Slow Cooker Chicken Birria
Ingredients
- 5 dried ancho chiles
- 5 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3/4 tablespoon pepper
- 3/4 tablespoon cumin
- 3/4 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 cloves garlic
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 pounds boneless
skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 onion
diced
- 2 10-ounce cans Rotel tomatoes
- Optional toppings: cilantro
avocado, sweet pickled red onions, lime, diced onions, soft tortillas
Directions
- 1
Remove the chile stems and shake out most of the seeds.
- 2
Put the chicken broth in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and remove from heat. Add the chiles to the hot broth. Let soak for 20 minutes.
- 3
Add the chicken broth and chiles to a blender or food processor and add the apple cider vinegar, salt, honey, pepper, cumin, oregano, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and bay leaves. Blend on low for at least 1 minute.Note: You could also transfer to the slow cooker and use an immersion blender to blend.
- 4
Put the chicken into a slow cooker. Add the diced onion and cans of Rotel tomatoes. Pour the chile mixture from the blender over top and stir it a little. Turn the slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- 5
Shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker. Serve in bowls with desired toppings or use as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, burritos, or on top of nachos.
Slow Cooker Chicken Birria
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About this Recipe
Craving the rich, deeply flavorful taste of birria, but looking for a simpler weeknight option? This Slow Cooker Chicken Birria delivers all the iconic warmth and spice in a convenient, chicken-based version perfect for family dinners or a comforting meal.
The magic happens in the slow cooker, where boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs slowly meld with a vibrant sauce, creating an incredibly tender dish with minimal effort. The secret is combining dried ancho and guajillo chiles with a unique blend of aromatic spices like cumin, dried oregano, ground ginger, and cinnamon, all balanced with a touch of honey and apple cider vinegar for layered complexity.
What can you expect from a bowl of this chicken birria? Imagine succulent, shreddable chicken swimming in a deeply spiced, savory broth. You'll find a beautiful balance of earthy, smoky notes from the chiles, a subtle sweetness, and a gentle tang that brightens every bite. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that feels both authentic and approachable.
This versatile Slow Cooker Chicken Birria is delicious served in a bowl, but truly shines when transformed into flavorful tacos using soft tortillas. You can customize your serving with a variety of fresh toppings: sprinkle with fresh cilantro, add creamy avocado slices, or introduce a tangy counterpoint with sweet pickled red onions. Diced fresh onions and a squeeze of lime also make excellent additions.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, this chicken birria offers a satisfying and robust meal that’s sure to impress.