Mexican Chicken Tinga Recipe ~ A Deliciously Smokey Recipe from Mexico that has become a favorite in kitchens around the world. A traditional Mexican dish, the suiza meat is the same shredded, tender chicken elevated with a savory sauce made of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chipotle peppers. Chicken Tinga is delicious, and whether you serve it on tostadas, in tacos, or use it as a topping to sopes, is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this guide, we explain what you need to know about making this dish, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips and nutrition facts.

What Is Mexican Chicken Tinga?

Chicken Tinga is a savory Mexican meat dish prepared either with shredded chicken (the most common) or with pork or beef. The show-stopping ingredient in the dish is the chipotle peppers in adobo, which lends the sauce both its signature smokiness and savory richness. It is most often used as a filling for tacos, empanadas or tostadas, and is often served with rice and beans to round out a full meal.

While Chicken Tinga originated in Puebla, Mexico, it has become a beloved dish throughout the country, with each region adding its own twist to the recipe. The dish is simple to make but bursting with flavor, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or parties.

The History of Chicken Tinga

Chicken Tinga is from Puebla, the same region known for Mole Poblano and Chiles en Nogada. The culinary traditions of Puebla are rich and diverse, and Chicken Tinga is no different. The dish has roots in both the indigenous and colonial elements that shaped the regional cuisine. The foundational ingredients — tomatoes, chipotle peppers and onions — are staples of Mexican cooking, and their combination in Tinga is a trifecta of smoky, spicy and savory.

Tinga’s popularity has grown beyond Puebla, and today it’s enjoyed all over Mexico and in other countries, especially in Mexican-American communities. The dish is often served in various forms: as a filling for tacos, an accompaniment for tostadas, or a topping for sopes, a type of thick tortilla.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken Tinga Recipe

• Flavorful and Smoky: The chipotle peppers in adobo add a smoky depth to the dish, while the tomatoes and onions provide freshness and balance.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: You can serve it with tortillas, sopes, or tostadas, and it works equally well as a topping for salads or bowls.
• Great for Meal Prep: Chicken Tinga stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Tinga

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients to make this flavorful Chicken Tinga:

Ingredient Tips:

• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Canned chipotle peppers that are smoked and jarred in a savory sauce. They impart a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. You can vary the number of peppers according to how spicy you like your food.

  Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook fresh chicken breasts. You will then shred it into small, bite-size pieces that will soak up all the flavorful sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Tinga

Making Mexican Chicken Tinga is easy and quick. Follow these simple steps to create a dish full of rich flavors.

1. Cook the Onions and Garlic

In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Add the garlic, chopped, and cook for 2 minutes more, until fragrant. Just don’t burn that garlic.

2. Add the Tomatoes and Parsley

• Stir in the cubed tomatoes and fresh parsley.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook for 6-7 minutes. The tomatoes will begin to release their juices, creating a flavorful sauce.
• If the tomatoes aren’t juicy enough, add a couple of tablespoons of water to help create the sauce.

3. Add the Chicken and Chipotle Peppers

• Add the shredded chicken and chipotle peppers in adobo to the pan. Stir to combine everything evenly.
• Let the mixture simmer for about 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a drier tinga, let it cook a bit longer to reduce the sauce.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Your Chicken Tinga is now ready! You can serve it with tortillas for tacos, on tostadas, or use it as a filling for empanadas or sopes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for freshness and color.

Nutritional Facts for Chicken Tinga

Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (about 1 cup) of Chicken Tinga:

Tips for Healthier Chicken Tinga:

• Lower the sodium: Use low-sodium chipotle peppers in adobo and adjust the amount of salt to your taste.
• Add more veggies: Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the dish to increase its nutritional value.
• Use skinless chicken: If you’re looking to reduce fat content, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Tinga

• Is this spicy: Chipotle can be spicy! If you want to take it down a notch, use fewer peppers or remove their seeds before adding them to the sauce.

  Using leftover chicken: This recipe is well-suited for leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken is logical, because it is cooked and shredded, saving you time in the kitchen.

• Make it your own: Spice up your Chicken Tinga with more spices, like cumin or oregano, or with a squeeze of lime juice for tang.

  Make ahead: Stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and freezes great for a month. The flavors are just going to get better and it gets even better the next day!

  Conclusion

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