The Best Homemade Chicken Tinga Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade Chicken Tinga recipe is bursting with smoky, spicy flavors and comes together easily for a satisfying meal. You’ll love how versatile and crowd-pleasing it is!
- Rich, bold taste—the combination of chipotle peppers, tomatoes, and spices creates a deeply flavorful dish.
- Quick and simple—ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Endless serving options—pile it on tacos, tostadas, or rice for a meal that never gets boring.
Recipe
Chicken Tinga is a classic Mexican dish featuring shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato and chipotle sauce. This dish is versatile and perfect for tacos, tostadas, or served with rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, minced chipotle peppers, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the chicken and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the sauce and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers based on your desired spice level. This dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
Equipment: Large pot or skillet, wooden spoon, forks for shredding
Time: Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican
Serving: Serves 4
Nutrition
Chicken Tinga is not only flavorful but also nutritious, providing a good balance of protein and essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade chicken tinga with warm corn tortillas—they’re perfect for making tacos or loading up with that flavorful filling. Sometimes, I’ll add a side of cilantro lime rice, its fresh, zesty flavor complements the smoky tinga beautifully. Both options are easy to make and always make the meal feel complete.
Corn Tortillas
Nothing complements the bold flavors of chicken tinga quite like warm, freshly made corn tortillas. I love how their slight sweetness balances the smoky, spicy tinga, and their soft texture holds everything together without falling apart. If you’ve never made them from scratch, trust me, it’s easier than you think—just masa harina, water, and a pinch of salt. Warm them on a comal or skillet until they puff slightly, then stack them in a towel to stay soft. Store-bought works too, but heating them up makes all the difference. Either way, they’re the perfect vessel for every delicious bite.
Cilantro Lime Rice
While chicken tinga packs a punch of smoky flavor, cilantro lime rice brings a fresh, zesty contrast that lightens the whole meal. I love how the bright lime juice and chopped cilantro wake up the fluffy rice, making it the perfect side dish. It’s super easy to make—just cook your rice, then toss it with lime zest, a squeeze of lime juice, and a handful of cilantro. I usually add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. This rice not only complements the spicy tinga but also adds a pop of color to your plate. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
