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With its smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy taste, this chicken tinga is a staple in Mexican cuisine and has become a favorite in many homes, including mine. It’s seriously yummy!

Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that will bring some authentic Mexican flavors to your kitchen: Chicken Tinga.

It’s perfect for those days when you want something packed with flavor but easy to make. The spices in this dish are so mouth-watering, you would hardly believe it.

My favorite part of this might be the fact that we’re making it in the slow cooker. I love putting a meal into my crockpot and letting it slow cook over the day.

The aroma that fills my house as this flavorful Mexican dish slow cooks is amazing. It’s hard to wait for dinner to come!

I’m always catching Jeremy sneaking bites before it’s done. Have some patience, husband! At least I know where Lily gets it. Ha!

To be fair, this dish is just plain irresistible. Once you spread it over a tortilla with onion, cilantro, and cheese? Oh, you’re in heaven.

So, let’s dive into the world of Chicken Tinga and discover how to make this show-stopping, flavor-blasting favorite!

Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: The Best Butter Chicken Recipe, Easy Crispy Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Wontons, and Easy Crispy Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Wontons.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Full of Flavor: The combination of chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, and Mexican spices creates a rich, smoky flavor. It’s a combo that just calls out to be wrapped in a yummy warm tortilla!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for a family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or even a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spiciness to your liking, making it perfect for all taste preferences. I know I like it spicy!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Boneless skinless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Sweet onion
Garlic
Cumin
Oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
Tomato puree
Chilis in adobo sauce
Tortillas (corn or flour)
Cotija cheese
Fresh cilantro
Red onion

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TINGA:

Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place it in the Slow Cooker.
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat, add the sliced onions, and saute’ until translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
Transfer the onions to the slow cooker.
Add the tomatoes, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chilis in adobo sauce to a blender or food processor. Puree’ until blended into a smooth sauce.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and onions. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the thighs to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
Return the meat back to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes on the low or warm setting.
Serve over tortillas with red onion, cilantro, and cheese.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

WHAT IS CHICKEN TINGA?

Easy Chicken Tinga, also known as Tinga de Pollo, is a beloved recipe originating from Mexico City. It’s a classic chicken tinga dish featuring shredded chicken that’s been simmered in a savory and smoky sauce made with chipotle peppers, tomatoes, and a blend of Mexican spices.

This flavorful mixture creates a smoky chipotle pepper-infused sauce, giving the dish its signature taste.

Typically served on corn tortillas for chicken tinga tacos or over steamed Mexican rice, it’s a versatile dish loved for its deep flavors.

It’s a great recipe to try if you’re exploring different ways to enjoy Mexican recipes, like I do.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN TINGA?

When it comes to serving, the options are wonderfully varied. It’s commonly enjoyed as a filling for chicken tinga tacos, where the smoky flavors are complemented by the soft texture of tortillas.

You can also serve it in taco bowls with Mexican rice, turning it into a hearty meal of chicken tinga bowls. For a twist, try using it as a filling for chicken tinga burritos or tostadas.

The rich and smoky tinga sauce pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile choice for many Mexican-inspired dishes.

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CAN CHICKEN TINGA BE MADE ON THE STOVETOP?

Definitely! If you don’t have a slow cooker or an instant pot, preparing it on the stovetop is a convenient alternative.

Using a large skillet over medium heat, you can easily cook this delicious recipe. This method is ideal for quickly simmering the shredded chicken in the smoky chipotle sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Whether you’re using fresh or leftover cooked chicken, making these chicken tacos on the stovetop is an easy and effective way to create this classic Mexican dish.

ANY ADDITIONS?

If you know Mexican food, you’ll know that there are all kinds of options to try.

Avocado slices
Sliced jalapeno peppers
A layer of refried beans
Pico de gallo
Shredded lettuce
Squeeze of lime juice
Grated queso fresco
Diced tomatoes
Sour cream or Mexican crema
Black beans or pinto beans

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Sure thing! I’ve got a short list for you.

Chicken breasts instead of thighs
Chipotle tomato sauce if you don’t have chilis in adobo
White onion instead of red onion
Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Vegetable oil in place of olive oil
Green chiles for a milder spice

chicken tinga in slow cooker with silantro

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This stuff only gets better as it has some time to sit.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Use two forks to shred chicken easily.
For a smokier flavor, add extra chipotle chiles.
Slow cook on low heat for tender and juicy chicken.
Add a bay leaf while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Serve with warm tortillas for an authentic experience.

Chicken Tinga is a fantastic dish to explore if you love Mexican food. It’s not just an easy recipe but also a great way to bring some Mexican flavors to your dinner table.

Whether you’re making tacos, as burrito bowls, or just enjoying it by itself, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

So, give it a try and let this smoky-sweet Chicken Tinga recipe become a new favorite in your home. Enjoy your meal and the wonderful flavors of Mexico!

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

If you’ve tried this CHICKEN TINGA, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

Best Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Recipe