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Chicken Tinga Recipe

Chicken Tinga is more than a recipe—it's a culinary experience. It combines tender chicken with a smoky chipotle sauce. Home cooks across the United States love this versatile Mexican classic for its many uses.
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon 15 g olive oil
  • 1 onion about 150 g, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic about 6 g, minced
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce about 30 g, chopped (adjust to desired heat level)
  • 1 can 400 g diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1 g cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1 g chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon 15 ml apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste about 1/2 teaspoon or 3 g
  • Black pepper to taste about 1/4 teaspoon or 1 g
  • 1 cup 240 ml chicken broth or water
  • Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small blender or food processor (optional, for blending sauce)
  • Shredding tool or fork for the chicken

Method
 

  1. Cook the Chicken – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce – In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and chipotle peppers, cooking for another 1 minute.
  3. Blend the Sauce – Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir to combine. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it using a hand blender or in a regular blender before returning it to the skillet.
  4. Simmer – Shred the cooked chicken with a fork, then add it back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine. Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
  5. Serve – Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve the Chicken Tinga in tacos, burritos, or over rice.
  6. Mastering Seasoning Techniques