These Shredded Chicken Tacos are quick, easy, and loaded with flavor! Made with tender shredded chicken, refried beans, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, and taco seasoning, this creamy filling is wrapped in crispy pan-fried tortillas for the ultimate texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or Taco Tuesday!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for pan frying)
1 yellow onion, diced
2 lbs cooked, shredded chicken
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1 (8 oz) container sour cream
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
15 fajita-sized flour tortillas
3 ¾ cups shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
Stir in shredded chicken, refried beans, Rotel, sour cream, green chiles, and taco seasoning.
Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Step 2: Assemble the Tacos

Lay out flour tortillas and sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheese on one side (optional).
Spoon ⅓ cup chicken filling onto each tortilla.
Fold tortillas in half.

Step 3: Pan Fry the Tacos (Optional for Crispiness)

Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook each taco on both sides until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Top with cilantro lime sauce, guacamole, salsa, or sour cream!

Nutrients (Per Serving – 1 Taco)

Calories: 323 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 15g
Sodium: 830mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Why You’ll Love These Shredded Chicken Tacos

These tacos are a game-changer when it comes to quick and delicious meals. Here’s why they’ll become a new family favorite:

Quick & Easy to Make – Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Great for Meal Prep – The shredded chicken filling can be made in advance and stored for easy meals throughout the week.
Customizable & Versatile – Adjust the spice level, toppings, and type of tortillas to suit your taste.
Crispy or Soft – Your Choice! – These tacos are delicious as soft tortillas or pan-fried for a crispy texture.
Packed with Protein & Fiber – The combination of chicken, beans, and tortillas makes these tacos hearty and satisfying.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd – This recipe makes a large batch, making it great for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.

The Key Ingredients That Make These Tacos So Delicious

Each ingredient in this recipe adds depth, texture, and bold flavor to the tacos:

Shredded Chicken – The star of the dish, providing juicy, protein-rich bites that absorb all the flavors of the seasoning.
Refried Beans – Adds creaminess and helps hold the filling together, giving the tacos a rich, hearty texture.
Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chiles – A zesty, slightly spicy addition that enhances the taco filling with bold Mexican flavors.
Green Chiles – Adds an extra kick of mild heat and balances out the creamy ingredients.
Sour Cream – Creates a smooth and creamy texture, making the filling extra rich and flavorful.
Taco Seasoning – A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and paprika, giving the tacos a deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
Flour Tortillas – Soft, flexible, and perfect for pan-frying, they hold the filling together beautifully.
Shredded Cheese (Optional) – Melts beautifully inside the tortilla, adding extra gooeyness and richness.

How to Get the Perfect Crispy Tortilla

For those who love a crunchy, golden-brown taco, pan-frying the tortillas adds extra texture and flavor. Here’s how to make them perfectly crispy:

Use a Thin Layer of Oil – Just enough to coat the pan without making the tacos greasy.
Press Lightly While Cooking – This helps the tortilla seal and crisp up evenly.
Cook Over Medium Heat – Too high, and the tortillas will burn before the cheese melts; too low, and they won’t crisp up enough.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Work in batches to ensure even crisping.

Ways to Customize These Shredded Chicken Tacos

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ways to customize the tacos to your taste:

Make It Spicier – Add diced jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Swap the Protein – Try using ground beef, shredded pork, or black beans for a vegetarian option.
Use Corn Tortillas – If you prefer a more traditional street taco style, swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas.
Cheesy Variation – Sprinkle extra cheese inside and outside the tortilla for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Make It Dairy-Free – Substitute dairy-free sour cream and cheese for a lactose-free version.

Best Toppings for Shredded Chicken Tacos

Toppings take these tacos to the next level! Here are some delicious topping ideas:

Cilantro Lime Sauce – A cool, tangy drizzle that complements the spices.
Guacamole or Sliced Avocado – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Salsa or Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato-based toppings for a bright, zesty contrast.
Shredded Lettuce or Cabbage – Adds a crunchy, refreshing bite.
Diced Red Onion or Pickled Onions – Provides a sharp, slightly sweet contrast to the richness of the filling.
Cotija or Queso Fresco – Crumbled Mexican cheese that adds a salty, tangy bite.

Serving Ideas – What to Pair with These Tacos

Turn your tacos into a full meal by serving them with classic Mexican sides:

Mexican Rice – A fluffy, flavorful rice dish that pairs perfectly with tacos.
Refried or Black Beans – A protein-packed, fiber-rich side that complements the filling.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet and smoky corn adds a delicious contrast to the spicy tacos.
Tortilla Chips & Salsa – A crunchy, salty side for extra dipping fun.
Cilantro Lime Slaw – A refreshing, tangy slaw that balances out the richness.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

These tacos store and reheat well, making them great for meal prep or quick leftovers. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigeration – Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze the shredded chicken filling for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave – Heat the filling in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Skillet – Reheat the filling over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Oven – Warm assembled tacos in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that makes the recipe even faster.

What’s the best way to keep the tacos from getting soggy?
If making them crispy, don’t overfill the tortillas and pan-fry them right before serving.

Can I make these tacos in advance?
You can prep the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then assemble and pan-fry the tacos fresh for the best texture.

What’s the best tortilla for crispy tacos?
Flour tortillas work best for a golden, crispy texture, but you can also use corn tortillas for a firmer, crunchier bite.

Conclusion

These Shredded Chicken Tacos are a perfect balance of bold flavors, creamy textures, and crispy tortillas. Whether you enjoy them soft or pan-fried, topped with fresh ingredients or kept simple, they’re easy to make, highly customizable, and packed with protein.

With a deliciously seasoned chicken filling, creamy refried beans, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, these tacos deliver big flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesday, or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Try them tonight, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made right at home!

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