Chicken birria tacos bring together crispy tortillas, juicy shredded meat, and bold spices in the most satisfying way. They’re a faster, lighter twist on the traditional beef birria tacos, but still loaded with the deep, smoky flavor that makes birria so irresistible. Perfect for family dinners, weekend cravings, or a fun change from the usual taco night, this recipe is rich in flavor and simple to make.
In this article, you’ll learn how chicken birria tacos became a favorite comfort food, how to make them at home, what to serve with them, and answers to common questions about this flavorful dish. Let’s get started with the story behind these tacos and why using chicken makes them even better.
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Chicken Birria Tacos
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, crispy, and smoky Chicken Birria Tacos made with tender shredded chicken, spiced broth, and golden corn tortillas. A comforting twist on a classic favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 3 dried guajillo or ancho chiles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 corn tortillas
- Chopped onion, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Toast lightly in a dry pan until aromatic.
- Simmer toasted chiles with onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano in water until soft.
- Blend the mixture into a smooth sauce.
- Combine sauce with chicken thighs, bay leaves, vinegar, and broth in a pot. Simmer until chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken and return to the broth to keep juicy.
- Dip corn tortillas into the broth, then place on a hot skillet.
- Add shredded chicken, fold tortilla, and cook until crispy on both sides.
- Serve tacos with bowls of hot consomé for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped onion, cilantro, and lime.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. Adjust chile quantity for preferred heat level.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Flavor-Packed Beginning with Chicken Birria Tacos
Chicken Birria Tacos: A Personal Favorite
Chicken birria tacos came into my kitchen on a night when I was craving something rich and comforting, but without the long cook times. I had heard of traditional birria made with beef or goat, slow-cooked for hours until perfectly tender. But I didn’t have that kind of time. So I reached for boneless chicken thighs, a few dried chiles, and hoped for the best.
The result was unforgettable. The chicken simmered in a spiced broth until tender, soaked up all the flavor, and came out perfect for shredding. I dipped corn tortillas into the broth, filled them with the juicy meat, and crisped them up in a hot pan. Once I dipped the finished taco into the hot consomé, I knew this was something special.
Since then, chicken birria tacos have become a go-to comfort food in my home. They hit every craving—spicy, crispy, savory, and juicy all at once. They’re the kind of meal that makes you excited for leftovers, and that says a lot.
Why Chicken Works So Well in Birria
Traditionally, birria is made with slow-cooked red meat. But chicken brings a few advantages that make this version just as appealing—if not more. It cooks much faster, making it ideal for busy evenings. Chicken thighs, in particular, stay moist and flavorful even after simmering in spices and broth.
Using chicken also makes the dish a little lighter, which is great if you want all the flavor without feeling too full. The chiles, garlic, vinegar, and spices do the heavy lifting when it comes to taste, and the chicken absorbs every bit of it.
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Crafting the Juiciest Chicken Birria Tacos
The Ingredients That Make It Work
The secret to amazing chicken birria tacos lies in the balance of bold spices, rich broth, and tender chicken. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples that come together in the best way.
To start, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs. These stay moist and soak up the flavors better than chicken breasts. For the birria sauce, gather dried chiles like guajillo or ancho, plus onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds the tang that balances the richness. Chicken broth brings it all together.
Tortillas, preferably corn, are essential. Dip them into the broth before frying to create that signature crispy shell with a golden finish. Fresh garnishes like chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime add a bright contrast to the deep, savory flavors.
If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a smoky dried pepper can turn things up without overwhelming the dish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Birria Tacos
- Toast the chiles. Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry pan until they puff slightly and release their aroma.
- Blend the sauce. Simmer the toasted chiles with onion, garlic, and spices in water until softened. Then blend everything into a smooth, thick sauce.
- Simmer the chicken. Add the sauce to a pot with chicken thighs, bay leaves, vinegar, and broth. Simmer until the chicken is fork-tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the meat. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the broth to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Prepare the tortillas. Dip each tortilla into the top layer of the broth, then place it in a hot skillet.
- Fill and crisp. Add a spoonful of chicken to one side of the tortilla, fold it, and cook until crispy on both sides.
- Serve with consomé. Ladle some of the warm broth into small bowls for dipping. This is what makes every bite so satisfying.
Making chicken birria tacos does take a few steps, but none of them are difficult. The payoff is a taco that’s deeply flavored, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside—perfect for dipping and devouring.
Serving Chicken Birria Tacos Like a Pro
Dipping Sauce or Consomé: Don’t Skip This Part
One of the best parts of chicken birria tacos is the consomé—the rich, spiced broth left behind after cooking the chicken. This isn’t just leftover liquid. It’s the heart of the dish. Bold, smoky, and deeply savory, it transforms each bite when used for dipping.
To serve, strain the broth to remove any excess bits of herbs or onions, and reheat it gently. Pour it into small bowls and place them alongside the tacos. The first dunk into that hot, flavorful broth seals the experience. Some prefer their consomé smooth, while others enjoy a thicker version with bits of onion and spice still intact. Either way, it adds depth and warmth that completes the taco.
A few fresh toppings make the dish even better. Finely chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime balance the richness of the meat. A few slices of jalapeño add a little bite for those who want some heat.
Best Sides and Drinks to Pair
Chicken birria tacos are rich and full of bold flavor, so lighter sides work best to balance the plate. A simple side of warm rice or seasoned black beans pairs well without overpowering the dish. Grilled street corn, known for its creamy and spicy kick, adds a fun and flavorful contrast.
Fresh salads with citrusy dressings can also brighten the meal and cleanse the palate between bites. A cool slaw made with cabbage, lime, and cilantro brings a crunch that complements the soft filling of the tacos.
As for drinks, refreshing options like lime agua fresca, tamarind juice, or iced hibiscus tea help cool things down. If you’re serving these tacos for guests, a light lager or a chilled michelada can turn dinner into a celebration.
The key is keeping the sides simple so the tacos remain the star of the table. With just a few thoughtful additions, your chicken birria tacos go from delicious to unforgettable.
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Nutrition and Frequently Asked Questions
How Nutritious Are Chicken Birria Tacos?
Chicken birria tacos are rich, flavorful, and surprisingly adaptable when it comes to nutrition. While they’re known for their bold taste and crispy texture, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
A standard taco made with a corn tortilla, shredded chicken cooked in birria broth, and lightly crisped in oil contains around 230 calories. This varies depending on how much oil is used and the size of the tortilla, but overall, they’re a satisfying and balanced meal.
If you’re looking to make them a bit lighter, consider using less oil when frying, opting for smaller tortillas, or using chicken breast instead of thighs. Skipping the frying step altogether and serving the filling in warm, soft tortillas also reduces the fat content.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the average nutrition per taco:
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Total Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
These tacos provide a good balance of protein, fat, and carbs, making them filling and flavorful without being overly heavy. They also offer the flexibility to adjust ingredients based on your personal goals or preferences.
Conclusion
Chicken birria tacos are more than just a delicious meal—they’re an experience. From the savory aroma of the broth simmering on the stove to the satisfying crunch of a pan-fried tortilla dipped into hot consomé, every step brings comfort and bold flavor to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is a fun, rewarding way to shake up your taco routine.
Thanks to the use of chicken, the recipe is quicker and lighter than traditional beef birria, but still delivers that deep, smoky taste that makes it unforgettable. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—easy to make ahead, simple to reheat, and just as tasty the next day.
Now that you’ve got everything you need—from the backstory to the step-by-step method, serving ideas, and nutrition facts—there’s only one thing left to do: grab a skillet, start simmering, and enjoy every bite.
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FAQs
What are birria chicken tacos?
Birria chicken tacos are a variation of the classic Mexican dish birria, which is traditionally made with beef or goat. In this version, chicken is simmered in a rich broth flavored with dried chiles, garlic, onion, and spices. The shredded meat is then tucked into tortillas, crisped on a skillet, and served with the leftover broth (consomé) for dipping.
How many calories are in a chicken birria taco?
On average, a chicken birria taco contains about 200 to 250 calories. The exact number depends on how much oil is used during frying and the size of the tortilla. Using leaner cuts of chicken or skipping the skillet-frying step can lower the calorie count.
Are birria tacos healthy?
Birria tacos can be a wholesome meal when made with balanced portions. Chicken provides a lean source of protein, and corn tortillas are lower in fat than flour versions. You can make the dish lighter by using less oil and adding fresh toppings like onion, cilantro, and lime. With mindful preparation, they can absolutely fit into a healthy eating plan.
What is a birria taco made of?
A birria taco starts with meat—usually chicken, beef, or goat—slow-cooked in a spiced broth made from dried chiles, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and vinegar. The meat is shredded, placed into tortillas dipped in the broth, and pan-fried until crispy. They’re typically served with a side of hot consomé for dipping.