Chicken Tinga

Chicken Tinga is a traditional Mexican recipe made with shredded chicken cooked in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce. This easy one-pot dish is perfect for tacos, tostadas, burrito bowls, or meal prep. Made with chicken thighs, chipotle peppers in adobo, tomatoes, garlic, and spices, it delivers bold flavor and a tender texture. Serve in corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, onions, cheese, and lime wedges for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Great for batch cooking, freezer-friendly, and naturally gluten-free.

Chicken Tinga is a bold and flavorful Mexican dish made with shredded chicken simmered in a rich tomato and chipotle sauce. Perfect for tacos, tostadas, burrito bowls, or meal prep, this recipe delivers smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Tinga:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, peeled and finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 3 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
• 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (see notes for substitutions)
• 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
• 180 ml (¾ cup) chicken stock
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 750 g (1.5 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6–8 fillets)

To Serve:

• Soft corn tortillas
• Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
• Finely diced onion
• Crumbled white cheese (Cotija or feta)
• Lime wedges

---

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics:
   Heat oil in a large, heavy-based pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
2. Build the flavor base:
   Add the garlic, oregano, and chopped chipotle peppers. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
3. Simmer the sauce:
   Stir in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, smoked paprika, bay leaves, brown sugar, and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the chicken:
   Nestle the chicken thighs into the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 50–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Shred and return the chicken:
   Once the chicken is fall-apart tender and the sauce has reduced by about half, remove the chicken and bay leaves. Discard the bay leaves and shred the chicken using two forks.
6. Finish the dish:
   Return the shredded chicken to the pan and stir it into the thickened sauce.
7. Serve:
   Spoon the chicken tinga into warm corn tortillas. Top with fresh coriander, diced onion, crumbled cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

---

Tips

• Use boneless chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture—they stay moist during simmering.
• Simmer uncovered so the sauce can reduce and intensify.
• Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning during long cooking.
• Leftover chipotles can be frozen in small portions for future use.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• No chipotles in adobo? Use chipotle paste, smoked paprika, or a mix of hot sauce and smoked paprika as an alternative.
• Chicken breast: Can be used instead of thighs, but take care not to overcook.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with shredded jackfruit or mushrooms.
• Extra smoky: Add a pinch of ground cumin or extra smoked paprika.

---

FAQs

Is Chicken Tinga spicy?
It has a medium heat level. Adjust by using fewer chipotles or adding a splash of cream to mellow it out.

Can I make it in advance?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze Chicken Tinga?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Tacos: Spoon into corn tortillas with toppings for a classic taco night.
• Tostadas or nachos: Layer over crisp tostadas or tortilla chips with melted cheese.
• Bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa with avocado, black beans, and slaw.
• Quesadillas: Use as a filling with cheese between two tortillas, then grill.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with deep, smoky, and tangy flavors
• Perfect for tacos, meal prep, or freezing ahead
• Flexible and easy to customize
• Uses pantry staples with simple preparation steps
• A crowd-pleasing dish that works for casual dinners or gatherings