Flavorful Chicken for Empanadas Tacos Etc
Transform your favorite dishes into fiesta-worthy creations with this Flavorful Chicken for Empanadas, Tacos, and More! Made with tender boneless chicken thighs, this recipe combines smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and zesty lime juice for a vibrant, well-rounded taste that’s perfect for a variety of recipes. Slow-simmered in a savory blend of spices, garlic, onion, and chicken stock, the meat absorbs every ounce of flavor before being shredded to perfection. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of cilantro, and you’ve got a versatile filling that’s ideal for tacos, empanadas, burritos, or even as a standalone protein. Quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and bursting with Mexican-inspired spices, this dish will elevate any meal it touches. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal preps, or festive gatherings!
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Chicken stock or water
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Step 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Push the onions and garlic to one side of the pan and place the chicken thighs in the center. Let them sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden but not fully cooked through.
Step 5
Sprinkle the chicken with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
Step 6
Pour in the chicken stock or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Step 7
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 8
Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the remaining liquid. Stir in the lime juice and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 9
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the chicken and stir to combine.
Step 10
Use the flavorful chicken as a filling for empanadas, tacos, burritos, or any meal of your choice. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1119.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1792.9 |
| Total Fat 104.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 25.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 850.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5061.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 23.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6.0g | |
| Protein 181.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 47.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 210.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2063.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories