There’s something about the moment when the air fills with the scent of smoky chipotle and simmering tomatoes that tells you dinner is going to be special. That’s exactly what happens when I make Chicken Tinga. The kitchen suddenly feels alive with warmth and spice, wrapping around me like a comforting hug after a busy day.

One evening, I remember coming home tired and unsure what to cook. As the sauce thickened on the stove, the aroma pulled me in, making me pause and breathe deeply. The sound of the onions sizzling and the gentle bubbling of the sauce was oddly soothing—almost like a little celebration of simple ingredients coming together. When I finally tasted the shredded chicken soaked in that smoky, spicy sauce, it felt like a quiet reward. The balance of heat and richness was just right, making every bite inviting and satisfying without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of meal that feels both adventurous and familiar, perfect for sharing or savoring solo while unwinding.

Rich, smoky flavor with a gentle kick of spice that lingers pleasantly.
Versatile enough to enjoy in tacos, burritos, or even tostadas.
Comforting and hearty, yet surprisingly light on the palate.
Relatively quick to prepare, with a rewarding depth of taste.
Fresh cilantro garnish adds a bright finish that balances the smoky sauce.

If you’re wondering about spice levels, the chipotle peppers bring warmth without overwhelming heat—perfect for anyone easing into smoky flavors.

Chicken Tinga

Print Recipe

Chicken Tinga is a flavorful Mexican dish made with shredded chicken simmered in a smoky, spicy tomato and chipotle sauce. Perfect for tacos, tostadas, or burritos.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chicken broth
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down.
Transfer the tomato and chipotle mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender and blend until smooth.
Return the sauce to the skillet and add the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve the Chicken Tinga hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

FAQ

Can I make Chicken Tinga ahead of time?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently.

What can I serve with Chicken Tinga?
It’s delicious with warm tortillas, rice, or even avocado slices. Fresh toppings like diced onions or a squeeze of lime brighten the dish beautifully.

Is this dish very spicy?
The chipotle peppers add smokiness and a mild heat, but it’s easy to adjust the spice level by using fewer peppers or omitting the adobo sauce.

Can I use other meats?
Yes, shredded beef or pork can work well, but the cooking times and flavors will vary slightly.

Give Chicken Tinga a try soon—you might find it becoming one of those go-to dishes that brings a little spice and comfort to your routine.