Description
Tinga Chicken is a flavorful Mexican dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a smoky, spicy chipotle-tomato sauce, perfect for tacos, tostadas, or served over rice.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
Corn tortillas for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, add chicken breasts and cover with water. Season with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook about 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Shred chicken with two forks and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with onions and garlic. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine well. Cook another 5-10 minutes to heat through and absorb flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chipotle peppers for more heat.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and warm corn tortillas if desired.
Notes
Adjust chipotle peppers to control spice level.
Add bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Use a slow cooker on low for 4 hours for hands-off cooking.
Add crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese as topping when serving.
Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in skillet or microwave.
Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Chicken thighs can be used for juicier results.
Sauce can be made ahead to save time.
Use canned chipotle in adobo for best flavor.
Shred chicken easily using forks or a hand mixer.
Double recipe for larger portions.
Fresh chicken preferred over canned for texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
