If you’re craving a taco night that’s both comforting and loaded with crave-worthy flavor, let me introduce you to the magic that is Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos. This dish brings together tender, seasoned pulled chicken and a double dose of melty cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and finished with a collection of fresh, bright toppings. It’s become one of my favorites not just because it’s so easy, but because every bite is a genuinely joyful experience, perfect for sharing with family and friends—trust me, you’ll want seconds (and maybe even thirds) of these cheesy, satisfying tacos!

Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the wonderful things about Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos is that the ingredients are both simple and perfectly chosen; each one plays a starring role, from giving a rich, taco-seasoned backbone to bringing creamy, tangy, or fresh notes with every topping. No oddities, no fuss—just pure taco goodness.

Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut superstar, but you can also poach your own for extra tenderness.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds moisture and flavor when sautéing your aromatics.
Small onion, finely chopped (1): Provides a sweet, savory base for the filling.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the chicken with aromatic depth.
Taco seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp homemade): Delivers that signature spiced kick; use your favorite blend.
Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and a hint of sweetness to the mix.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the filling juicy and helps meld the flavors together.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Bold, melty, and essential for extra cheesiness.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Buttery smooth and perfectly gooey in every bite.
Small tortillas, flour or corn (8): Your taco vessels; warm them for maximum pliability.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Creamy and cooling—balances the spices beautifully.
Salsa (1/2 cup): Adds a fresh, zesty pop; choose mild or spicy.
Fresh cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup): Brings herby brightness at the finish.
Avocado, sliced (1): Buttery richness and a gorgeous green accent.
Lime wedges: A final squeeze elevates all the flavors with zippy freshness.

How to Make Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent, and the kitchen is filled with a mouthwatering aroma—that’s when you know you’re building big flavor.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Next, stir in your shredded chicken, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the chicken in those delightful spices and juicy tomato base. Let it all simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes; the sauce should bubble gently and thicken just enough to hug every strand of chicken.

Step 3: Get Cheesy

Now comes the best part! Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the chicken, creating a luscious, creamy filling that’s seriously hard to resist. (Try to avoid sneaking too many “taste tests” at this point!)

Step 4: Warm Your Tortillas

Toss your tortillas into a dry skillet for a few seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave until soft and steamy. Warm tortillas don’t tear, and they wrap around the filling so much more deliciously.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos

Spoon the cheesy pulled chicken mixture evenly into each tortilla. Sprinkle the reserved cheeses over the top so they get melty from the heat of the chicken. Add dollops of sour cream, spoon over salsa, scatter with cilantro, and tuck in creamy avocado slices. Serve right away with lime wedges for the perfect tangy finish.

How to Serve Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos

Garnishes

No Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos are complete without fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a handful of sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime all add brightness and contrast, making every taco taste truly memorable. Don’t be shy—these little extras really make the tacos sing!

Side Dishes

Pair your Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos with classic sides to round out your meal: fluffy Mexican rice, simple black beans, or zesty corn salad all complement the rich, gooey chicken filling. Chips and guacamole are always a crowd-pleaser as well, perfect for scooping up any extra bits of cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try setting up a taco bar and let guests customize their Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos with a rainbow of toppings. Or, serve the tacos sliced in half and stood upright for a casual, shareable appetizer at your next party. You can even layer the filling and toppings over crisp tortilla chips for an irresistible cheesy pulled chicken nacho platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store the cheesy chicken filling and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The filling will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and all you need to do is reheat and assemble a fresh taco whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

The cheesy chicken mixture freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a resealable freezer bag or container. Pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos, thaw the filling overnight in the fridge, and reheat it gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken filling, place it in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water, then warm it over medium heat until hot and gooey again. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Warm fresh tortillas and prep your toppings, and you’re back to taco bliss in no time!

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos with leftover chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken—just shred it and follow the instructions as written for an easy, delicious meal.

Is it possible to make these tacos spicy?

Yes—you can kick up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños, using a spicy taco seasoning, or drizzling on your favorite hot sauce at the end. Tailor the spice level to suit your taste buds!

What’s the best cheese for Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos?

I love the combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for their meltability and flavor, but you can easily substitute with pepper jack, queso Oaxaca, or even mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use corn tortillas instead of flour to keep everything gluten-free. Be sure to check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free as well.

How can I keep tortillas warm for a crowd?

Wrap a stack of warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and pop them in a covered dish or tortilla warmer. They’ll stay soft and pliable, ready for everyone to build their perfect Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a taco night recipe that’s equal parts quick, satisfying, and impossibly cheesy, Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos are simply unbeatable. They bring people together and disappear fast, so don’t be surprised if they become a regular request in your house. Grab your ingredients, gather your favorite people, and get ready for taco night bliss!

Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 tacos (4 servings) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Pulled Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. Tender shredded chicken cooked in a savory tomato and taco seasoning sauce, then loaded into warm tortillas and topped with a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, creamy sour cream, fresh salsa, and ripe avocado slices. A sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime add the perfect finishing touches to these flavorful tacos.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Filling:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth

For Serving:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8 small flour or corn tortillas
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, sliced
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in shredded chicken, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until hot and slightly thickened.
Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheese until melted and creamy.
Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, spoon cheesy pulled chicken mixture into each tortilla. Top with remaining cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, and cilantro.
Serve: Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and reheat before assembling tacos.
For extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle additional cheese on top and broil briefly until melted and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Assembly
Cuisine: Mexican-American