Chicken Tinga made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, and chipotle chilis in adobo. Hearty and boldly flavored, this Mexican dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, tostadas, or as a main dish with rice and beans.
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.
