Easy Mexican Shredded Chicken – 3 Ways
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Easy Mexican Shredded Chicken, three simple ingredients, three ways to cook it, and a host of ideas on how to use this savory main ingredient.
With life speeding ahead and weeknights more hectic than ever, I find myself looking for quick ideas and easy ways to prep meals. This Easy Mexican Shredded Chicken is a favorite in our house. It’s so versatile and simple.
I love to make this on a Sunday afternoon and have it ready for weekday meals. With a mere three ingredients, it’s incredibly simple. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, and your favorite salsa. That’s it!
3 Ways to Make Mexican Shredded Chicken
• Slow Cooker
• Stove Top/Skillet
• Instant Pot
Scroll down for instructions on each method.
Ways to Use Mexican Shredded Chicken
• Enchiladas
• Taco Salad
• Tacos
• Pizza
• Tossed with veggies and served over a healthy grain like Quinoa or over pasta
• Skillet Spinach and Chicken Enchilada Pie
• Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
• Chicken wrap with sauteed napa cabbage
Salsa
We love our own homemade salsa, but if you’re looking for store-bought salsas with great reviews, these top 4 consistently have the highest votes. All are national brands available in most markets.
• Green Mountain Gringo Salsa
• Tostitos Chunky Salsa
• Frontera Chunky Tomato Salsa
• Pace Medium Chunky Salsa
Easy Mexican Shredded Chicken – 3 Ways
Description
Easy Mexican Shredded Chicken, three simple ingredients, three ways to cook it, and a host of ideas on how to use this savory main ingredient.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup salsa (store-bought or a 1-minute homemade salsa)
Instructions
Place the chicken thighs into a slow cooker along with the olive oil and salsa. Cook on high heat 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is falling apart. Using 2 forks, shred the chicken while still in the slow cooker and mix with the salsa in the slow cooker.
Heat a large skillet with olive oil over high heat. Then add the chicken to the skillet and sear on both sides until the chicken is golden brown. Add the salsa to the skillet and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for 25-30 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken to the other side, cover and cook for the remaining time. Using 2 forks, shred the chicken and then use as needed.
Turn the Instant Pot onto the saute setting. Add the olive oil. Using a pair of tongs, add the chicken to the pot and sear on both sides for 3 minutes each side, or until the chicken is golden brown. Add the salsa, close the lid and set the Instant Pot to the poultry setting. When the Instant Pot is done, remove the chicken and shred with 2 forks and serve as needed.
