Zesty Shredded Chicken Filling
This versatile and flavorful shredded chicken filling is perfect for enhancing a wide variety of Latin American dishes. Whether you're making empanadas, tacos, or even a spicy taco salad, this recipe ensures a juicy and aromatic addition to your meal. With the option of substituting cilantro with fresh parsley, this dish offers a personalizable flavor profile that caters to different taste preferences.
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breast
1 lb (boiled)
Yellow onion
1 medium (half sliced, half diced)
Serrano or jalapeno chiles
2 (sliced, boiled)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
Garlic cloves
2 (diced)
Fresh parsley leaves
to taste (diced)
Instructions
1
1. In a pot of boiling water, cook the chicken breast along with half of the sliced onion and the chiles until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before shredding into bite-sized or smaller pieces.
3
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and parsley. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
4
4. Optional: Add the boiled chiles from the pot to the skillet for an extra layer of heat and flavor. Cook for an additional minute.
5
5. Combine the shredded chicken with the sautéed onion mixture. Stir well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly mixed with the aromatics.
6
6. Use this zesty shredded chicken as a filling for empanadas, taquitos, burritos, or as a topping for a taco salad. Get creative and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Shredded Chicken Filling?
It is a versatile and flavorful chicken preparation perfect for Latin American dishes like empanadas, tacos, and salads.
What dishes can I make with this filling?
You can use it for empanadas, taquitos, burritos, tacos, or as a protein-packed topping for a spicy taco salad.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 3 servings.
What is the primary protein used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of chicken breast, which is boiled and then shredded.
Which types of chiles are suggested?
You can use either 2 Serrano or 2 Jalapeno chiles depending on your heat preference.
Can I substitute the fresh parsley?
Yes, you can substitute the fresh parsley with cilantro if you prefer a different herb profile common in Latin dishes.
How is the chicken cooked?
The chicken is cooked in a pot of boiling water along with sliced onions and chiles until it is tender.
How do I prepare the yellow onion?
One medium yellow onion is used; half is sliced for the boiling process, and the other half is diced for sautéing.
What is the secret to the aromatic flavor?
Sautéing diced onions, garlic, and parsley in olive oil before mixing with the chicken creates a deeply aromatic base.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, for extra heat, you can add the boiled chiles into the skillet when sautéing the aromatics.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as both 'easy' and 'quick', making it ideal for a fast family-friendly meal.
How should I shred the chicken?
Let the chicken cool slightly after boiling, then shred it into bite-sized or smaller pieces.
What oil should I use for frying the aromatics?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 diced garlic cloves to add flavor to the chicken filling.
What culture's cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is inspired by Latin American flavors and culinary styles.
Is this chicken filling juicy?
Yes, the boiling and sautéing process ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Can this be used for meal prep?
Absolutely, this versatile filling can be made in advance and used across different meals throughout the week.
How long do I cook the onions in the skillet?
Cook the diced onions for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly, as the heat level can be adjusted by choosing different chiles.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe uses 6 main ingredients: chicken, onion, chiles, olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
Do I include the boiling liquid in the filling?
The instructions do not specify using the liquid, but rather combining the shredded meat with the sautéed mixture.
How do I prepare the parsley?
The fresh parsley leaves should be diced and added to the skillet with the garlic and onions.
Can I use this for taquitos?
Yes, the shredded texture makes it an excellent choice for rolling into taquitos.
Is the onion boiled or fried?
Both; half is sliced and boiled with the chicken, while the other half is diced and fried in the skillet.
Is this a spicy recipe?
It can be spicy depending on whether you use Serrano or Jalapeno chiles and if you include them in the final mix.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken is tender and shredded, allowing it to soak up the flavors of the sautéed garlic and onions.
Can I use this as a salad topping?
Yes, it is specifically recommended as a topping for a zesty taco salad.
What heat level should I use for the skillet?
You should use medium heat when sautéing the aromatics in olive oil.
How do I combine the chicken and the aromatics?
Simply add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed mixture and stir well until thoroughly combined.
Is the chicken breast prepared before boiling?
The instructions imply boiling the breast whole or in large pieces and then shredding it after it is cooked.