Easy Chicken Birria Tacos – Perfect for Taco Lovers

If you haven’t tried Chicken Birria Tacos yet, you’re in for a treat! These tacos are crispy, juicy, and bursting with bold Mexican flavors. Served with a rich, spiced consommé (broth) for dipping, they’re the ultimate comfort food.

While most people are familiar with traditional Beef Birria Tacos, this chicken version is just as delicious—if not better! It’s lighter, healthier, and still packs all that deep, smoky flavor. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a beginner, this guide will teach you how to make authentic Chicken Birria Tacos at home.

💡 Fun Fact: The word “birria” in Spanish means “exquisite, savory dish”—a perfect description of this mouthwatering meal!

What Are Chicken Birria Tacos?

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these tacos special.

Birria comes from Jalisco, Mexico, where it’s traditionally made with goat or beef. However, using chicken makes it quicker to cook, easier to digest, and just as flavorful.

Chicken Birria Tacos are made by slow-cooking chicken in a spiced broth, shredding it, stuffing it into tortillas, and frying them until crispy. The real magic happens when you dip the tacos in the consommé—a smoky, tangy, and savory broth that takes the dish to another level.

Key Features of Chicken Birria Tacos:

• ✔ Crispy yet juicy – The perfect balance of textures.
• ✔ Bold flavors – Packed with chilies, garlic, and warm spices.
• ✔ Dippable delight – Served with consommé for extra flavor.
• ✔ Healthier than beef – Lighter but still rich and satisfying.

The Origin of Birria and Its Evolution

Birria is a dish with deep roots. It was originally a slow-cooked stew made with goat meat, cooked for hours in a chili-based sauce. Over time, beef, lamb, and even chicken variations became popular.

Did You Know? Birria was initially created during the Spanish colonization of Mexico. The indigenous people used local spices to tenderize and flavor tough cuts of meat!

But here’s where things get interesting…

In recent years, Birria Tacos have exploded in popularity, thanks to social media. Videos of crispy, cheese-filled tacos dipped into deep-red consommé have gone viral, making this dish a must-try sensation worldwide.

Why Are Chicken Birria Tacos So Popular?

So, what’s the secret behind their crazy popularity? Let’s break it down:

1. The Social Media Craze

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, you’ve probably seen videos of birria tacos being dipped into consommé. That cheesy pull? That crispy bite? That steaming hot broth? It’s pure food porn!

2. A Healthier Alternative to Beef

Beef birria is delicious but heavy. Chicken birria offers the same smoky, spicy, and rich taste without being too greasy. It’s also:

• Lower in fat
• Easier to digest
• Quicker to cook

3. Flavor Explosion

One bite and you get crispy, juicy, cheesy, smoky, and spicy all at once. The layers of flavor in every bite make it completely addictive!

Now that you’re convinced you NEED to try this, let’s get into the ingredients!

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Birria Tacos

You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients, but getting the right ones is crucial for that authentic flavor.

Best Cuts of Chicken for Birria

For the juiciest, most flavorful birria, use:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Best for deep flavor.
• Chicken drumsticks – Adds richness to the broth.
• Boneless chicken breasts – If you prefer leaner meat.

Traditional Spices & Marinade

The heart of any good birria is in the marinade! Here’s what you’ll need:

All these ingredients come together to create an incredibly rich, smoky, and slightly sweet marinade that will infuse the chicken with bold flavors.

The Importance of Consommé (Dipping Broth)

The consommé is what sets birria tacos apart from regular tacos. It’s a deeply flavorful broth made by simmering the marinated chicken with spices and tomatoes. When done right, it’s savory, spicy, slightly tangy, and full of umami. Plus, it’s perfect for dipping!

What’s Next? Cooking the Chicken & Making the Tacos!

Now that we’ve covered the history, popularity, and key ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! In the next part, we’ll go step-by-step on how to prepare, cook, and assemble the perfect Chicken Birria Tacos. Stay tuned!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Birria Tacos

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the most flavorful and crispy Chicken Birria Tacos.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

The secret to a perfect birria taco is in the marination process. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the deep, smoky, and spicy flavors.

Instructions:

1. Toast the dried chilies (guajillo, ancho) in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Soak the toasted chilies in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
3. In a blender, combine:
   • Soaked chilies
   • Chipotle peppers in adobo
   • Garlic cloves
   • Vinegar, cumin, paprika, cinnamon
   • 1 cup of chicken broth
   Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for deeper flavor).

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes. But for maximum flavor, let it sit overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Now, let’s cook that beautifully marinated chicken!

Cooking Options:

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat a pot with a little oil.
2. Brown the marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Add remaining marinade, bay leaves, and 2 cups of chicken broth.
4. Simmer for 45 minutes (or until the chicken is tender).
5. Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the broth.

💡 Pro Tip: If your broth is too thick, add more chicken stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Now for the fun part—assembling and crisping up these tacos!

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
2. Dip corn tortillas into the consommé (the cooking broth).
3. Place the tortilla in the hot pan and add shredded birria chicken.
4. Sprinkle some shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and press down gently.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.

Once they’re crispy and golden, remove from the pan and serve hot!

Step 4: Serve with Consommé

No birria taco is complete without that rich, flavorful consommé.

To Serve:

• Strain the leftover birria broth.
• Pour into small bowls.
• Top with chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.
• Dip your tacos into the consommé for the ultimate experience!

💡 Pro Tip: Want extra flavor? Fry your tacos in a little lard or butter instead of oil!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Making birria tacos isn’t difficult, but there are some common mistakes that can ruin the experience. Here’s how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: Overcooking or Undercooking the Chicken

Solution: The chicken should be tender but not mushy. If it’s dry, it’s overcooked. If it’s chewy, it needs more time!

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Tortillas

Solution: Always use corn tortillas. Flour tortillas get too soft and don’t crisp up properly.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Marination Process

Solution: Don’t rush! Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least an hour.

Mistake #4: Not Achieving the Right Consistency for the Consommé

Solution: If it’s too thin, simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add more broth!

Final Thoughts for This Section

At this point, you’ve mastered the art of making Chicken Birria Tacos from scratch! You’ve prepared the marinade, cooked the chicken, assembled the tacos, and even made a delicious consommé for dipping.

Best Side Dishes and Garnishes for Chicken Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are already packed with flavor, but the right side dishes and garnishes can take them to another level. Whether you want something fresh, creamy, or crunchy, here are the best accompaniments.

Classic Mexican Sides

• Mexican Rice – A perfect side that balances the rich flavors of birria.
• Refried Beans – Adds a creamy, savory contrast to the crispy tacos.
• Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn with mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder.

Toppings That Elevate the Flavor

• Diced onions and cilantro – A classic, fresh touch.
• Pickled red onions – Adds a tangy bite.
• Avocado slices or guacamole – For a creamy, rich contrast.
• Queso fresco – A mild, crumbly cheese that pairs perfectly.
• Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime brings out all the flavors.

💡 Pro Tip: Want an extra kick? Serve with a side of spicy salsa verde!

Variations of Chicken Birria Tacos

Once you’ve mastered the traditional version, you can get creative with these fun variations.

Spicy Chicken Birria Tacos

For those who love extra heat, add extra chipotle peppers and a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also drizzle tacos with spicy habanero salsa.

Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Birria Tacos

Love cheese? Add a layer of melted Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese inside the taco before folding. This creates a gooey, cheesy center.

Keto and Low-Carb Chicken Birria Tacos

For a low-carb version, replace corn tortillas with cheese tortillas (melt cheese in a pan, let it crisp, then fold it into a taco shape).

💡 Did You Know? Some people make birria bowls—skipping tortillas and serving the chicken over rice or greens.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Birria Tacos

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—these tacos store and reheat beautifully!

How to Store

• Shredded Chicken Birria: Store in an airtight container with some consommé to keep it moist. Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Consommé: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Assembled Tacos: Store in the fridge for 2 days. Best to store the components separately.

How to Reheat

💡 Best Method: The skillet is the best way to restore crispiness while keeping the tacos flavorful.

FAQs About Chicken Birria Tacos

Can I Use Different Meats Instead of Chicken?

Yes! Traditional birria is made with beef, goat, or lamb. If you prefer something lighter, turkey works well too.

How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. If possible, let it marinate overnight.

What’s the Best Way to Store Birria Consommé?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Make Birria Tacos Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the birria chicken and consommé ahead of time, then assemble and fry the tacos just before serving.

Why You Need to Try Chicken Birria Tacos Today

By now, you should have everything you need to make amazing Chicken Birria Tacos at home. From marinating the chicken to dipping your crispy tacos into consommé, every step brings out layers of flavor.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and treat yourself to one of the most delicious tacos you’ll ever taste!

💡 Final Tip: Make extra—you’ll definitely want seconds!

Chicken Birria Tacos

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• Author: Chef Grace
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Birria Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Make the Birria Sauce

• In a saucepan, bring the dried chilies and 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Let them soften for 10 minutes.
• Blend chilies, chipotle, onion, garlic, vinegar, and spices with the broth until smooth.

Cook the Chicken

• In a slow cooker or pot, add the chicken and pour the sauce over it. Add bay leaves.
• Cook on low for 4-5 hours (or simmer on the stove for 1.5 hours) until the chicken is tender.
• Shred the chicken and mix it back into the sauce.

Crisp the Tacos

• Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip tortillas in the birria consommé, then cook in the skillet.
• Add cheese and shredded chicken, fold, and cook until crispy.

Serve & Enjoy

• Top with cilantro, onions, and lime. Dunk into the consommé and savor the magic!

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 45 min

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