(Mexican Homemade Gorditas Filled with Shredded Chicken)
These Chicken Gorditas are a delicious Mexican comfort food made with thick, soft corn masa shells stuffed with flavorful shredded chicken, fresh toppings, and creamy sauces. The outside is lightly crisp while the inside stays tender and perfect for holding your favorite fillings.
Ingredients
For the Gordita Dough:
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour for tortillas)
- 1½ cups warm water (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted lard (optional)
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- ½ onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
After cooking:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup salsa verde or red salsa
For Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Mexican crema or sour cream
- Diced onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Salsa
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Place chicken in a pot with:
- Chicken broth
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bay leaf
- Salt
Bring to a boil, then simmer:
20–30 minutes
until tender.
Shred chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Heat oil in a skillet.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook until softened.
Add shredded chicken.
Season with:
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
Add salsa and simmer:
5–10 minutes
until flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Gordita Dough
Mix:
- Masa harina
- Salt
Slowly add warm water.
Knead until a soft dough forms.
Cover and rest:
15–20 minutes
Step 4: Shape the Gorditas
Divide dough into:
8–10 portions
Roll into balls.
Flatten into thick discs:
- About ½ inch thick
- 4 inches wide
Step 5: Cook the Gorditas
Heat a comal or skillet over medium heat.
Cook:
3–5 minutes per side
until golden spots appear and cooked through.
Step 6: Create the Pocket
While warm, carefully cut a slit along the side.
Open gently.
Fill with:
🐔 Shredded chicken
🧀 Cheese
🥬 Lettuce
🌶️ Salsa
🥄 Crema
Serve warm!
Extra Tips & Secrets ✨
✅ Chicken thighs make the filling extra juicy.
✅ Keep masa covered so it doesn’t dry out.
✅ Don’t make gorditas too thin — they need thickness to hold filling.
✅ A little lard in the masa creates a more traditional flavor.
Delicious Variations
🌶️ Chicken Green Chile Gorditas
Add:
- Roasted Hatch green chiles
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Salsa verde
🧀 Chicken & Cheese Gorditas
Add:
- Melted Oaxaca cheese
- Extra crema
🔥 Crispy Fried Chicken Gorditas
After cooking:
- Fry briefly until golden and crispy
🍅 Chicken Tinga Gorditas
Use:
- Chipotle tomato shredded chicken
🫘 Chicken & Bean Gorditas
Add:
- Refried beans
- Chicken
- Cheese
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
🍚 Mexican rice
🫘 Refried beans
🥑 Guacamole
🌶️ Salsa verde
🌽 Elote (Mexican street corn)
🍋 Lime wedges
Storage
Cooked gorditas:
Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Chicken filling:
Store separately up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked gordita shells for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Are chicken gorditas made with flour or corn?
A: Traditional Mexican gorditas are usually made with corn masa, though flour versions also exist.
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Q: Why did my gorditas crack?
A: The masa needs more moisture. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time.
Q: Can I fry gorditas instead of cooking them on a skillet?
A: Yes! Frying creates a crispy shell with a soft center.
Q: What salsa goes best with chicken gorditas?
A: Salsa verde, roasted tomatillo salsa, or spicy red chile salsa are all delicious.
Social Media Caption Ideas ❤️
Option 1:
“Made homemade Chicken Gorditas and they were amazing! 🫓🐔 Soft corn masa pockets filled with juicy seasoned chicken, cheese, salsa, and fresh toppings.”
Option 2:
“A taste of Mexico right at home! 😍 These chicken gorditas are warm, flavorful, and packed with comforting homemade goodness.”
Option 3:
“Fresh homemade gorditas are always worth the effort! 🫓✨ Stuffed with delicious chicken and all your favorite toppings.”
🫓🐔 Chicken Gorditas are the perfect Mexican comfort food — soft homemade masa, flavorful shredded chicken, and delicious toppings in every bite! ❤️