Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These shredded chicken tacos with creamy chimichurri sauce bring vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture to your table. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with a zesty, herb-packed sauce for a fresh twist on a classic favorite.

Three soft white tortillas folded and filled with shredded cooked chicken mixed with green herbs and small pieces of red onion, topped with fresh green lettuce leaves, thin slices of green jalapeño, and a drizzle of white creamy sauce with visible herbs. One taco has thin slices of avocado at the bottom layer. The tacos rest on a white plate with a small white bowl of the same creamy sauce in the background, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp. Mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellman’s)
  • 3 tbsp. plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp. minced Shallot
  • 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped Parsley
  • 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped Cilantro
  • 1 small clove Garlic (pressed or grated)
  • 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 2 tsp. Avocado Oil
  • 8 oz. Chicken Breast
  • 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked Black Pepper
  • 1 small Jalapeno (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro
  • 6 small Flour Tortillas (about 5″ diameter)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Romaine Lettuce (or your favorite greens)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced Red Onion
  • 1/2 medium Avocado (sliced or diced)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make the creamy chimichurri sauce by combining Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced shallot, parsley, cilantro, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and season to taste with extra salt if needed. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken breast evenly with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breast for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a bowl, cover with foil, and let rest at least 5 minutes before shredding.
  4. Step 4: In the same pan, add a couple tablespoons of water and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spatula to create a flavorful base. Add sliced jalapenos and chopped red onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly crispy.
  5. Step 5: While peppers and onions cook, shred the rested chicken. Return the shredded chicken and any juices to the pan with the jalapenos and onions.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the finely chopped cilantro and turn off the heat under the pan.
  7. Step 7: To assemble, warm the flour tortillas and layer with shredded romaine, avocado slices, and the shredded chicken mixture. Top with crumbled feta and drizzle generously with the creamy chimichurri sauce. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer sauce and creamier texture.
  • Substitute chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat if preferred.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the chimichurri for extra brightness.
  • For a smoky touch, grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking.
  • Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store leftover shredded chicken and chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh toppings and the sauce just before serving to keep the tacos fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve

The image shows four soft tacos on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each taco is made with a lightly toasted flour tortilla folded in half. Inside, the bottom layer consists of bright green lettuce leaves and avocado slices with a smooth texture. On top of that, shredded, cooked chicken with a golden-brown color is spread evenly. The chicken is covered with a creamy white sauce speckled with green herbs, adding a moist look. The tacos are arranged close to each other, showing a mix of textures and colors with the warm tortilla, fresh greens, and saucy chicken layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the creamy chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to a day in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then whisk briefly before serving.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the sauce?

You can substitute extra Greek yogurt or use a vegan mayo to suit dietary preferences, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Print

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

These Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce offer a delicious twist on classic tacos featuring tender, pan-seared chicken, sautéed jalapeños and red onions, and a flavorful, creamy chimichurri made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, herbs, and garlic. Finished with fresh avocado, crisp romaine, and tangy feta cheese, these tacos are vibrant, easy to prepare, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

  • Author: Viktoria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 tacos 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

  • 3 tbsp. Mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellman’s)
  • 3 tbsp. plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp. minced Shallot
  • 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped Parsley
  • 1 tbsp. (heaping) finely chopped Cilantro
  • 1 small clove Garlic (pressed or grated)
  • 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 tsp. Avocado Oil
  • 8 oz. Chicken Breast
  • 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked Black Pepper

Vegetables and Toppings

  • 1 small Jalapeno (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro
  • 6 small Flour Tortillas (about 5″ in diameter)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Romaine Lettuce (or your favorite greens)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced Red Onion
  • 1/2 medium Avocado (sliced or diced)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of plain full-fat Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons minced shallot, 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, 1 small pressed or grated garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Taste and add more salt if needed. Set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: Combine 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. Season the 8-ounce chicken breast evenly on all sides with this mixture. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breast for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat, transfer the chicken to a bowl, cover with foil, and let rest for at least 5 minutes before shredding.
  4. Cook the Jalapenos and Red Onions: Using the same pan with browned bits, add a couple tablespoons of water and scrape the bottom with a wooden spatula to release the flavorful browned bits. Add the sliced jalapenos and chopped red onions to the pan and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly crispy.
  5. Mix in the Shredded Chicken: While vegetables cook, shred the rested chicken in the bowl. Transfer the shredded chicken along with any accumulated juices back to the pan with the jalapenos and onions.
  6. Add Cilantro: Stir in 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Turn off the heat under the pan.
  7. Build the Tacos: Warm the 6 flour tortillas. Layer shredded romaine lettuce, then the chicken mixture, then sliced avocado inside each tortilla. Top with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle generously with the creamy chimichurri sauce. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • To warm tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat briefly in a dry skillet.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture in the chimichurri sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your preferred spice level.
  • Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, though flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Keywords: shredded chicken tacos, creamy chimichurri sauce, chicken breast tacos, easy taco recipe, healthy chicken tacos, stovetop chicken tacos

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