Name: Mexican Shredded Chicken in Smokey Chipotle Red Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lb / 750g chicken breast, skinless boneless (~3 halves); 1/2 cup Chipotles in Adobo Sauce (4 chillies + sauce); 14 oz / 400g can crushed tomatoes; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp onion powder (or garlic powder); 2 tsp sugar (any); 3/4 tsp salt; Pepper, to taste; 3 tbsp olive oil (for pan frying and sauce finishing); 2 tbsp lime juice

If you’ve been on the hunt for a vibrant and irresistibly flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug from Mexico, look no further. This Mexican Shredded Chicken in Smokey Chipotle Red Sauce Recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a deep, smoky, and mildly spicy red sauce that will have you swooning with every bite. Whether you make it in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or right on your stove, it’s a straightforward recipe packed with personality and zest that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a small white bowl filled with dark red chipotle peppers in thick sauce, with three large peppers visible in the sauce. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl, partially covered with the same glossy sauce. Behind the bowl, two opened cans feature colorful labels: the one on the left is red and yellow with

Gathering your ingredients for this dish is a breeze, but don’t underestimate their power. Each component plays a crucial role, from the smokiness of the chipotles to the tang of lime juice, and every spice adds its own layer of depth to this unforgettable Mexican classic.

Chicken breast (1.5 lb / 750g): Boneless and skinless, perfect for shredding and soaking up all those flavors.
Chipotles in Adobo Sauce (1/2 cup): The heart and soul of the smokey heat; adds bold flavor without overwhelming spice.
Crushed tomatoes (14 oz / 400g): The rich base for the red sauce, lending natural sweetness and acidity.
Garlic cloves (2, crushed): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Brings earthy, herbaceous notes that brighten the sauce.
Cumin powder (1 tsp): Adds warmth and a signature Mexican flavor.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances savory richness without the texture of fresh onion.
Sugar (2 tsp): Balances acidity and rounds out the flavors.
Salt (3/4 tsp): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
Olive oil (3 tbsp): For frying the chicken and rounding off the sauce with silkiness.
Lime juice (2 tbsp): Provides vibrant acidity to lift all the flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Mexican Shredded Chicken in Smokey Chipotle Red Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing and Cooking the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts along with chipotles in adobo sauce, crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, cumin, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper into your chosen cooking vessel. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for about 4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred but still holds its texture. With a pressure cooker, 35 minutes on high pressure does the trick, and on the stove, gently simmer the mixture covered with an additional cup of water for 40-50 minutes. The key here is a slow, gentle cook to infuse the smoky spices while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 2: Shredding and Perfecting the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside while you focus on the sauce. Add lime juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the remaining sauce and then puree it using a stick blender or in a food processor until luscious and smooth. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. This silky red sauce is what gives the dish its signature smokey chipotle charm and rich, slightly spicy depth that will keep you coming back for more.

Step 3: Browning the Shredded Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Fry the shredded chicken in batches, roughly a third to half of the shredded chicken at a time, until it develops a beautiful dark golden crust on one side. Flip briefly just to warm the other side. This step adds a lovely texture contrast and gives the chicken that irresistible caramelized flavor that marries perfectly with the smoky sauce.

Step 4: Combining or Serving Separately

You have the freedom to either toss the browned chicken back into the smoky chipotle red sauce or serve the sauce alongside the chicken. Both ways are fantastic and depend on whether you want a saucier meal or a slightly crispier texture. Whichever you pick, this is the moment where all your prep shines through in the final delicious dish.

How to Serve Mexican Shredded Chicken in Smokey Chipotle Red Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A simple garnish of fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of creamy guacamole turns this dish from great to unforgettable. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or pickled red onions also adds color, texture, and a burst of brightness.

Side Dishes

This shredded chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy Mexican rice, warm corn tortillas, or crunchy tostadas. Black beans or a side of charred corn salad will also complement the dish perfectly, balancing the smokiness with fresh, earthy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond tacos! Use this chicken to stuff vibrant burritos, layer it in enchiladas topped with melted cheese, or spoon it over nachos for a party crowd pleaser. It also works wonders in quesadillas or sliders when you’re craving a handheld treat packed with smoky goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish actually tastes better after a day as the flavors deepen and mingle beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the shredded chicken and sauce separate if you want to preserve textures more effectively.

Freezing

Freezing is an excellent way to save this Mexican shredded chicken in smokey chipotle red sauce recipe for later. Shred the chicken and freeze it in portions separately from the sauce. Both freeze well in airtight bags or containers for up to 3 months without losing their vibrant flavors.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If reheating separately, pan-fry the chicken again briefly to recapture some of that delicious browned crust while warming the sauce slowly until it’s just bubbling. This preserves the fresh, bright flavors and the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will offer a richer flavor and stay juicy even longer. Just adjust the cook time accordingly, as thighs may cook a bit faster or slower depending on the method.

What if I can’t find chipotles in adobo sauce?

No worries! You can substitute with a blend of chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and a bit of sriracha to mimic the smokiness and spice. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and packed with flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat level with a pleasant smokiness, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the amount of chipotles to increase or decrease the heat as you like.

Can I make this recipe on the stove only?

Yes, the stove method works perfectly. Just be sure to keep the heat low and cook the chicken covered to allow it to tenderize slowly while the sauce reduces nicely.

What are the best tortillas to use with this chicken?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well, but corn tortillas offer a more authentic texture and flavor, especially when warmed or lightly toasted to accompany this saucy, smokey chicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making this Mexican Shredded Chicken in Smokey Chipotle Red Sauce Recipe, from the simple yet essential ingredients to the comforting, rich flavors that unfold with every bite. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for busy weeknights or when entertaining loved ones. Dive in and enjoy the explosion of smoky, tangy, and tender goodness that this recipe delivers so effortlessly.

Mexican Shredded Chicken in Smokey Chipotle Red Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Mexican Shredded Chicken in Smokey Chipotle Red Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing and Cooking the Chicken