30 Minute Crispy Cheese Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
plus more for rubbing
- 1 lbboneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1yellow onion chopped
- 2chipotle peppers in adobo
finely chopped, use to your taste
- 1 tspdried oregano
- 1 tspkosher salt
- ½ cred enchilada sauce
homemade or store-bought
- 8corn tortillas
- 1 ½shredded mexican cheese
- shredded lettuce
smashed avocado, crema, or sour cream
- 2 earsgrilled corn
kernels removed
- 1 ½ cchopped pineapple
- 1serrano peppers
seeded, if desired, chopped
- 1juice of
- ⅓ cfresh cilantro
chopped
Directions
- 1
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browning, about 5 minutes. Add the chipotle peppers, enchilada sauce, oregano, salt, and 1/3 cup water. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and shred the chicken. 3. Meanwhile, make the salsa. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and season with salt. 4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 2-3 tortillas and a handful of cheese, cover the pan and let cook 30 seconds, until the cheese is melty. Flip and cook another minute, until you see the cheese crisping, then flip and add another tortilla on top. Remove from the heat. 5. Stuff the tortilla with avocado, salsa, and chicken. Top with crema and additional salsa. Enjoy!
30 Minute Crispy Cheese Chicken Tinga Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 126 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving tacos that deliver on bold flavor and satisfying crunch without a long wait? These 30 Minute Crispy Cheese Chicken Tinga Tacos with vibrant Pineapple Salsa are your answer for a dynamic, delicious meal in a flash. It's the perfect weeknight escape, bringing exciting textures and tastes right to your table.
This recipe truly shines by combining tender, smoky, and mildly spicy chicken tinga with a delightful crispy cheese crust on the corn tortillas. The ingenious preparation ensures each taco offers a wonderful textural contrast. That brightness from the sweet and tangy pineapple salsa, balanced with a hint of heat, cuts through the richness beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.
Prepare for a sensory explosion with every taco. You'll experience the immediate crunch of the savory, cheesy tortilla, yielding to juicy, smoky, and subtly spicy chicken tinga. The tang and sweetness of the fresh pineapple salsa, brightened by cilantro and a whisper of serrano, provides an incredible counterpoint that keeps you coming back for more. The interplay of crispy, tender, spicy, sweet, and tangy makes each taco an exciting adventure for your palate. This dish is designed for those who love bold, dynamic flavors and contrasting textures without the fuss or a lengthy cooking process.
Customization & Variations
- Adjusting Heat: Easily control the spice by using more or less of the finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo within the tinga. For the pineapple salsa, either omit the serrano pepper entirely or remove its seeds for a milder kick.
- Protein Swap: While boneless skinless chicken tenders are fantastic here, you could explore other proteins. Consider shredded pork or even a plant-based alternative cooked in the savory red enchilada sauce.
- Cheese Choice: The recipe calls for shredded Mexican cheese, which melts beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, a mild cheddar, or even Oaxaca cheese for a different texture.
- Extra Toppings: Beyond the recommended shredded lettuce, smashed avocado, and crema or sour cream, consider a sprinkle of fresh radish or a squeeze of extra lime for added brightness.
These crispy, flavorful tacos are ideal for a fun, casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Serve them piled high, inviting everyone to build their perfect bite, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or an ice-cold beverage.