Delicious Chicken Tinga Recipe: A Smoky and Spicy Delight

These ingredients will give you that authentic, smoky flavor with just the right balance of heat and spice. The chipotle peppers, combined with the tomatoes and spices, create the heart of this dish's delicious sauce.

Boil or Poach

• Start by placing your chicken breasts (or thighs) into a large pot.
• Cover them with water, season with a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.

Pro Tip: You can use the broth from cooking the chicken as part of your base, making this dish even more flavorful!

Prepare the Smoky Chipotle Sauce

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and sauté until they’re soft and golden (about 5-7 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers, and about half a cup of chicken broth (or the broth from the chicken you cooked earlier). Stir well.
• Add in your bay leaves, oregano, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tip: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers depending on how spicy you like it. One pepper gives a mild kick, while two peppers bring some heat!

Mix the Chicken and Sauce Together

• While your sauce is simmering, shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized strips using two forks.
• Once shredded, add the chicken directly into the skillet with the sauce.
• Stir everything together so the chicken is fully coated with the rich, smoky sauce.
• Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors fully infuse into the chicken.

• Now, your Chicken Tinga is ready! Serve it hot with your choice of tostadas, soft tortillas, or over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

What’s great about Chicken Tinga is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize this dish to your preferences:

1. Make It Creamy: Add a tablespoon of Mexican crema or sour cream into the sauce for a creamy twist.
2. Swap Out the Chicken: Want to make this vegetarian? Swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms for a plant-based version.
3. Tinga Tacos: Add the Chicken Tinga to soft or crispy taco shells, topped with queso fresco and avocado.
4. Tinga Tostadas: Spread refried beans on tostadas, then top with Chicken Tinga for a crunchy bite.
5. Burrito Bowl: Create a burrito bowl by adding rice, beans, lettuce, and a generous portion of Chicken Tinga.

Chicken Tinga is a great recipe for those who love layers of flavor in every bite. The smokiness from the chipotle peppers combined with the savory shredded chicken creates a dish that’s truly addictive. Plus, it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight but tasty enough to impress friends at your next gathering.

So, next time you're craving a Mexican-inspired dish, whip up some Chicken Tinga. It’s sure to be a hit!

Bake for 10-15 minutes 🕒, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve hot ♨ and enjoy!