How to make birria chicken tacos?

Introduction: Birria Chicken Tacos

Birria chicken tacos are a popular Mexican dish that originated in the state of Jalisco. The dish consists of shredded chicken that has been marinated in a spicy sauce made of chilies, herbs, and spices, and then slow-cooked until tender. The chicken is then served on a soft corn tortilla and topped with onions, cilantro, and a flavorful consommé.

Birria chicken tacos have gained popularity in recent years, not only in Mexico but also in the United States. They are a perfect dish for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a party with friends. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make delicious birria chicken tacos at home.

Ingredients for Birria Chicken Tacos

Before starting to make birria chicken tacos, gather all the ingredients you will need. Here is a list of the key ingredients:

• 2 lbs of chicken breast or thighs
• 4 dried guajillo chilies
• 2 dried ancho chilies
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of oregano
• 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 16 corn tortillas
• 1 cup of chopped onion
• 1 cup of chopped cilantro

Make sure to buy high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or Mexican market.

Preparing the Birria Chicken

To prepare the birria chicken, start by removing any excess fat from the chicken and cutting it into small pieces. Then, prepare the marinade by toasting the dried chilies in a dry pan until fragrant. Remove the stems and seeds from the chilies and soak them in hot water for 15 minutes.

Next, blend the chilies with the garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth paste. Pour the chili paste over the chicken and mix well to ensure that all the pieces are coated. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

After marinating, heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the chicken and marinade. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.

Making the Birria Tacos Consommé

To make the consommé, strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a separate pot. Bring the liquid to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it reduces and thickens slightly. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Assembling the Tacos: Tortillas and Chicken

To assemble the tacos, heat the corn tortillas over a hot griddle or in a dry pan until they are warm and pliable. Add a spoonful of the birria chicken to each tortilla and fold it in half.

Adding Toppings to Your Birria Chicken Tacos

Top the tacos with chopped onion and cilantro. You can also add other toppings such as sliced radishes, avocado, or queso fresco.

Pairing Your Birria Chicken Tacos with Salsa

Serve your birria chicken tacos with a side of salsa. You can make your own salsa by blending tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. You can also use store-bought salsa or hot sauce.

Serving Birria Chicken Tacos with Lime Wedges

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Birria Chicken Tacos

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
• Simmer the chicken until it is tender and falls apart easily.
• Skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the consommé.
• Heat the tortillas before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Birria Tacos

Q: Can I use beef instead of chicken for birria tacos?
A: Yes, beef is a traditional option for birria tacos.

Q: Can I make birria tacos in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the birria chicken and consommé in advance and reheat them before serving.

Q: Can I freeze birria chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the birria chicken for up to 3 months.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Birria Chicken Tacos

Birria chicken tacos are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps to make your own birria chicken tacos at home and enjoy them with your favorite toppings and salsa. With a little patience and effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that your family and friends will love.

Recipe: Birria Chicken Tacos

• 2 lbs of chicken breast or thighs
• 4 dried guajillo chilies
• 2 dried ancho chilies
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of oregano
• 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 16 corn tortillas
• 1 cup of chopped onion
• 1 cup of chopped cilantro

1. Remove any excess fat from the chicken and cut it into small pieces.
2. Toast the dried chilies in a dry pan until fragrant. Remove the stems and seeds from the chilies and soak them in hot water for 15 minutes.
3. Blend the chilies with the garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth paste.
4. Pour the chili paste over the chicken and mix well to coat. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the chicken and marinade. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
6. Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a separate pot. Bring the liquid to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it reduces and thickens slightly. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
8. Heat the tortillas over a hot griddle or in a dry pan until they are warm and pliable. Add a spoonful of the birria chicken to each tortilla and fold it in half.
9. Top the tacos with chopped onion and cilantro. Serve with salsa and lime wedges.