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Birria Chicken

Irresistible Birria Chicken Tacos with Cheesy Goodness

These Birria Chicken Tacos deliver a savory flavor explosion with tender chicken, smoky adobo sauce, and an option for gooey cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Bone-in Chicken Thighs Boneless thighs can be used for quicker cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for searing.
For the Spices
  • 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns Can substitute with ground black pepper.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds Ground cumin is a suitable alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Seeds Ground coriander works just as well.
  • 3 pieces Whole Cloves Ground cloves can be used.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves Can be omitted.
  • 1 piece Cinnamon Stick Ground cinnamon is an option.
For the Sauce
  • 4 pieces Dried Guajillo Chiles Omit for less complex taste.
  • 2 pieces Dried Ancho Chiles Can skip if unavailable.
  • 3 pieces Chili de Arbol Adjust or omit based on spice preference.
  • 1 piece Yellow Onion Onion powder can be used.
  • 8 cloves Garlic Garlic powder can be used.
  • 2 cups Vine-Ripened Tomatoes Roma tomatoes or canned are suitable substitutes.
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar Rice vinegar is a milder alternative.
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Low sodium recommended.
For Assembling
  • 12 pieces Corn Tortillas Fresh or quality store-bought.
  • 2 cups Oaxaca Cheese Mozzarella can substitute.
  • 1 cup Pico de Gallo Customize with cilantro, lime juice, or favorites.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Blender
  • Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Toast Spices: In a Dutch oven, toast the black peppercorns, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, whole cloves, and cinnamon stick over medium heat until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Sear Chicken: Season the bone-in chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In the same pot, sear the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides (around 5-6 minutes). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped yellow onion to the pot and sauté until softened (about 4 minutes). Then, stir in minced garlic and the previously toasted spices, letting them mingle for an additional minute.
  4. Prepare Adobo Sauce: Add the dried guajillo and ancho chiles, along with diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the peppers are soft (approximately 10 minutes).
  5. Blend Sauce: Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. If desired, strain the sauce to achieve a silky texture.
  6. Cook Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the pot, ensuring it’s well-coated with the adobo sauce. Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 45 minutes.
  7. Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove bones and shred the chicken while keeping it well-coated in the sauce.
  8. Prepare Tortillas: Dip corn tortillas in the adobo sauce, then pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp (about 1-2 minutes per side).
  9. Serve: Assemble your tacos by filling each tortilla with the shredded chicken and Oaxaca cheese. Serve with pico de gallo and a warm consomé for dipping!

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Consider sprinkling with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.

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