Authentic Mexican Chicken Tinga

A Classic Dish Full of Smoke, Comfort, and Tradition

Few dishes capture the heart of Mexican home cooking quite like Chicken Tinga. Originating in the state of Puebla, this beloved recipe is known for its rich tomato base, smoky chipotle flavor, and tender shredded chicken. It’s simple, deeply satisfying, and made to be shared.

Chicken Tinga is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth as it simmers – bringing people together around the table. Whether served in tacos, spooned over tostadas, or paired with rice and beans, it’s a timeless favorite that proves the most memorable meals don’t need to be complicated.

Authentic Chicken Tinga Recipe (Pollo Tinga)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in or boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3-4 ripe Roma tomatoes
• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (as needed)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
   Place chicken in a pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. Simmer until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove chicken, let cool slightly, then shred. Reserve some of the cooking broth.
2. Make the Tinga Sauce
   In a blender, combine tomatoes, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Sauté the Onion
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until soft and lightly caramelized, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Build the Tinga
   Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the onions. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until the sauce darkens slightly and the flavors deepen.
5. Add the Chicken
   Stir in the shredded chicken. Add a bit of reserved broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until everything is well combined and flavorful.
   

Few dishes capture the heart of Mexican home cooking quite like Chicken Tinga. Originating in the state of Puebla, this beloved recipe is known for its rich tomato base, smoky chipotle flavor, and tender shredded chicken. It’s simple, deeply satisfying, and made to be shared.

Chicken Tinga is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth as it simmers bringing people together around the table. Whether served in tacos, spooned over tostadas, or paired with rice and beans, it’s a timeless favorite that proves the most memorable meals don’t need to be complicated.

How to Serve Chicken Tinga
Tacos: Warm corn tortillas, topped with chicken tinga, cilantro, onion, and crema
Tostadas: Crispy shells layered with beans, tinga, lettuce, crema, and queso fresco
Bowls: Serve with rice, beans, and avocado

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