Mexican Shredded Chicken In a Jar Recipe
Mexican Shredded Chicken in a Jar is a flavorful and convenient recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken packed with bold Mexican spices. The chicken is simmered in a delicious combination of tomatoes, green chilies, garlic, and a mix of aromatic spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika, creating a savory base. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and stored in jars, making it perfect for meal prepping or storing for later use. This recipe can be served in tacos, burritos, salads, or as a topping for rice or bowls. It’s a time-saving, versatile dish that brings the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine into your home with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with green chilies, if preferred)
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the chicken breasts, onion, and garlic.
Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
Simmer the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the sauce and stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
Store in Jars:
Using tongs or a ladle, fill mason jars or airtight containers with the shredded chicken mixture, ensuring there’s enough sauce to keep the chicken moist.
Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before sealing the jars or containers.
Serve:
Serve the shredded chicken in tacos, burritos, salads, or with rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes:
Storage: This chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just ensure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing.
Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in jars for quick meals throughout the week.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or add more heat with jalapeños or hot sauce.
No Canned Tomatoes: If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes, fresh diced tomatoes can work just fine.
Crockpot Option: To make this in a slow cooker, place all ingredients into the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken after cooking.
Tips:
Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer using bone-in chicken, you’ll need to cook it longer, and it will add extra flavor to the broth. Just be sure to remove the bones after cooking.
Double the Recipe: If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot. You can freeze extra portions for later use.
Adjust for Salt: Taste the chicken after shredding and adjust the salt levels if needed, especially if you’re using store-bought broth, which may already be salty.
Squeeze Lime: For an added kick, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken before serving.
Nutritional Info (per serving):
Calories: 225 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 75mg
Potassium: 480mg
This Mexican Shredded Chicken in a Jar recipe is a versatile and flavorful option for easy meals. You can use it in multiple dishes, and it’s perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy!