If you’re looking to take your taco night to the next level, Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce will absolutely steal the show. These vibrant, flavor-packed tacos combine tender chicken, a cool and tangy chimichurri sauce, and all your favorite fixings—giving you a meal that’s both effortless and truly special. With every bite, you’ll taste the lively herbs, the gentle heat of red pepper flakes, and the savory goodness of juicy chicken, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce is how the simple ingredients work together to create big, fresh flavors. Each element adds its own character—crunch, creaminess, color, or zest—making every taco a little celebration.
- Shredded chicken: Rotisserie or poached chicken works perfectly here, saving you time while delivering tender, juicy bites.
- Corn or flour tortillas: Small tortillas are ideal for handheld tacos—choose corn for a gluten-free option or flour for a softer bite.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and a pop of green to each taco.
- Diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and color, balancing out the richness of the sauce and cheese.
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta: This tangy, salty cheese finishes the tacos with a creamy, savory touch.
- Olive oil: Used to quickly reheat and flavor the chicken, adding a hint of richness.
- Fresh parsley: The heart of the chimichurri, it delivers vibrant herbal notes and a deep green hue.
- Fresh cilantro: Just a bit adds an unmistakable fresh, citrusy kick to the sauce.
- Garlic clove: One clove is all you need to add depth and gentle heat to the chimichurri.
- Red wine vinegar: Gives the sauce its signature tang, brightening the whole dish.
- Olive oil (for sauce): Blends everything together and creates that creamy texture we love.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Makes the chimichurri sauce lusciously creamy and mellow.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out and balancing the flavors of the sauce and chicken.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Step 1: Make the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Start by blending up all the ingredients for the creamy chimichurri sauce: parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything into your blender or food processor, and blend until the mixture is smooth and vibrant green. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—it should be tangy, herby, and just a little bit spicy.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Next, get your tortillas ready. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in foil and pop them into a low oven while you prepare the chicken. Warm tortillas are so much easier to fold (and eat), and they make the tacos extra inviting.
Step 3: Heat and Flavor the Chicken
Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a skillet and toss in your shredded chicken. Stir and heat until just warmed through—it should only take a couple of minutes. Then, pour in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the creamy chimichurri sauce and toss the chicken so it gets evenly coated in all that delicious flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part! Divide the saucy chicken among the warm tortillas. Top each one with a handful of shredded lettuce, a scoop of diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of crumbled cheese, and, of course, a generous drizzle of that creamy chimichurri sauce. Serve immediately while everything is perfectly fresh and warm.
How to Serve Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, offer a variety of garnishes alongside your Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce. Think extra chopped herbs, lime wedges for a bright squeeze of citrus, thinly sliced radishes for crunch, or even pickled onions if you want a bit of zing. Each garnish lets your guests customize their tacos to their taste.
Side Dishes
Round out your taco night with sides that complement the bold flavors of these tacos. Consider serving a simple black bean salad, grilled corn on the cob, or a bowl of classic Mexican rice. If you’re in the mood for something light, a crisp cucumber and avocado salad is refreshing and easy to put together.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting friends or family, set up a DIY taco bar with all the toppings in little bowls so everyone can build their own Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce just the way they like. For a fun twist, serve the tacos on a big platter lined with lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or transform the filling into nachos by layering it over tortilla chips and broiling with cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the tortillas, cheese, and veggies unassembled until you’re ready to enjoy more tacos—this way, everything stays fresh and nothing gets soggy.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead for busy days, the shredded chicken (without toppings) and creamy chimichurri sauce both freeze beautifully. Store the chicken and sauce in separate freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, place it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. Warm the tortillas as you did before, and assemble your tacos fresh for the best texture and flavor. If the chimichurri thickens in the fridge, just stir in a teaspoon of water or olive oil to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more flavorful and juicy, making them a fantastic option for Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce. Just cook and shred them as you would chicken breast.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy chimichurri sauce?
If you’re avoiding dairy, swap the sour cream or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a cashew-based cream. The sauce will still turn out wonderfully creamy and delicious.
How spicy is the chimichurri sauce?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but the sauce isn’t overly spicy. If you love heat, feel free to add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to dial it up.
Can I prep any components in advance?
Definitely! You can make the chimichurri sauce and prep all the toppings a day ahead. The chicken can also be cooked and shredded in advance, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to eat.
What are the best tortillas for these tacos?
Either corn or flour tortillas work well for Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce. Corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor and are gluten-free, while flour tortillas are soft and pliable—it really comes down to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about sharing a plate of Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce with friends or family. With its bold colors, fresh flavors, and easy prep, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!
