Costco’s crispy shredded chicken tacos are a quick and easy dinner option that can feed the whole family. These tacos feature Costco’s popular Kirkland Signature Oven Roasted Chicken that is shredded and seasoned to perfection. Paired with warm tortillas, fresh toppings, and a flavorful crema sauce, these tacos are sure to become a new favorite.
In this article, we will walk through the simple steps to recreate these tasty crispy shredded chicken tacos right at home using ingredients from Costco. We’ll share tips for shredding and seasoning the chicken, assembling the tacos, and which toppings to use. Read on for the full recipe!
Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need to make a batch of 12 crispy shredded chicken tacos:
| 1 Kirkland Signature Roasted Chicken from Costco |
| 12 small flour tortillas |
| 1⁄2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream |
| 1 lime, juiced |
| 1⁄2 cup shredded lettuce |
| 1⁄2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) |
| Chopped cilantro |
| Salsa |
| Salt |
| Pepper |
| Oil for frying tortillas |
The pre-cooked Kirkland chicken provides a major shortcut for these tacos. You can shred and season the meat in just 10 minutes. Then quickly warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos with desired toppings.
Step 1 – Shred the Chicken
Start by removing all the meat from a Kirkland roasted chicken. Discard the skin and bones. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-size pieces.
Aim for thin, fluffy shreds of chicken. Try to separate any thicker chunks of chicken as you shred it.
Transfer the shredded chicken to a bowl. You should have about 4-5 cups of shredded meat.
Step 2 – Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, whisk together the following spices and seasonings:
| – 1 teaspoon onion powder |
| – 1 teaspoon garlic powder |
| – 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika |
| – 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin |
| – 1⁄4 teaspoon chili powder |
| – Salt and pepper to taste |
Pour the seasoning mix over the shredded chicken. Use a spoon or your hands to mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in spices. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You want flavorful, well-seasoned chicken for your tacos.
Step 3 – Warm the Tortillas
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
Working in batches, fry the small flour tortillas for 20-30 seconds per side just until warmed through and lightly crisped.
Transfer the fried tortillas to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Continue frying the remaining tortillas.
Step 4 – Make the Crema
In a small bowl, stir together:
| – 1⁄2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream |
| – Juice of 1 lime |
| – 1 clove garlic, minced |
| – 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro |
| – Salt to taste |
Mix well until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 5 – Assemble the Tacos
To assemble each taco:
– Place 2-3 Tbsp of shredded chicken down the center of a warm tortilla
– Top with a spoonful of shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and cilantro
– Drizzle crema sauce over the top
– Squeeze lime juice over taco before serving
Fold the sides of the tortilla in and enjoy your crispy shredded chicken taco!
Repeat assembly with remaining ingredients to make a total of 12 tacos.
Pro Tips
– Double check your Kirkland chicken for any bones or cartilage and remove before shredding
– Use very thin flour tortillas meant for tacos so they get extra crispy
– Fry tortillas in batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent sogginess
– Customize tacos with diced tomatoes, avocado, pickled onions or any other favorite toppings
– Swap in Greek yogurt or ranch dressing for the crema sauce
– Heat extra oil in the pan and fry more tortillas than needed for extra crunch
– Squeeze lime juice right before eating for maximum fresh flavor
Storage
Leftover shredded chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before using in tacos again.
Assembled tacos are best eaten right away but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. The tortillas may lose some crispness when stored.
The seasoned chicken also works well in enchiladas, sandwiches, salads or rice bowls. Get creative with extra shredded meat!
Conclusion
Recreating Costco’s popular crispy shredded chicken tacos at home is easy with a Kirkland rotisserie chicken and pantry staples. Shred, season, and warm the ingredients then assemble the tacos just how you like them. Top with freshly squeezed lime juice right before enjoying these flavorful tacos. Now you can skip takeout and make this family favorite any night of the week.