Flavorful Chicken for Empanadas Tacos Etc
Transform your favorite dishes into fiesta-worthy creations with this Flavorful Chicken for Empanadas, Tacos, and More! Made with tender boneless chicken thighs, this recipe combines smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and zesty lime juice for a vibrant, well-rounded taste that’s perfect for a variety of recipes. Slow-simmered in a savory blend of spices, garlic, onion, and chicken stock, the meat absorbs every ounce of flavor before being shredded to perfection. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of cilantro, and you’ve got a versatile filling that’s ideal for tacos, empanadas, burritos, or even as a standalone protein. Quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and bursting with Mexican-inspired spices, this dish will elevate any meal it touches. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal preps, or festive gatherings!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Chicken stock or water
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Push the onions and garlic to one side of the pan and place the chicken thighs in the center. Let them sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden but not fully cooked through.
Sprinkle the chicken with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
Pour in the chicken stock or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the remaining liquid. Stir in the lime juice and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the chicken and stir to combine.
Use the flavorful chicken as a filling for empanadas, tacos, burritos, or any meal of your choice. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
300 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.3 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 119 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 723 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.9 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 30.5 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 39 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 367 mg | 8% | |
*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.
