Chicken tinga is a delightful Mexican dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a smoky, spicy tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and a bit of heat in their meals. The combination of chipotle peppers and oregano creates a rich and aromatic sauce that envelops the chicken beautifully. Whether served in tacos, over rice, or as a filling for enchiladas, chicken tinga is a versatile dish that is sure to impress.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are not a common pantry staple. These peppers are smoked and dried jalapeños packed in a tangy, spicy sauce, adding depth and heat to the dish. They are typically found in the Mexican or international aisle of most supermarkets. Additionally, oregano and cumin are essential spices that contribute to the dish's authentic flavor, so make sure to have them on hand.

Ingredients For Chicken Tinga Recipe
Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, this is the main protein of the dish, providing a lean and tender texture.
Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes that form the base of the sauce, offering a rich and slightly tangy flavor.
Onion: Sliced and cooked until translucent, it adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Minced to release its aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These provide a smoky and spicy kick, essential for the dish's signature taste.
Oregano: A fragrant herb that adds a hint of earthiness and complements the other spices.
Cumin: This spice offers a warm, nutty flavor that enhances the sauce's complexity.
Chicken broth: Used to simmer the chicken, it adds moisture and a savory depth to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors of the dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing chicken tinga, ensure that the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are finely chopped before adding them to the dish. This will help distribute their smoky, spicy flavor evenly throughout the sauce. Additionally, when shredding the chicken, use two forks to pull it apart gently, which will create a tender texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
boneless, skinless chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is a lean protein similar to chicken breast and will absorb the flavors of the Chicken Tinga sauce well.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar texture and flavor, making them a suitable alternative in the sauce.
sliced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, offering a concentrated garlic flavor without the need for chopping.
chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce - Substitute with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper: Smoked paprika provides a smoky flavor, while cayenne adds heat, mimicking the taste of chipotle peppers.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a slightly different herbal note but can complement the other spices in the dish.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, nutty flavor that can replace cumin in many recipes.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to maintain the liquid content and flavor without altering the dish significantly.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile, with a slightly different aroma.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the chicken tinga to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
Transfer the cooled chicken tinga into an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they help maintain the flavor and prevent any odors from seeping in.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken tinga within 3 to 4 days. This ensures the dish remains fresh and flavorful.
For longer storage, place the chicken tinga in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken tinga has been stored and ensures you consume it while it's still at its best.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken tinga in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
Reheat the chicken tinga gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent splattering.
Once reheated, check the seasoning. You may need to adjust the salt and pepper to taste, as flavors can mellow during storage.
Serve the reheated chicken tinga with your favorite accompaniments, such as tortillas, rice, or avocado, for a delicious meal.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop method: Place the leftover chicken tinga in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, ensuring the sauce is well mixed with the shredded chicken.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chicken tinga to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed.
Microwave method: Place the chicken tinga in a microwave-safe container. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is hot.
Slow cooker method: If you have time, place the chicken tinga in a slow cooker and set it on low. Add a little chicken broth if needed to keep it juicy. Let it warm for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Sous vide method: Seal the chicken tinga in a vacuum bag or a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Submerge the bag in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) and let it heat for about 30-45 minutes. This method ensures the chicken stays tender and flavorful.
Essential Tools for Preparing This Recipe
Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the onions, garlic, sauce, and chicken. It allows for even heat distribution and is essential for simmering the ingredients together.
Blender: Used to blend the cooked tomato and chipotle mixture into a smooth sauce. This ensures the sauce has a consistent texture and flavor.
Forks: Utilized for shredding the cooked chicken breasts. Two forks are typically used to pull the chicken apart into thin strips.
Knife: Necessary for slicing the onion and chopping the chipotle peppers and garlic. A sharp knife ensures precise and safe cutting.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing ingredients, protecting countertops and ensuring safety.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper accurately, ensuring the right balance of flavors.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the chicken broth, ensuring the correct amount is added to the sauce.
Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the ingredients in the skillet. Essential for sautéing, simmering, and cooking the chicken through.
How to Save Time on Making This Dish
Pre-cook the chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.
Use a food processor: Instead of slicing onions and mincing garlic by hand, use a food processor to speed up the prep work.
Batch blend the sauce: Make a larger batch of the sauce and freeze portions for future use, cutting down on prep time next time.
Simmer in a slow cooker: Use a slow cooker to cook the chicken tinga while you attend to other tasks, freeing up your time.

Chicken Tinga Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 can Tomatoes diced
- 1 Onion sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Add sliced onions and cook until translucent.
- 3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 4. Add diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, oregano, and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes.
- 5. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
- 6. Return the sauce to the skillet and add chicken broth.
- 7. Add chicken breasts to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- 8. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- 9. Remove chicken from the skillet and shred with two forks.
- 10. Return shredded chicken to the skillet and mix with the sauce.
- 11. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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