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Shredded Chicken Tacos: A Perfect Use For Leftovers

Tacos are a beloved staple in many households, providing a versatile and delicious way to enjoy a variety of fillings. One of the most delightful and easy-to-make options is shredded chicken tacos, especially if you’re looking for a clever way to use up leftover chicken. Whether it’s from a roast dinner, a Sunday barbecue, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken tacos offer a delectable and uncomplicated solution for a mid-week meal.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious shredded chicken tacos, you will need the following ingredients:

• Leftover Chicken: About 2 cups, boneless and shredded.
• Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought or homemade (a blend of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne works wonders).
• Taco Shells: Soft tortillas or crisp taco shells, depending on your preference.
• Toppings: Fresh toppings such as chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, avocado, sour cream, and salsa. Feel free to get creative!
• Optional Extras: Black beans, corn, or jalapeños for added flavour and texture.

Preparation

Shredding the Chicken

If you have whole pieces of leftover chicken, start by discarding the skin and bones, if any. Using two forks or your fingers, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is quick, especially if the chicken is already well-cooked and tender.

Flavouring the Chicken

In a saucepan over medium heat, add your shredded chicken along with taco seasoning and a splash of water or chicken broth. Stir to combine, allowing the mixture to heat through. This step not only warms the chicken but also infuses it with the bold flavours of the spices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is nicely warmed and seasoned to your liking.

Assembly

Once your chicken is ready, it’s time to assemble your tacos!

1. Warm the Taco Shells: If you’re using soft tortillas, warm them in a dry frying pan for a minute on each side until they’re pliable. For crisp shells, follow the package instructions to achieve that perfect crunch.

2. Fill the Shells: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned shredded chicken into each taco shell.

3. Add Toppings: This is where you can unleash your creativity. Start with a layer of lettuce for a crunch, followed by diced tomatoes, cheese, and any other toppings you desire. A dollop of sour cream and a generous spoonful of salsa can add a refreshing kick.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the filled tacos on a platter, garnishing with fresh coriander, lime wedges, or any additional toppings to elevate the presentation.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the standout features of shredded chicken tacos is their adaptability. Not only are they a fantastic way to use leftovers, but they also work remarkably well for meal prep. You can store the seasoned chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, allowing you to whip up an easy meal whenever you need one. Simply warm up the chicken, heat your taco shells, and enjoy!

Conclusion

Shredded chicken tacos are not only a delightful way to utilise leftovers but also a fun, interactive meal that family and friends can enjoy together. With minimal preparation and endless possibilities for customisation, they make for a perfect weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a satisfying lunch. So the next time you find yourself with leftover chicken, consider turning it into a batch of flavour-packed shredded chicken tacos. Your palate will thank you!

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