How to Create Smoky Chipotle BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos

If you love bold and smoky flavors, chipotle BBQ pulled chicken tacos are the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. These tacos are juicy, loaded with deliciously spiced chicken, and topped with fresh ingredients that take every bite to the next level. The best part? Making them is surprisingly simple and fun! In this blog, we’ll show you step-by-step how to create this crowd-pleasing meal right in your kitchen.

What Makes Chipotle BBQ Pulled Chicken Special?

Chipotle BBQ pulled chicken is packed with smoky, slightly spicy flavors. Chipotle peppers and BBQ sauce work together to create a rich, irresistible combination. Shredding the chicken helps soak up all the flavorful sauce, making it perfect for tacos. Pair it with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a taco night that everyone will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pulled chicken:
– 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the chipotle BBQ sauce:
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (available in cans at most grocery stores)
– 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the tacos:
– Small corn or flour tortillas
– Fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, avocado, cilantro, diced red onions, or sliced jalapeños
– Optional creamy sauce (like sour cream or a squeeze of lime mayo)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Cooking the chicken first is crucial for tender shredded pieces. Here’s how:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, just until golden brown. Don’t worry if the inside isn’t fully cooked yet — they’ll finish cooking later in the sauce.
4. Once both sides are browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Chipotle BBQ Sauce

This smoky sauce will be the star of your tacos:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the BBQ sauce, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and honey/brown sugar (if you like a hint of sweetness).
2. Blend everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust the flavor if needed — add extra lime juice for brightness or another chipotle pepper for more heat.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Now it’s time to bring the chicken and sauce together:

1. Reduce the heat on your pan to medium-low.
2. Add the blended chipotle BBQ sauce to the pan. Stir it gently and allow it to heat for a minute.
3. Place the chicken back into the pan and cover it with the sauce. Make sure each piece is coated well.
4. Let the chicken simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and tender. You can add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through:

1. Remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board or plate.
2. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into shreds.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the pan and mix it with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to soak up all that smoky goodness.

Step 5: Warm Your Tortillas

Warm tortillas make all the difference:

1. Heat your tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.
2. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel until ready to serve.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

This is where the fun happens!

1. Take a warm tortilla and add a generous scoop of the smoky chipotle BBQ pulled chicken.
2. Top with your favorite taco fixings, such as shredded cabbage or lettuce for crunch, sliced avocado for creaminess, diced onions or cilantro for freshness, and jalapeños for extra kick.
3. If you like a creamy sauce, drizzle a bit of sour cream or lime mayo on top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the tacos on a plate, and serve them with lime wedges for an extra pop of flavor. These smoky chipotle BBQ pulled chicken tacos are perfect for a casual dinner, taco Tuesday, or even a fun gathering with friends.

Tips to Make Your Tacos Even Better

• Adjust the heat: Chipotle peppers are smoky and moderately spicy. If you want less heat, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds before blending.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the pulled chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving.
• Customize with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Pickled onions, crumbled queso fresco, or a squeeze of hot sauce can bring unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

Smoky chipotle BBQ pulled chicken tacos are a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. With a little prep and simple ingredients, you can easily whip up this dish at home. The smoky, juicy chicken combined with fresh toppings makes every bite a winner. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress your taste buds!

Happy cooking! 🌮