Description
This Smoky Mexican Pulled Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish featuring a smoky marinade with smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or salads and comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep, this versatile dish is sure to satisfy!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and lime zest to create a marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Coat the chicken evenly in the marinade.
- 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 using two forks.
6. Optional Step
- For extra flavor, toss the shredded chicken back into the pan with the cooking juices.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for extra heat.
- 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.
