Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4–5 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Chopped onion (for topping)
- Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Soak the dried chilies: Remove stems and seeds from guajillo and ancho chilies, then soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Blend the sauce: Drain the chilies and blend them with onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh to eliminate solids and set aside.
- Season and brown the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, then brown it in a large pot with a little oil over medium heat until golden.
- Add the chili sauce and broth: Pour the chili sauce into the pot, add bay leaves, and cover with chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer until tender: Cover and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. Remove chicken and shred with forks, then set aside.
- Prepare the tortillas: Dip each tortilla briefly into the remaining broth for flavor, then heat in a skillet with a little oil until crispy and warm.
- Fill and fry the tacos: Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken, fold, and fry until crispy on both sides. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Notes
- Use freshly soaked chilies for the best flavor and color.
- Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of dried chilies used.
- For crispy tacos, ensure the tortillas are well-coated in oil during frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (about 125g)
- Calories: 210 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg