If you love bold flavors, crispy tortillas, and juicy, tender meat, then you’re in for a treat! Chicken Birria Tacos are the ultimate fusion of traditional Mexican birria and everyone’s favorite crispy street-style tacos. These tacos are dunked in a rich, flavorful broth (consomé), pan-fried to crispy perfection, and packed with juicy shredded chicken.
Traditionally, birria is made with beef or goat, slow-cooked in a fragrant, spiced broth until it’s fall-apart tender. But this chicken version is quicker, easier, and just as flavorful—making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts.
Imagine biting into a crispy tortilla, filled with spiced shredded chicken, oozing with melty cheese, and dunked into a rich, smoky consomé. It’s pure taco heaven! Plus, this recipe is much faster than traditional birria and can be made in just under an hour.
If you loved my Spicy Chicken Tinga Tacos, you’ll be obsessed with these crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed birria tacos! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish. Let’s dive in! 🌮🔥
Table of Contents
What Are Chicken Birria Tacos?
Let’s break it down, What exactly are Chicken Birria Tacos?
Birria is a traditional Mexican dish made by slow-cooking meat in a flavorful, spiced broth, often served as a stew or shredded for tacos. Typically, beef or goat is used, but in this quicker, lighter version, we swap in chicken for a faster cook time while keeping all the rich flavors.
Why are birria tacos so special? Because they’re not just any tacos they’re:
✔ Dipped in the cooking broth (consomé) before frying
✔ Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
✔ Filled with shredded chicken, melty cheese, and smoky spices
They say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but let’s be honest—these tacos will win over anyone at the dinner table! Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Birria Tacos
1. Juicy, Crispy, & Loaded with Flavor
These tacos are crispy on the outside, cheesy in the middle, and packed with juicy, spiced chicken. Every bite is a flavor explosion!
2. Faster Than Traditional Birria
Unlike slow-cooked beef birria, this chicken version is ready in under an hour—perfect for weeknight dinners!
3. Perfect for Dipping & Sharing
Dunk your tacos into the rich, smoky consomé for the ultimate taco-eating experience. Great for family dinners or taco nights with friends!
If you love crispy tacos, check out my Crunchy Chicken Taquitos Recipe for another irresistible meal idea!
How to Make Chicken Birria Tacos
Quick Overview
✅ Prep Time: 15 minutes
✅ Cook Time: 40 minutes
✅ Total Time: 55 minutes
✅ Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
📌 Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor!
Key Ingredients for Chicken Birria Tacos
🛒 For the Chicken & Consomé (Broth):
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 dried guajillo chiles, stems & seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chiles (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
🧀 For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Birria Sauce
- In a dry skillet, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chiles to a bowl of hot water and soak for 10 minutes to soften.
- In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chipotle, vinegar, and spices. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Pour in the blended sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken thighs and chicken broth.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, then shred the chicken with two forks.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Dip a corn tortilla into the birria broth and place it on the skillet.
- Add shredded chicken and cheese onto one half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla over and cook until crispy and golden brown.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
What to Serve with Chicken Birria Tacos
🌶️ Mexican Discada Recipe – versatility and flavor.
🥑 Homemade Guacamole – Fresh and flavorful.
🍚 Mexican Rice – A perfect pairing with the tacos.
🥤 Horchata – A sweet and refreshing drink to balance the spice.
For more sides, check out my Best Side Dishes for Tacos Guide!
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Birria Tacos
✔ Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
✔ Crisp the Tortillas – A well-crisped taco adds the perfect crunch!
✔ Dip & Fry – Always dip the tortillas in broth before frying for maximum flavor.
✔ Let the Chicken Rest – This helps the meat absorb even more flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftover chicken & broth for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat tacos in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds, but tacos may lose crispiness.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Make These Tacos!
Now that you know how to make Chicken Birria Tacos, it’s time to bring this crispy, juicy, cheesy dish to your table! Whether you’re making them for Taco Tuesday, game night, or a weekend feast, these tacos are guaranteed to WOW your taste buds.
If you’re looking for more delicious tacos, try my Chipotle Chicken Tacos next!
So, grab your tortillas and get ready to dip, fry, and devour!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for birria tacos?
Yes! While chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicier, chicken breasts work too. Just be sure to simmer them gently and shred them while still moist to avoid dryness.
2. What’s the best cheese for Chicken Birria Tacos?
The best options are Oaxaca cheese (melty and mild) or mozzarella. You can also use Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses for extra flavor.
3. Can I make Chicken Birria Tacos in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broth (consomé) up to 3 days ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and assemble fresh!
4. How do I keep my tacos crispy after frying?
For maximum crispiness:
✔ Use medium-high heat when frying.
✔ Place fried tacos on a wire rack (not on a plate) to prevent sogginess.
✔ Serve immediately for the best crunch!
5. Can I freeze leftover Chicken Birria?
Yes! Store shredded chicken and broth in separate airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to help! 😊🌮🔥