Succulent chicken birria tacos are the ULTIMATE tacos. Served with a rich consommé for dipping, they are absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
1 onion (halved)
1 whole garlic bulb (halved)
1 carrot (roughly chopped)
1 celery stalk (roughly chopped)
5 bay leaves
6 Guajillo chiles/chillies (Stems cut off. )
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp salt
1 kg (2lb) chicken
4 cups chicken broth/stock
Pinch of sugar.
18 flour tortillas
4 cups cheese (grated)
1 onion (finely diced)
Fresh cilantro/coriander.
Fresh jalapeños.
Lime wedges.
Method
1
Combine the chicken with all the vegetables, chiles/chillies and spices in a large Dutch oven or pot and set over medium-high heat.
2
Bring to a boil then reduce the heat, cover with a lid and allow to simmer for 30 minutes then pull out the chillies and add to a blender with 2 cups of the broth, blend until smooth then pour back into the pot.
3
Cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until the meat is tender and can be pulled apart easily. If using a whole chicken, you might need to let it braise for longer.
4
Pull the chicken out and shred with two forks. Pass the broth through a strainer and discard the vegetables. Reserve the broth and add a cup of stock if it's reduced and thickened too much.
5
To make the tacos, dip the tortillas quickly into the broth then place in a large, nonstick frying pan or cast iron skillet set over low heat.
6
Add the shredded chicken, cheese and finely diced onion then fold over and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the cheese has melted.
7
Remove and serve with the consommé/birria sauce topped with fresh cilantro/coriander and jalapeños.