Shredded chicken tacos are a quick and easy meal that can be made using pre-cooked shredded chicken from Costco. Costco’s shredded rotisserie chicken is already fully cooked, seasoned, and ready to go, making it a convenient shortcut for meals like tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more. In this article, we’ll walk through the simple steps for turning Costco’s shredded chicken into delicious tacos perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together with friends.
Ingredients
To make shredded chicken tacos from Costco, you’ll need:
- 1 package pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken from Costco (about 2 cups shredded chicken)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Optional taco toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, diced onion, cilantro, etc.
The exact amount of each topping will depend on preferences, but plan for about 1/4 cup of each topping per taco.
Assemble the tacos
Start by warming the tortillas according to package instructions. You can heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or place directly on a hot griddle or pan for about 30 seconds per side.
| Ingredient | Amount per taco |
|---|---|
| Tortilla | 1 |
| Shredded chicken | About 1/4 cup |
| Lettuce | 1-2 leaves |
| Tomatoes | 2-3 tbsp |
| Cheese | 1-2 tbsp |
| Sour cream | 1-2 tbsp |
| Salsa | 1-2 tbsp |
| Optional toppings | 1-2 tbsp each |
Once the tortillas are heated, assemble the tacos by placing about 1/4 cup of the shredded chicken down the center of each tortilla. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and any other desired toppings. Fold or roll the tortilla around the fillings.
Cook the shredded chicken
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is fully cooked when purchased, so no additional cooking is required. However, you may want to briefly warm up the shredded chicken before assembling the tacos. Here are some easy ways to warm and add extra flavor to the chicken:
- Place the shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil, salsa, taco seasoning, or other spices and lightly sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Warm the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Place the chicken in a slow cooker or instant pot with 1/2 cup of broth or water. Cook on low for 1-2 hours or high pressure for 10 minutes.
Adding extra seasonings while heating will impart more flavor. Try a teaspoon of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, or other taco spices.
Make ahead and storage tips
To get a head start on this easy weeknight meal, try these make-ahead and storage tips:
- Shred and portion the chicken in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Chop and prep any produce and toppings 1-2 days in advance. Store items like diced onion, tomato, lettuce, cheese, etc separately.
- Warm up the chicken right before serving. Tortillas and toppings can be assembled fresh.
- Let guests build their own tacos buffet-style with ingredients laid out.
- Freeze any extra chicken for future meals. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Add variations
Try these tasty ways to change up the flavors in this simple shredded chicken taco recipe:
- Baja-style: Top with a pineapple salsa, shredded cabbage, and Mexican crema.
- Southwestern: Use corn tortillas and top with smashed avocado, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- BBQ chicken: Toss the shredded chicken in barbecue sauce before serving.
- Buffalo-ranch: Mix hot sauce and ranch dressing into the chicken.
- Greek-style: Add feta, red onion, cucumber, and Greek yogurt.
The possibilities are endless for customizing shredded chicken tacos. Use your favorite taco toppings or spice combinations.
FAQs
How long does the shredded chicken last?
Costco rotisserie chicken has a shelf life of 4 days after purchase if refrigerated. If you freeze the chicken, it will last for 2-3 months. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before using.
Can I reheat the chicken directly in the tortilla?
Yes, you can make quick microwave tacos by wrapping the chicken and toppings in a tortilla and heating for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overheating.
What if I don’t have all the toppings on hand?
No problem! These shredded chicken tacos are delicious with just the basics like chicken, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. The toppings list is very flexible – use whatever you have available.
Should I use flour or corn tortillas?
Either flour or corn tortillas will work well. Flour tortillas hold up a bit better to wet ingredients but corn tortillas have great flavor. Try both to see which you prefer.
Can I make and freeze the assembled tacos?
Yes, fully assembled tacos with the chicken and toppings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap. Reheat foil-wrapped tacos in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes and plastic-wrapped tacos in the microwave.
Conclusion
Costco’s pre-cooked shredded chicken is an easy, budget-friendly shortcut for making delicious shredded chicken tacos at home. Simply heat the chicken and assemble with your favorite taco toppings in warm tortillas. Customize the tacos to your taste and add extras like avocado, jalapenos, salsa, and more. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy tasty homemade tacos any night of the week. Shredded chicken tacos are also great for meal prepping or entertaining a crowd. Enjoy this fast and flexible shredded chicken taco recipe using Costco’s convenient rotisserie chicken.