Love tacos? Then you’re about to adore chicken tinga tacos. These smoky, spicy, and savory tacos are super easy to make, pack a punch of flavor, and are destined to become a weeknight favorite. Let’s dive in.
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4 Reasons to Love Chicken Tinga Tacos
Chicken tinga tacos aren’t just another taco recipe—they’re a game changer for your taco night! Here’s why:
Bold, Robust Flavors: Made with chipotle peppers, tomatoes, and onions, chicken tinga combines smoky heat with a rich tangy depth that you’ll crave again and again.
Quick and Easy to Make: With only five steps, making these tacos is a hassle-free way to get a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want soft tortillas, crunchy shells, or a low-carb lettuce wrap, chicken tinga adapts to your preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prepping: Whip up a big batch in advance—this chicken reheats beautifully for tacos, bowls, or nachos later in the week.
Ingredients for Chicken Tinga Tacos
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients to make the magic happen:
For the Chicken Tinga:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 (14-ounce) can of fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas (or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option)
- Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Crumbled Cotija cheese or shredded cheese
- Lime wedges for extra zing
Optional Add-Ons:
- Include homemade vegan sour cream for plant-based guests.
- Pair with sides like quick vegan baking recipes or baked sweet potato fries for a unique twist.
How to Make Chicken Tinga Tacos
Follow these simple steps to get smoky, flavorful tacos on the table in no time:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Create the Tinga Sauce
- Add the chipotle peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 3 minutes, blending the spices together.
Step 3: Blend the Sauce
- Carefully transfer the sauce mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Return the blended sauce to the skillet.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let it simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chipotle peppers for more heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm your tortillas over an open flame or in a skillet for a slight char.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of chicken tinga.
- Add your favorite toppings, and you’re ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tinga Tacos
Make your taco night unforgettable by pairing your chicken tinga tacos with a few complementary sides and drinks.
Best Sides:
- Rice and Beans: A classic pairing of Mexican rice and refried beans.
- Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Adds brightness and freshness.
- Quick Pickled Red Onions: Offers a tangy crunch.
Creative Additions:
- Offer a range of tortilla types, including vegan-friendly alternatives or lettuce wraps for low-carb guests.
- Make it a taco bar! Let your family build their tacos with toppings like shredded lettuce, roasted veggies, or even baked jackfruit for plant-based eaters.
Drinks to Pair:
- Serve with margaritas, lime soda, or even agua fresca for a non-alcoholic option.
Chicken Tinga Tacos: Smoky, Spicy, and Flavorful Tacos
Chicken Tinga Tacos: Smoky, Spicy, and Flavorful Tacos
Ingredients
Chicken Tinga:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adjust for spice
- 1 14 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For Tacos:
- 8 small corn/flour tortillas
- Toppings: cilantro avocado, Cotija cheese, lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Cook onions and garlic until soft (3-5 mins).
- Make Sauce: Add chipotle peppers, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Simmer 3 mins, then blend until smooth.
- Add Chicken: Return sauce to skillet, stir in chicken, and simmer 5 mins. Season to taste.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, fill with chicken tinga, and top with cilantro, avocado, and cheese.
- Serve: Enjoy with lime wedges and optional sides like rice or pickled onions.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
FAQs
Q: Can I make chicken tinga ahead of time?
Yes! Chicken tinga stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat over low heat, and you’re good to go.
Q: Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Try pork, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Q: Are chicken tinga tacos spicy?
They’re mildly spicy because of the chipotle peppers, but you can reduce the spice level by using fewer peppers or removing the seeds.
Conclusion
There you have it—flavor-packed chicken tinga tacos ready in just five easy steps. Perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping, these tacos are versatile, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
Now it’s your turn:
- Try this recipe today.
- Share your experience with us in the comments.
- Experiment with our tips for a taco night that’s sure to impress.
Ready to enjoy the smoky, spicy goodness of chicken tinga tacos? Grab those ingredients and get cooking!
Want more recipes? Protein Cookies or check out our last post Cream cheese chicken