If you’re anything like me, you love testing new recipes that fill your kitchen with incredible aromas and your plate with unforgettable flavors. That’s exactly what happened the first time I tried this Chicken Birria Tacos Recipe.

The tender, slow-cooked chicken combined with bold spices and the gentle heat of dried chilies wrapped up in crispy tortillas? Pure magic. Each bite had me savoring the rich, complex Mexican flavors, and trust me, this recipe is worth every minute.

Whether I’m cooking for family, celebrating a weekend, or just enjoying a solo treat, these tacos bring a little fiesta to the table every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, here’s why I think you’re going to adore this recipe.

Bursting with Flavor

The combination of toasted chilies, garlic, and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves creates a bold flavor profile. Pair that with the juicy, tender chicken, and every bite is practically a celebration of vibrant Mexican cuisine.

Easy to Customize

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Prefer it spicier? Add extra chilies. Love cheesy tacos? Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. You can really make these tacos your own.

A Crowd-Pleaser

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual party, these tacos are guaranteed to impress. Serve them with lime wedges and a variety of toppings, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds (or thirds).

Perfect for Leftovers

The richly spiced chicken stays tender and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for next-day tacos, bowls, or even quesadillas.

Comfort Food Made Exciting

While tacos are fun and casual, the deep, layered flavors of these Chicken Birria Tacos elevate them into something truly special.

Cooking Time

This recipe is fairly straightforward but does require some patience to get those deep, rich flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 cups chicken broth
4 dried guajillo chilies
2 dried ancho chilies
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup reserved chili soaking water
2 additional cloves garlic (for adobo sauce)
1/2 teaspoon cumin (for adobo sauce)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (for adobo sauce)
1 teaspoon paprika

For Serving

Corn tortillas
Fresh cilantro
Red onions
Lime wedges

Variations

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Spice Adjustment: For lighter heat, reduce the chilies. For more kick, add a chili de árbol or some cayenne.
Cheesier Option: Add some melted cheese on the tortilla for a stretchy, gooey twist.
Gluten-Free: Stick to gluten-free corn tortillas (most are by default).
Vegetarian Twist: Swap out chicken for jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms.

Equipment You’ll Need

Skillet for toasting chilies.
Blender to whip up the adobo sauce.
Large Pot for cooking the chicken.
Tongs for flipping tortillas while warming.

How to Make Chicken Birria Tacos?

Here’s how to make these mouthwatering tacos step by step.

Step 1: Toast the Chilies 🌶️

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the dried guajillo and ancho chilies for about 20 seconds per side. Toasting brings out their oils and intensifies their flavor. Once they smell fragrant, remove them, and soak them in hot water until they soften.

Step 2: Prepare the Adobo Sauce 🍅

Once the chilies are soft, blend them with garlic, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, and about half a cup of the soaking water. Blend until smooth, and set the sauce aside. The smokiness and spice combo really comes alive here.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken 🥘

Season your chicken thighs with cumin, oregano, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Sear them in a large pot with a bit of oil until they’re golden brown on all sides. This locks in the flavor and creates a great base.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Birria 🍗

Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot, and cook until they’re translucent. Pour in the adobo sauce and chicken broth, giving it all a good stir. Cover the pot and simmer for 30–40 minutes, letting the flavors develop and the chicken become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken 🍴

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Put it back in the pot and simmer for another 10–15 minutes, so it soaks up all those amazing spices.

Step 6: Warm Your Tortillas 🌮

Use a skillet or microwave to warm your corn tortillas until they’re pliable. This will make them easy to fold and less likely to fall apart.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve 🍋

Spoon the juicy shredded chicken onto each tortilla and top with cilantro and red onions. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose Fresh Spices: Using fresh spices enhances the dish’s aromatic qualities.
Toast with Care: Keep a close eye on the chilies while toasting to avoid burning them.
Simmer Low and Slow: For the most tender chicken and robust flavor, don’t rush the cooking process.
Prep Ahead: You can make the adobo sauce a day ahead for easy assembly.

How to Serve Chicken Birria Tacos?

Presentation is key with these tacos! Stack them on a plate with a colorful variety of garnishes on the side, like lime wedges, diced avocado, or even a drizzle of crema. For an extra fancy touch, serve them with a small bowl of consommé (the leftover cooking liquid) for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick rundown of the nutrition per serving.

Calories: 280
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 14g

Make Ahead and Storage

Cooking ahead? No problem!

The chicken birria can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, store it in small portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Chicken Birria Tacos are the perfect blend of bold flavors, juicy textures, and endless customizations. Once you’ve made them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. Cheers to your taco night! 🌮

Step-by-step help in this video: