Chicken Birria Tacos

Step 1

Add the chiles, broth, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and bay leaf to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.

Step 2

Stir occasionally and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the onions and chiles are fork-tender.

Step 3

Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Transfer the mixture to a blender or a food processor fitted with a blade attachment, and add the sugar, vinegar, salt, oregano, cloves, and cumin.

Step 4

Cover, remove the small blender cap or feed tube, cover with a dishtowel, and blend until smooth. Reserve about a 3/4 cup of guajillo sauce for dipping.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the Kosher salt, cumin, pepper, and oregano.

Step 6

Add about a half cup of guajillo sauce to the crockpot and set it aside. Pat the exterior of the chicken dry with a paper towel and sprinkle with the seasoning. Rub all over to adhere and transfer the seasoned meat to the crockpot. Pour the remaining guajillo sauce over the chicken thighs.

Step 7

Place the lid on the slow cooker, and cook for 3 hours on the low setting.

Step 8

Once the chicken is fully cooked through, skim the grease off the top of the cooking liquid and place it in a shallow dish, like a pie plate. Then, transfer the chicken to a work surface, remove the skin, and shred the chicken using two forks. Add it back to the crockpot, along with the juice of fresh lime, and stir.

Step 9

Have ready a nonstick sauté pan over medium heat with a scant drizzle of oil. Once the pan has come to temperature, dip a tortilla in the reserved grease and place it directly in the hot pan.

Step 10

Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of cheese across the tortilla and add about a 1/3 cup of shredded chicken over half of the tortilla.

Step 11

Once the cheese has melted, fold the tortilla over the chicken and hold it closed with a spatula for about 30 seconds. Flip the taco and allow it to cook for about 2 minutes more, or until crispy to your liking.

Step 12

Once all of the tacos are assembled, serve with guajillo sauce on the side and enjoy!