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Simple and Fast Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe Ready in 10 Minutes


  • Total Time: 2.5-24.5 hours including marinating
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-free, high-protein

Description

🌮 This Simple and Fast Mexican Shredded Chicken recipe bursts with fresh, zesty flavors thanks to a vibrant cilantro and lime marinade.
⏱️ Ready in just 10 minutes of active cooking, it offers a quick, delicious solution for busy weeknights or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from about 3 limes)
1/4 cup light olive oil (or canola/vegetable oil as alternatives)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts/thighs cut into bite-sized pieces)


Instructions

1. Blend cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, oregano, chili powder, onion powder, and black pepper until finely chopped and combined.
2. Place chicken in a storage bag or container; pour marinade over and coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (450-500°F). Lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill chicken: 6-7 minutes per side if whole, or 8-10 minutes total if in bite-sized pieces, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove chicken, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Alternative stovetop method: Cook bite-sized chicken pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through.

Notes

🌿 Use boneless skinless thighs for moist, tender results; breasts or rotisserie chicken can also be used.
🔥 Cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces shortens cooking time for faster meals.
🍋 Always use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor in the marinade.

  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Marinating time: 2-24 hours
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (whole) or 8-10 minutes (bite-sized)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0.3-6 g (depending on additions)
  • Sodium: 630 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg