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Mexican Chicken Tinga in a pan with sliced avocados, corn tortilla,m and cilantro on the side
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3.89 from 59 votes

Mexican Chicken Tinga

Mexican shredded chicken dish with tomatoes and chipotle chilis in adobo sauce. This authentic chicken tinga is hearty, tasty, and perfect for tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, or as a main meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Entree
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 472kcal

Equipment

  • food processor or blender

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds chicken breast
  • 1 onion, peeled and quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and pounded
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 can (7.5 ounces) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

Instructions

  • In small, heavy-bottomed pot, arrange chicken breasts in a single layer. Add quartered onions, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, salt, peppercorns, and enough water to cover.
  • Bring to a boil, skimming scum that floats on top. Lower heat, cover, and cook in a barely a simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes or until thermometer inserted in the thickest part of chicken reads 165 F.
  • With a slotted spoon, remove chicken from pot and allow to cool to touch. Coarsely shred chicken and keep warm.
  • Strain liquid using a fine mesh sieve. Discard bay leaf and peppercorns. Reserve the softened onions and garlic and 1 cup of the broth.
  • In a blender, combine chipotle peppers including sauce, tomatoes, the softened onion quarters, garlic, and 1 cup reserved broth.
  • In a wide pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until softened.
  • Add pureed chipotle tomato sauce, vinegar, cumin, and oregano. Bring to a simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add shredded chicken and continue to cook for about 7 to 10 minutes or until heated and sauce is thickened. 
  • Season with salt, if needed. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 74g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 217mg | Sodium: 2972mg | Potassium: 1589mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1455IU | Vitamin C: 22.2mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2.8mg