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.

Chicken Birria Tacos: Crispy, Juicy & Full of Bold Flavor

Name: Chicken Birria Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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

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

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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