Chicken Tinga Recipe (Mexican Chipotle Shredded Chicken)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion
chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper)
chopped (optional, for extra spicy
- 4 cloves garlic
chopped
- 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
chicken breast is good, too
- 16 ounce can tomato sauce
- 7 ounce can chipotles in adobo sauce)
(use 1/2 the can for less spicy
- 1 tablespoon chili powder)
(I am using ancho powder
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
Heat the oil in a large pan to medium heat and add the onions and jalapeno peppers. Cook them down about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- 3
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook them 2 minutes, then flip and cook 2 minutes more to lightly brown.
- 4
Process the tomato sauce and chipotles in adobo sauce in a food processor, then pour the mixture into the pan, covering the chicken.
- 5
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, Mexican oregano, and salt and pepper.
- 6
Bring to a quick boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily pulls apart.
- 7
Remove the chicken and shred it with a couple of forks.
- 8
Return the chicken to the pan and simmer in the sauce another 5 minutes.
- 9
Serve with tortillas, tostadas, on torta buns, or in a bowl with all your favorite fixings.
Chicken Tinga Recipe (Mexican Chipotle Shredded Chicken)
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Based on 37 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving that smoky, savory Mexican shredded chicken for your next taco night? This one-pot Chicken Tinga recipe delivers authentic flavor with tender, zesty chipotle chicken perfect for all your favorite Mexican dishes.
What sets this chicken tinga apart is its incredible depth of flavor, achieved by simmering chicken in a rich, zesty tomato-chipotle sauce. The one-pot method makes cleanup a breeze, allowing the robust spices like ancho chili powder and Mexican oregano to meld beautifully, creating a truly irresistible dish.
You'll be treated to incredibly tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a vibrant, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tangy tomato, earthy chili, and the distinct warmth of chipotles in adobo. This versatile dish is designed to be the star of your meal, ready to fill tacos, layer onto tostadas, or be wrapped into hearty burritos, promising a satisfying experience with every serving.
Customization & Variations
While skinless chicken thighs offer rich flavor, you can easily substitute with chicken breast for a leaner option, as the recipe is forgiving. Adjust the spice level to your preference by using only half a can of chipotles in adobo for a milder heat, or include the chopped jalapeno pepper for an extra kick. For the chili powder, using ancho powder (as suggested) adds a lovely, mild smoky note.
This hearty Mexican Chipotle Shredded Chicken is a fantastic centerpiece for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. Serve it piled high on warm tortillas for authentic tacos, spread over crispy tostadas, or as a flavorful filling for burritos.