This Smoky Mexican Pulled Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or salads. With a simple spice marinade using smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander, it offers a deep smoky flavor. It’s easy to make and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Flavorful – Ready in 30 minutes, this dish packs big flavor with minimal effort.
Versatile – Use it in a variety of dishes such as tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for salads.
Juicy & Tender – Marinating and searing ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Marinade

In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and lime zest.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Coat the chicken evenly in the marinade and let it sit for at least 20 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until browned.

4. Finish Cooking

Lower the heat and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Shred the Chicken

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred it with two forks.

6. Optional Step

Toss the shredded chicken back into the pan with the cooking juices for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Make it Spicier – Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for extra heat.
Use Different Citrus – Swap lime juice for lemon or orange juice for a unique flavor.
Slow Cooker Option – Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then shred.
Grilled Version – Grill the marinated chicken for a smoky charred taste.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating – Warm in a skillet or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, make sure to cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.

2. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor even more.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

Not really, but you can adjust the spice level by adding cayenne or chipotle powder.

4. Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes, bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, then shred.

5. What can I serve with this chicken?

It’s great with rice, black beans, tortillas, or over a salad.

6. Can I use this chicken for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well and can be used for multiple meals throughout the week.

7. What if I don’t have a nonstick skillet?

Use a cast iron or stainless steel skillet and add a bit more oil before cooking.

8. Can I use this for soup?

Yes! This shredded chicken works well in tortilla soup or taco soup.

9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Let it rest before shredding and mix it back into the pan juices for extra moisture.

Conclusion

This Smoky Mexican Pulled Chicken is easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you use it for tacos, burritos, or salads, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it today for a quick and delicious meal that’s full of smoky goodness!