Costco Chicken Taco Recipe

This Costco Chicken Taco Recipe is a juicy and flavorful recipe, which features a 2-in-1 method where the shredded chicken and the sauce are made together in the same pan. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Costco Chicken Taco Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 700 g / 1.2 lb chicken thighs, skinless boneless (or breast)
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth, separated
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
• 3 tsp EACH cumin powder, paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving:

• Taco shells or tortillas, warmed
• Diced tomato
• Diced onion
• Diced avocado
• Coriander/cilantro leaves
• Shredded lettuce
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

How To Make Costco Chicken Tacos

1. Make the seasoning paste: In a bowl, combine the lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of the chicken broth and mix to form a loose paste.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the seasoning paste and turn to coat them completely.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until lightly seared. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it on a plate, leaving the marinade dregs in the original bowl.
4. Make the sauce: Return the skillet to the stove and reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the remaining chicken broth, the tomato paste, and the sugar. Scrape any leftover marinade from the bowl into the skillet. Stir to dissolve everything, scraping the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and bring to a simmer.
5. Shred the chicken and finish: While the sauce simmers, use two forks to shred the seared chicken. Don’t worry if it’s still a little pink inside, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
6. Combine and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce has reduced to a thin syrup-like consistency that coats the chicken. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve the chicken hot in warmed tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Tips

• How to get the juiciest chicken? Chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe as their higher fat content keeps them incredibly moist and flavorful. However, chicken breast works well too.
• Can I make this ahead of time? This chicken filling is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Don’t over-reduce the sauce: The goal is to have a saucy, juicy chicken filling, not a dry one. Simmer just until the sauce thickens enough to cling to the chicken. If it reduces too quickly, you can add a splash of water or more broth.
• What if I don’t have lime juice? As the original recipe notes, you can substitute the lime juice with lemon juice, cider vinegar, or even a splash of orange or apple juice to create the seasoning paste.

What To Serve With Chicken Tacos

These tacos are a complete meal, but they are even better with classic Mexican-inspired side dishes.

• Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
• Refried beans or black bean and corn salsa
• Chips and guacamole or queso
• A simple side salad with a creamy avocado dressing

How To Store Chicken Taco Filling

Refrigerate: Let the chicken filling cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze: The chicken filling freezes beautifully. Let it cool, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Costco Chicken Taco Nutrition Facts

• Serving: per taco (assuming 12 tacos)
• Calories: 103kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 338mg
• Potassium: 190mg
• Sugar: 1g

Nutrition for chicken filling and sauce only. Reduces to 100 cal if made using breast.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Costco Combo Pizza Recipe
• Costco Cheese Pizza Recipe
• Costco Chicken Pot Pie Recipe