Viral Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe from Scratch

Hey there, taco lover! 🌮 Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy? If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and stumbled upon those drool-worthy Chicken Birria Tacos, you’ve come to the right place. Not only will we whip up these beauties from scratch, but we’ll also have a good time doing it! So grab your apron, and let’s get our cooking groove on!

What Makes Chicken Birria Tacos So Irresistible?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate why Chicken Birria Tacos are the epitome of deliciousness. Have you ever had a taco that practically melts in your mouth? That’s what these tacos do! The combination of tender, marinated chicken, rich broth, and crispy tortillas creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Who could say no to that?

Why Go Homemade?

Now, you might wonder, “Why should I make Chicken Birria from scratch when I can just order takeout?” Great question! Here’s the deal — making these tacos at home means you control the ingredients. Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a dish from the ground up. Imagine your friends’ faces when you serve them tacos that taste straight out of a restaurant. Feeling proud yet? You should be! 😄

Gathering Your Ingredients

Let’s make sure we have everything we need before we get this culinary party started! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 3 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 4 dried guajillo peppers
• 2 dried ancho peppers
• 1 onion (quartered)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• Salt to taste

For the Tacos:

• Corn tortillas (12-16, depending on your taco obsession)
• Chopped onions (for topping)
• Chopped cilantro (for topping)
• Lime wedges (because, you know, lime makes everything better)

Cooking Up a Storm

Okay, friends, it’s time to roll up those sleeves! Here’s how to bring your Chicken Birria Tacos to life.

1. Prepare Your Marinade

First things first! We need to get those flavors cozy. Start by toasting the guajillo and ancho peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial! It wakes up those flavor notes we love. 😍

• Once toasted, remove the stems and seeds from the peppers (a little messy, but totally worth it).
• Blend them in a food processor with the onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, lime juice, and chicken broth until smooth. Season this velvety marinade with salt to taste.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Now, let’s have some fun with our chicken. Coat those thighs in the marinated mix and let them hang out for at least an hour. If you can, try marinating overnight in the fridge. Just think of it as your chicken’s spa day! 🛁

3. Cook the Chicken

When you’re ready to roll, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven, and heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sear the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until nicely browned.

Next, pour in the remaining marinade and enough water or chicken broth to cover the chicken. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing! 🤤

4. Shred the Chicken

After the chicken has simmered and is tender enough to shred, remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Try not to eat it all at this stage; we need some for the tacos!

5. Prepare the Consommé

Taste your broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This rich, flavorful broth is what you’ll dip your tacos in for that extra YUM factor.

So, the moment of truth has arrived. Grab your corn tortillas! Here’s how to assemble your tacos:

6. Heat Up the Tortillas

In a clean skillet, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side. Pro tip: adding a little oil can create that crispy goodness we love!

7. Fill ‘er Up

Grab a tortilla, pile on some shredded chicken, and sprinkle with onions and cilantro. Yes, please! Add a drizzle of broth for extra flavor and moisture. Don’t be shy; the more, the merrier! 🎉

8. Serve with Lime

Don’t forget those lime wedges. A squeeze of lime over your tacos — it’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!

Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Birria Experience

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a huge difference in flavor. You don’t have to go crazy, but using decent ingredients will elevate your dish.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicy, feel free to add some chili powder or a jalapeño to the marinade. Otherwise, the guajillo and ancho peppers give a nice flavor without too much heat.
• Make Extra: Seriously, you might want to double this recipe. Trust me, leftovers taste amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Feel free to use beef, pork, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian version. The key is in the marinade!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The chicken can be marinated a day ahead and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What do I do with leftovers?

Leftover chicken birria is fantastic in quesadillas, burritos, or just served over rice.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Your own Viral Chicken Birria Tacos from Scratch! 🎊 I hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I did. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too much about the little details.

Next time the taco craving hits, you’ll be armed with an incredible recipe that’ll have you cooking like a pro! So, who’s ready for taco Tuesdays every day? I know I am!

Now go ahead, gather your friends, and show off your taco prowess. Just don’t forget to take some pictures for the ‘Gram. Oh, and if you happen to have leftovers, can I come over? Just kidding… mostly! 😉

Happy cooking!