These shredded chicken tacos are a tasty treat! They come wrapped in soft tortillas and are topped with a bright and creamy chimichurri sauce that adds a zesty punch!
Trust me, once you taste the fresh herbs mixed with garlic and tangy vinegar, you won’t want to go back to regular tacos. I love adding extra sauce—I can never get enough! 🌮😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken works too. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using shredded jackfruit or chickpeas.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and delicious, but flour tortillas have a nice softness. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn or gluten-free tortillas. I prefer to warm them to add a bit of flavor and flexibility!
Spinach or Lettuce: Fresh spinach adds a nice touch, but iceberg or romaine lettuce provides a satisfying crunch. You can substitute with any leafy greens you enjoy, such as kale or arugula.
Avocado: Avocados add creaminess and good fats. If they’re not in season, try using guacamole or even a spreadable vegan avocado. You might also enjoy adding sliced radishes for a crunchy alternative.
Creamy Chimichurri Sauce: Traditional chimichurri is made with olive oil and vinegar, but you can adjust it by using lemon juice instead of vinegar. If you’re not keen on yogurt or sour cream, try cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Make the Perfect Creamy Chimichurri Sauce?
The chimichurri sauce is the star of this dish, so it’s important to make it right! Start with fresh herbs for the best flavor. When blending, pulse the ingredients just enough so they mix well but still have some texture. Here’s how:
- Combine parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
- Add Greek yogurt or sour cream and blend until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups fresh spinach or lettuce
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, tightly packed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, tightly packed
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making the sauce and another 10 minutes warming the tortillas and assembling the tacos. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:
Start by making the creamy chimichurri sauce. In a food processor, add the fresh parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pulse everything together until it’s finely chopped and well-mixed. Then, add the Greek yogurt or sour cream and blend again until the sauce is creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you want!
2. Warm the Tortillas:
Next, grab a skillet and put it over medium heat. Place your tortillas in the skillet and warm them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they are soft and pliable. Once warmed, keep the tortillas nice and cozy wrapped in a towel while you finish the tacos.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tasty tacos! Take a warmed tortilla and add a generous scoop of shredded chicken in the center. Then layer on some fresh spinach or lettuce, a few slices of avocado, and a handful of halved cherry tomatoes. Feel free to add as much or as little as you’d like!
4. Drizzle with Sauce:
Once your tacos are beautifully filled, take that creamy chimichurri sauce and drizzle it generously over the top of each taco. The more, the merrier!
5. Serve:
Finally, sprinkle a bit of extra salt and pepper on top if you wish. Serve your delicious shredded chicken tacos right away and enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Shredded Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought shredded chicken is a great time-saver. Just look for plain or lightly seasoned options to control the flavor of your tacos. You can also use rotisserie chicken—just shred it and you’re good to go!
How Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce Spicier?
If you’re looking to amp up the spice level, simply add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when blending the sauce. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika as well!
What’s The Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
While tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the taco integrity. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and tortillas and assemble your tacos fresh!
Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the creamy chimichurri sauce up to 3 days in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier!
