Can I use regular cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Any cooked, shredded chicken will work in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds extra flavor. If using plain cooked chicken, you might want to increase the seasonings slightly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

My family prefers different levels of spiciness. How can I accommodate everyone?

Keep the base chicken mixture mild and offer hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or chipotle sauce on the side. This way, each person can adjust the heat level to their preference.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

For a slow cooker version, use raw chicken breasts or thighs with all the seasonings and cook on low for 6 hours. Shred the chicken, then proceed with the recipe. For Instant Pot, pressure cook raw chicken with seasonings for 10 minutes, then shred and finish the recipe.

Rotisserie Chicken Tacos Recipe

Name: Rotisserie Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup diced yellow onion; 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken meat; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 lime; 14 ounce can black beans, drained, rinsed, and warmed; 12 small tortillas (flour, corn for gluten free, or 50/50 blend); Shredded iceberg lettuce; Chopped tomatoes; Cilantro leaves; Diced red onion; Shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Light or regular sour cream; Hot sauce and/or salsa

These Rotisserie Chicken Tacos are a weeknight dinner dream come true! Tender, flavorful shredded rotisserie chicken is quickly transformed with a blend of warm spices, then nestled in toasty tortillas and topped with your favorite garnishes. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe takes advantage of pre-cooked chicken to create a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning-Fast: Using rotisserie chicken means most of the cooking is already done for you! The entire meal comes together in about 25 minutes.
Flavor-Packed: The blend of cumin, paprika, coriander, and oregano creates an incredible depth of flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours, not minutes.
Customizable: Set up a taco bar and let everyone build their perfect taco with their favorite toppings – perfect for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.
Budget-Friendly: Stretching one rotisserie chicken into a meal that feeds the whole family makes this both economical and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing your onions and creating the flavor base.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the chicken mixture – don’t skip this aromatic building block!
Rotisserie chicken: The star of the show! Save yourself cooking time by using this pre-cooked protein that’s juicy and flavorful.
Spices (cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano): This quartet creates the perfect Mexican-inspired flavor profile without having to buy a special seasoning blend.
Tomato paste: Provides richness, umami, and a touch of acidity that helps balance the flavors.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps the spices blend with the chicken for maximum flavor.
Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens everything up and adds that essential citrus note.
Black beans: Adds protein, fiber, and that classic taco texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Tortillas: Choose your favorite – flour for softness, corn for authentic flavor, or a 50/50 blend for the best of both worlds.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to change things up? Try these creative twists:

Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or mix in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.
Go green: Replace the tomato paste and some of the spices with green enchilada sauce for tangy green chicken tacos.
Mediterranean style: Swap the Mexican spices for Greek seasoning, use tzatziki instead of sour cream, and add crumbled feta and diced cucumber.
BBQ twist: Replace the spice blend with your favorite BBQ sauce for easy BBQ chicken tacos.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pan.

Step 2: Add Seasoning

Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Add the chicken broth and tomato paste to the pan. Stir until everything is well combined and the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer and Reduce

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and most of the liquid to be absorbed. The chicken should be moist but not swimming in sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken mixture right before serving. Warm your tortillas, and set out black beans and all your toppings for a build-your-own taco bar.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Shred Smart: Mix both white and dark meat from the rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and texture.
Toast Those Tortillas: Don’t skip toasting your tortillas! It enhances their flavor and helps prevent them from getting soggy with fillings.
Prep Ahead: Chop all your toppings while the chicken mixture simmers to streamline serving time.
Layer Strategically: Start with a smear of sour cream, add beans, then chicken, and finish with cold toppings—this creates the perfect bite with balanced textures.

How to Serve

Create a festive taco bar with these perfect pairings:

Classic Toppings:

Set out bowls of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and diced red onion for the authentic taco experience.

Sides to Complement:

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad with avocado and lime dressing.

Beverage Pairings:

These tacos pair beautifully with margaritas, Mexican beer with lime, or a refreshing agua fresca for non-alcoholic options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The chicken mixture keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors often improve overnight as they meld together.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use regular cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Any cooked, shredded chicken will work in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds extra flavor. If using plain cooked chicken, you might want to increase the seasonings slightly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
My family prefers different levels of spiciness. How can I accommodate everyone?

Keep the base chicken mixture mild and offer hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or chipotle sauce on the side. This way, each person can adjust the heat level to their preference.
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

For a slow cooker version, use raw chicken breasts or thighs with all the seasonings and cook on low for 6 hours. Shred the chicken, then proceed with the recipe. For Instant Pot, pressure cook raw chicken with seasonings for 10 minutes, then shred and finish the recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Rotisserie Chicken Tacos might just become your new weeknight hero! They deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making taco night both special and doable even on the busiest days. The combination of warm spices, tender chicken, and personalized toppings creates a meal that everyone will look forward to. Give them a try tonight and watch them become a regular in your dinner rotation!