Name: Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 tbsp Mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellman’s); 3 tbsp plain full-fat Greek Yogurt; 2 tbsp minced Shallot; 1 tbsp heaping finely chopped Parsley; 1 tbsp heaping finely chopped Cilantro; 1 small clove Garlic, pressed or grated; 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 tsp Red Wine Vinegar; 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt; 2 tsp Avocado Oil; 8 oz Chicken Breast; 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt; 1/2 tsp freshly cracked Black Pepper; 1 small Jalapeno, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion; 1 tbsp finely chopped Cilantro; 6 small Flour Tortillas (about 5″ in diameter); 1 1/2 cups shredded Romaine Lettuce or favorite greens; 1/4 cup thinly sliced Red Onion; 1/2 medium Avocado, sliced or diced; 1/3 cup crumbled Feta Cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a taco night that bursts with vibrant flavors and creamy, tangy goodness, you’re going to love this Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe. Tender shredded chicken mingles perfectly with a zesty, herb-packed chimichurri sauce that’s been given a luscious creamy twist, creating a fresh and exciting twist on classic tacos. Every bite is a celebration of textures and tastes that are guaranteed to brighten up any meal and impress everyone at your table.

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients come together to create a taco experience that’s both satisfying and full of personality. Each item plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken to the punchy chimichurri sauce, adding distinct layers of flavor and texture.

Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base that balances the tanginess of the chimichurri.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds richness and a slight tang for depth in the sauce.
Shallot: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor to the creamy sauce.
Parsley: Offers fresh herbal brightness that is essential for chimichurri.
Cilantro: Gives a distinctive, citrusy aroma and taste to the sauce and chicken.
Garlic: Infuses a fragrant punch to every bite.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances richness and helps meld all sauce ingredients together.
Red Wine Vinegar: Brightens flavors and cuts through the creaminess.
Kosher Salt: Balances and elevates all the components.
Avocado Oil: A neutral oil great for cooking the chicken without overpowering the flavors.
Chicken Breast: The star protein, juicy and easily shredded for perfect taco filling.
Garlic Powder: Adds a concentrated garlic flavor to the chicken.
Black Pepper: Offers subtle heat and complexity.
Jalapeno: Brings a pleasant kick that pairs beautifully with creamy and fresh elements.
Red Onion: Adds crunch and slight sharpness.
Flour Tortillas: Soft, warm vessels that hold all the delicious fillings together.
Romaine Lettuce: Adds crisp freshness inside the tacos.
Avocado: Creamy, buttery texture to complement the chicken and chimichurri.
Feta Cheese: Salty and crumbly topping that adds a delightful contrast.

How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, full-fat Greek yogurt, minced shallot, chopped parsley and cilantro, pressed garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This sauce is the magic that ties all the elements of the taco together—cool, creamy, and bursting with herbaceous flavor.

Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Season the chicken breast evenly with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the chicken breasts until cooked through and golden on the outside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and shred it finely with two forks—tender, juicy pieces are what you’re aiming for here to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Sauté Jalapenos and Red Onions

In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced jalapenos and finely chopped red onion. Toss them in the remaining pan juices to pick up all those flavorful bits left behind. Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan and cook the vegetables until they soften and just start to crisp around the edges. This adds a smoky, spicy dimension that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Vegetables and Cilantro

Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix it in with the jalapenos, onions, and fresh cilantro. Let all the flavors mingle together over low heat for a minute or two before turning the heat off. This step helps meld the ingredients into a cohesive, delicious filling that will be the heart of your tacos.

Step 5: Assemble Your Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Warm the small flour tortillas just until soft and pliable. Layer on shredded romaine lettuce first, then spoon generous amounts of the chicken mixture on top. Add slices or chunks of ripe avocado, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, and finish with a drizzle of the creamy chimichurri sauce. Serve these vibrant tacos right away while warm for an irresistible meal.

How to Serve Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your tacos from great to spectacular. Consider topping with extra chopped cilantro for an herbaceous punch, a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten each bite, or a sprinkle of toasted pepitas for a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy textures.

Side Dishes

These tacos pair wonderfully with simple sides that complement their bold flavors. A Mexican street corn salad, tangy pickled red cabbage, or even a classic black bean and corn salsa bring complementary textures and colors that round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken tacos as a DIY taco bar with bowls of each topping and sauce. Alternatively, load the filling into crispy tostada shells or turn them into taco salad bowls for a casual yet captivating presentation. The creamy chimichurri sauce also doubles as a fantastic dip alongside tortilla chips for snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover shredded chicken and chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate preserves the freshness and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy if you happen to prep your toppings in advance.

Freezing

The cooked shredded chicken filling freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. The creamy chimichurri sauce is best made fresh but can be refrigerated for a day if needed.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep it moist. Warm the tortillas separately in a dry pan or oven to retain their soft texture before assembling the tacos again with fresh toppings and sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken for the tacos?

Absolutely! While chicken breast works excellently for shredding, thigh meat is also a delicious option that offers more juiciness and rich flavor.

Is it possible to make the creamy chimichurri sauce dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and use a non-dairy yogurt alternative to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.

How spicy are these tacos?

The jalapenos provide a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce—mild enough for most palates but easily adjustable by reducing or omitting the jalapenos.

Can I prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The chicken can be cooked and shredded a day ahead, and the chimichurri sauce can be mixed up to a day in advance. Just store separately for the best freshness.

What type of tortillas works best for this recipe?

Small flour tortillas about 5 inches in diameter are perfect for these tacos as they’re soft and flexible, making them easy to fold while holding the filling securely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe that brings bold flavor, ease, and freshness all onto one plate. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for casual weeknights or entertaining friends who appreciate vibrant, well-balanced food. Give this a try—you’ll soon find it’s one of your go-to taco recipes that everyone asks for again and again!