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Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

This Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in a smoky, spicy chipotle tomato sauce, served on warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh avocado, cilantro, onion, cotija cheese, and lime for a flavorful and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Sauce and Chicken

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

Toppings and Assembly

  • 10-12 corn tortillas
  • 2 ripe avocados, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or queso fresco)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until just beginning to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
  2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Cook for about 1 minute to awaken the spices’ flavors. Then add the fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and kosher salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Blend Sauce: Transfer the cooked sauce mixture to a blender and blend until smooth to create a velvety, rich chipotle sauce.
  4. Combine Sauce and Chicken: Return the blended sauce to the skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
  5. Assemble Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spoon the chicken tinga mixture onto each tortilla and top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

  • You can adjust the number of chipotle peppers according to your heat preference.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers to save time.
  • For extra tang, add a splash of vinegar to the sauce before blending.
  • Warm tortillas properly to make them pliable and prevent cracking.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican