Mexican Shredded Chicken

September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. And because of the many wonderful people in my life who hail from all over South America and the Caribbean, I could not let this month go by without doing a dish. Of course, the problem became what dish? Something from Colombia or Costa Rica? Should I go old school and represent my Nuyoricans??

In the end I made a dish that was simple and the most comforting. Shredded chicken. I  made this dish in the slow cooker because the chicken is really infused with all of the flavors. I also love the way my house smells when I walk in and this has been cooking all day. Shredded chicken reminds me of walking into my friend's house after school or after playing all day on a Saturday. There's something that made us feel really safe and loved to have a nice hot meal waiting for us. It made you feel special. Growing up in New York City could be difficult, especially if your parents were constantly working. It was nice to go to my friends house and be accepted as part of the family.

This dish is typically called Mexican shredded chicken but I'm pretty sure I learned how to make it from someone who was Puerto Rican. Oh well. Here's to my friends and their heritage. Thanks for all you've shared. Salud!

Mexican

Shredded Chicken
Makes

4 Boneless Chicken Breasts
1/4 cup of cilantro
1/2 spanish onion
1/2 red pepper
1/2 green pepper
2 heaping teaspoons of minced garlic
4 roman tomatoes
1 tablespoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of cumin
2 cups of chicken broth
1 tablespoon of sofrito (tomato)

Tools: Slow Cooker/Crock Pot (optional)

Slow Cooker Directions:

Place chicken breast in slow cooker.

Sprinkle salt, cumin and garlic over chicken.

Slice onions, peppers and tomatoes  and place over chicken in the crockpot.

Chopped cilantro and sprinkle over onions, peppers, tomatoes and chicken.

Add tablespoon of sofrito and then pour chicken broth over all ingredients.

Cook on high heat for 4 hours or 6 hours on low heat.

Take chicken out and gently pull apart with fork.

Return chicken to slow cooker and turn slow cooker off.


Sin Slow Cooker Directions:

Place chicken in a large stock pot or skillet on medium high heat.

Sprinkle salt, cumin and garlic over chicken.

Slice onions, peppers and tomatoes  and place over chicken in the crockpot.

Chopped cilantro and sprinkle over onions, peppers, tomatoes and chicken.

Add tablespoon of sofrito and then pour chicken broth over all ingredients.

Allow the above ingredients to come to a boil and allow to boil for 2 to 5 minutes.

Reduce heat and allow chicken to cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Once chicken is done, turn stove off and remove chicken from pot.

Use a fork to gently pull chicken apart. 

Place chicken back into pot and stir into onion, pepper and tomato mixture.

The perk of this dish is that you can use it for tacos or with your favorite rice. 

We're having ours with rice and avocado salad. Enjoy yours whatever way makes you feel good.