healthy option! It's high in protein and relatively low in fat, especially if you use lean chicken breasts and trim off any excess fat. To make it even healthier, you could reduce the amount of oil used, load up on the vegetables, and opt for whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of refined carbs.
You can also skip the sour cream/Greek yogurt variations, or opt for a reduced fat version.
What's the best way to shred chicken? Am I doomed to spend ages with two forks?
While two forks work perfectly fine, there are other options! You can use a hand mixer on low speed be careful not to over shred! Or, if you're making a large batch, try using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
For an even quicker method, pop the cooked chicken into your stand mixer bowl, turn it on low, and let the machine do all the work!
Can I adjust the spices in these shredded chicken recipes? I'm not a huge fan of spicy food, a bit more of a "Mary Berry" than a "Gordon Ramsay" when it comes to spice.
Of course! Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking. If you're sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper entirely. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika to suit your taste.
Start with smaller amounts and add more until you reach your desired flavor profile, no need to burn the house down with spice!
Speedy Southwestern Shredded Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
