Chef John's Chicken Tinga is a classic Mexican dish made with tender shredded chicken in a spicy and smoky tomato chipotle sauce. This dish is full of bold flavors and is perfect for serving with tacos, tostadas, or rice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
Directions
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add chicken thighs, season with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and cumin. Cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken using two forks, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve Chicken Tinga with your favorite accompaniments like tortillas, rice, or beans.
Interesting Facts
Tinga is a popular dish in Mexico, especially for celebrations and parties.
The smoky flavor of chipotle peppers adds depth and complexity to this dish.
Chicken thighs are preferred for Chicken Tinga as they stay moist and tender through the cooking process.