If you love tacos but want to try something that feels fresh and a bit fancy, you’re going to adore this Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Recipe. It’s got that perfect combo of tender, juicy chicken, a bright, herb-packed creamy chimichurri sauce, and the satisfying crunch of fresh veggies. Honestly, it’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m craving something that feels homemade but doesn’t take forever to pull together.

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony: The creamy chimichurri sauce balances the smoky, spicy chicken perfectly, adding freshness and a little tanginess that’s irresistible.
Juicy Shredded Chicken: Cooking the chicken breast just right and letting it rest creates tender, easy-to-shred meat that soaks up all the flavors.
Quick and Accessible: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes—weekday dinner, nailed!
Customizable: You can easily swap proteins or tweak spice levels to make the tacos perfect for your family or guests.

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri, chicken taco ideas, easy chicken tacos, fresh chimichurri sauce, flavorful taco recipes - Three white soft tacos are placed closely on a metal tray with a white marbled surface underneath. Each taco has a layer of light green lettuce at the bottom, followed by orange shredded chicken mixed with bits of red onion and dark green sliced jalapeños. On top of the chicken is a sprinkle of white crumbly cheese. Thin slices of bright green avocado are tucked on the side of the tacos. In the top left corner of the tray, a white bowl holds a creamy sauce with small green herb pieces visible. The overall look is fresh with soft, layered textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Recipe starts with fresh herbs and a balanced sauce, paired with succulent chicken seasoned just right. Shopping tip? Grab fresh herbs and good-quality mayonnaise and yogurt to keep the sauce bright and creamy.

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri, chicken taco ideas, easy chicken tacos, fresh chimichurri sauce, flavorful taco recipes - Flat lay of a small bowl of creamy white mayonnaise, a small bowl of thick plain Greek yogurt, a small bowl of minced pale purple shallot, a small bowl of finely chopped bright green parsley, a small bowl of finely chopped vibrant cilantro, one small peeled garlic clove, a small bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small bowl of deep red wine vinegar, a small bowl of coarse kosher salt, one whole uncracked brown chicken breast, one small bowl of thinly sliced fresh green jalapeno, one small bowl of finely chopped deep red onion, one small bowl of bright green chopped cilantro, one stack of six fresh, soft, pale beige small flour tortillas, a small pile of shredded crisp green romaine lettuce, half a fresh ripe avocado sliced, and a small bowl of crumbled white feta cheese—all arranged symmetrically on a clean white ceramic plates and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mayonnaise: Choose a good-quality mayo like Duke’s or Hellman’s for a creamy yet tangy base.
Greek Yogurt (full-fat): Adds richness and a slight tang while keeping the sauce light.
Shallot: Provides a mild oniony flavor that blends beautifully into the sauce.
Parsley & Cilantro: These fresh herbs give the chimichurri its signature vibrant green color and herbaceous punch.
Garlic: A small clove goes a long way, adding savory warmth without overpowering.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gives silkiness to the sauce with a fruity undertone.
Red Wine Vinegar: Brings the bright acidity that lifts the whole dish.
Chicken Breast: Lean and easy to shred, it holds up well when cooked and mingles beautifully with the other flavors.
Avocado Oil: Great for cooking chicken because it tolerates high heat and has a mild flavor.
Jalapeno & Red Onion: Adds a touch of heat and slight sweetness when sautéed, complementing the creamy sauce.
Flour Tortillas: Soft and warming tortilla shells are perfect for wrapping all the fillings together.
Romaine Lettuce, Avocado, and Feta: These toppings introduce crunch, creaminess, and a little salty tang for contrast.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played around with spice levels and even swapped out chicken for other proteins—which you can totally try too!

Extra Heat: If you love spicy, toss in some diced serranos or add a pinch of cayenne to your chicken seasoning—trust me, it wakes up the whole dish.
Meat Alternatives: I once used shredded rotisserie pork instead of chicken, and it worked like a charm with the chimichurri sauce.
Dairy-Free: Swap the mayo and Greek yogurt for avocado or cashew cream to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to add grilled corn or thinly sliced radishes for an extra pop of flavor and crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Chimichurri Sauce

Start by combining Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced shallot, fresh parsley, cilantro, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until silky. Taste as you go and adjust the salt if needed—you want that bright, fresh flavor to shine through. Hands down, this sauce is what makes the recipe so special. I like to make it first so it has time to meld while the rest is cooking.

Step 2: Season and Let the Chicken Rest

Mix garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over your chicken breast, then let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This little resting step helps the chicken cook more evenly and keeps it juicy—don’t skip it!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Just Right

Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a skillet. Cook the chicken breast for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When it’s done, transfer it to a bowl and cover with foil—resting for at least 5 minutes is key to keep all those juices locked in before shredding.

Step 4: Sauté the Jalapenos and Red Onions

Don’t clean the pan yet—the browned bits stuck to the bottom hold tons of flavor. Add a couple tablespoons of water and scrape those bits loose with a wooden spatula, creating a rich, caramelized liquid. Toss in your thinly sliced jalapenos and finely chopped red onions. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and just a touch crispy. This step adds a smoky-sweet kick that’s irresistible.

Step 5: Shred and Combine

While the veggies cook, shred your rested chicken with forks right in its bowl—you’ll see how tender it is! Then toss the shredded chicken and all the tasty juices back into the skillet with the jalapenos and onions. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro off the heat for that final herbaceous note. It’s where all the magic comes together.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy!

Warm your flour tortillas gently in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil. Then build your tacos with shredded romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, the savory shredded chicken mix, and crumble on some feta cheese. Finish with a generous drizzle of that creamy chimichurri sauce you made earlier. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in happily!

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Pro Tips for Making Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Recipe

Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chicken rest after cooking before shredding keeps it juicy and easier to pull apart.
Use Room Temp Ingredients: Bringing your chicken to room temp before cooking helps it cook evenly and not dry out.
Scrape the Pan Bits: Those browned bits add incredible savoriness—don’t clean the pan before cooking your veggies!
Warm Tortillas Well: Soft tortillas make the texture perfect; I warm them wrapped in foil in a low oven to keep them pliable longer.

How to Serve Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Recipe

Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri, chicken taco ideas, easy chicken tacos, fresh chimichurri sauce, flavorful taco recipes - The image shows three soft white tortillas folded in half and filled with shredded seasoned chicken, green leafy lettuce, thin slices of avocado at the bottom, and sliced jalapeños scattered on top. There is a creamy white sauce with herbs drizzled over the filling. The tacos are placed closely together on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with the same creamy sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top my tacos with extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that zesty finish. Sometimes a sprinkle of diced red onion or pickled jalapenos adds the perfect tang and crunch. Avocado slices are a must—I love how creamy they play off the smoky chicken and tangy feta.

Side Dishes

To round out this meal, I like simple sides like Mexican street corn salad, cilantro-lime rice, or even a light black bean salad. A crisp, cold beer or a refreshing margarita pairs beautifully if you’re entertaining!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes set up a taco bar with bowls of shredded chicken, creamy chimichurri, various salsas, and toppings. It’s fun to let everyone customize their tacos. Another time, I laid everything out on a large wooden board for a festive and rustic feel—it was a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and believe me, you might!), store the shredded chicken filling and creamy chimichurri sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy before you’re ready to eat again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the shredded chicken before and it holds up really well—not the sauce though, which I recommend making fresh. Just thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and add freshly made chimichurri sauce when serving.

Reheating

Reheat the shredded chicken on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Then warm your tortillas separately and drizzle on fresh creamy chimichurri. This combo ensures you don’t lose any of the sauce’s brightness or the chicken’s tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if you worry about drying out the breast meat. Just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through, then shred as usual. The richer flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy chimichurri sauce.
How long can I keep the creamy chimichurri sauce in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the sauce will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Because it contains fresh herbs and dairy, I recommend using it within that time for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make the shredded chicken tacos gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or your favorite gluten-free wrap option. The fillings and sauce are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas without drying them out?

I like to wrap a stack of tortillas in foil and heat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps them soft and warm without drying. Alternatively, a quick warm-up on a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side works if you’re in a hurry.

Final Thoughts

This Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Recipe is one I come back to again and again when I want a quick, flavorful meal that feels a little different but isn’t complicated. The vibrant sauce and juicy chicken make every bite exciting, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser in my home. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—it’s the kind of recipe that gets better every time you make it (and share it!)