Name: Chicken Tinga
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup diced onion; 2 tsp minced garlic; 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies with liquid; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (remove seeds for less heat); 2-3 tbsp adobo sauce (from can); 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper; 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Tinga is spicy shredded chicken with chipotle chilies, adobo sauce, tomatoes, and onions. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

When we ate at a restaurant in Rochester Minnesota called Hefe Rojo and tasted their jalapenos chicken poppers we were blown away! We made our own version of the jalapeño poppers but they were missing the chicken tinga like the restaurants version. Now we finally have a chicken tinga recipe and it can be used for so many dishes.

chopped onions and garlic in a frying pan

Start by sautéing the diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil.

Peppers, onions, garlic, tomato paste and cumin in a frying pan

Stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies with the liquid from the can, water, tomato paste, one diced chipotle pepper canned in adobo sauce (remove seeds for less heat), adobo sauce (from the can), ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

What is adobo sauce and where do I get it?

The adobo sauce comes from a store-bought can of chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce. Simply move the chipotle peppers aside and scoop out the sauce.

The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are pretty spicy. You can remove the seeds from the pepper before dicing it. Or you can skip the diced chipotle pepper and only use the adobo sauce for milder chicken tinga.

shredded chicken and red sauce in a frying pan

Add shredded chicken and stir to combine. I used rotisserie chicken.

Can I blend the tomatoes beforehand?

If you prefer smooth sauce on your chicken tinga, you can put all of the sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth before adding it to the skillet.

chicken mixed in with the sauce in a frying pan

Bring the chicken tinga to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring often.

Can I freeze leftover chicken tinga?

Yes, the leftover chicken tinga can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

The leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

This tinga chicken is fabulous in tacos. We used a kitchen torch to lightly toast corn tortillas. Then we layered on shredded lettuce, chicken tinga, corn salsa (find my recipe here) cilantro, cotija cheese, avocados, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Chicken Tinga and a wooden spoon in a skillet

Ways To Use Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga can be used in any of the recipes you typically add shredded chicken to! It’s a great way to add flavor and a little spice to a meal. Here are a few ideas:

tacos
jalapeno popper bites
burritos
nachos
quesadillas

chicken and vegetables in tortilla shells

What should I serve with tacos?

If tacos are the main dish, you can serve chips with salsa, queso blanco, and cowboy caviar as an appetizer. For side dishes serve Mexican street corn, cilantro-lime rice, taco soup, or salad. And for dessert deep-fried churros and fried ice cream are popular choices.

Want more chicken recipes? Try these next:

Juicy Cilantro Lime Chicken is bursting with flavor! Cook it on the grill or stovetop for an easy weeknight dinner with rice and veggies.

This Chipotle Chicken recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for tacos, burritos, and nachos. The easy marinade coats the chicken with delicious seasonings!

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken topped with a fresh pepper salsa is bursting with flavor! Make it as a meal over rice or as an appetizer with fondue.

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is so easy to prepare and will be a family favorite! Made with chicken breasts and a four ingredient honey garlic sauce.

Chicken Tinga

Yield: 3 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Chicken Tinga is spicy shredded chicken with chipotle chilies, adobo sauce, tomatoes, and onions. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup diced onion
2 tsp minced garlic
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies with liquid
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (remove seeds for less heat)
2-3 tbsp adobo sauce (from can)
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
Then, add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
Turn heat to low, simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring often.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 259Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 642mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 32g

Nutrition data is calculated automatically by Nutritionix and isn't always accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health.