Chicken Tinga – Smoky, Spicy, and Absolutely Irresistible!
This rich and flavorful Mexican dish is one of those recipes that instantly warms your soul. Tender shredded chicken cooked in a bold chipotle-tomato sauce makes the perfect filling for tacos, tostadas, or burrito bowls.
I first tasted chicken tinga at a friend’s family gathering in Puebla—and wow! The aroma of simmering tomatoes and smoky peppers filled the house, and I knew I had to learn it. Now, it’s a weeknight staple in my kitchen and never disappoints.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- Optional: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onions until soft and golden.
- Add garlic, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, oregano, and cumin. Cook until tomatoes break down.
- Transfer the mix to a blender, add broth, and blend into a smooth sauce.
- Return sauce to skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded chicken and cook another 5–10 minutes to soak up flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot on tortillas, tostadas, or rice.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 1 cup)
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbs | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Chicken Tinga | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Shredded chicken, onion, garlic, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, spices |
| Instructions | Cook vegetables, blend sauce, simmer with chicken, serve warm |
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It makes the recipe even quicker and adds great flavor.
Q: How spicy is chicken tinga?
It has a smoky, mild-to-medium spice. Use fewer chipotles for a milder version.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely—store in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Q: What can I serve it with?
Tortillas, rice, beans, or even stuffed inside a quesadilla!
