Easy Chicken Birria Queso Tacos Recipe – Authentic Mexican Flavors

Experience the rich and savory taste of traditional Mexican cuisine right at home with this easy-to-follow Chicken Birria Queso Tacos recipe. A special thanks to my dear friend Rosalina and her mom Rosa, who introduced me to this delightful birria sauce, now a beloved staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients for Birria Sauce:

• 4 dried guajillo chiles
• 4 dried ancho chiles
• 4 dried arbol chiles (add more for extra spice)
• 2 roma tomatoes, quartered (or one 8 oz can of diced tomatoes)
• 1 medium onion, halved
• 4 cloves garlic
• ½ inch piece of cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (or ¼ teaspoon ground cumin)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 cups of broth (any kind)

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 cups broth (any kind)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Additional Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas
• Your favorite cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
• A bunch of cilantro

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Place the whole chicken in a slow cooker.
   • Add 2 cups of broth and season with chili powder, black pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until fully cooked.
   • Remove from the cooker, shred, and refrigerate.
2. Make the Birria Sauce:
   • Transfer the juices from the slow cooker to a pot on the stove.
   • Add the chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and remaining broth.
   • Bring to a rapid boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
   • Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf.
   • Blend the cooked ingredients until smooth, return to the pot, and simmer on low for 3 hours with the lid slightly ajar.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
   • Heat the shredded chicken in a pan with about ½ cup of birria sauce to warm.
   • Dip tortillas in the birria sauce, then in a separate pan, melt cheese on each tortilla.
   • Add the warm chicken, fold the tacos, and pan-fry each side until crispy.
   • Serve with extra sauce and fresh cilantro on top.

Summary:

Enjoy these flavorful Chicken Birria Queso Tacos, bursting with authentic Mexican flavors. Perfect for any meal, these tacos promise a delicious and unforgettable dining experience. Dip each taco into birria sauce for extra zest and enjoy!