Make Ahead Mexican Chicken Oamc
Make meal prep a breeze with this flavorful Make Ahead Mexican Chicken OAMC (Once A Month Cooking) recipe! Perfectly seasoned with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, tender shredded chicken is simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro. This versatile dish is designed for meal prep enthusiasts, allowing you to cook ahead and freeze portions for up to three months. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy, family-friendly solution for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rice bowls, or salads. With minimal prep and a freezer-friendly focus, this recipe is the ultimate time-saver for anyone craving authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned (they do not need to be fully cooked at this stage).
In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the pan.
Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the pan and mix it thoroughly with the sauce.
Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice for a burst of fresh flavor.
Allow the chicken to cool completely if planning to freeze. Portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Use it in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rice bowls, or salads.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1644 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.3 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 3890 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.0 g | ||
| Protein | 225.0 g | 450% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 223 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 2484 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
