Chicken Tinga Tacos
Delicious Mexican dish featuring shredded chicken cooked in smoky chipotle tomato sauce, served in tacos.






4.3 / 5 (831)
Ingredients
Meat
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1.5 pounds
- chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2-3 peppers
Produce
- onions
2 medium
- garlic
4 cloves
- canned diced tomatoes
14.5 ounce can
- fresh cilantro
a handful
Spices and Seasonings
- ground cumin
1 teaspoon
- smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon
- salt
to taste
Miscellaneous
- tortillas
8 tortillas
- lime wedges
for serving
Instructions
- 1
Begin by seasoning the chicken with cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.
In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Then, evenly coat the chicken breasts with this spice mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
- 2
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet to get a nice brown crust on both sides.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of oil to the pan, then carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until a nice brown crust forms. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- 3
Soften the onions and garlic to create the base of the sauce.
Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil if necessary. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 4
Add the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and diced tomatoes to the skillet.
Add the chipotle peppers (with their seeds for extra heat, if desired), adobo sauce, and canned diced tomatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 5
Shred the chicken and add it to the sauce, cooking until the chicken is fully coated.
Shred the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is fully coated with the smoky chipotle tomato sauce. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the sauce.
- 6
Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
To warm the tortillas, wrap a stack of them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This will make the tortillas more pliable and easier to fold.
- 7
Assemble the tacos by spooning the chicken mixture onto a tortilla and topping with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
To assemble the tacos, place a portion of the chicken mixture onto a warmed tortilla, followed by any desired toppings such as diced onions, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
500
4
172
3
104
2
29
1
26
Reviews
- KofiOwusu23
I must say, this Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe is a delightful treat for the taste buds. The smoky chipotle tomato sauce adds a nice kick, reminiscent of the spicy flavors I'm accustomed to in West African cuisine. However, as an athlete, I would've liked to see some nutritional information or suggestions for modifications to make the dish more macro-friendly. Perhaps using whole-wheat tortillas or reducing the amount of oil used in the recipe. Nonetheless, the flavors are well-balanced and the instructions are easy to follow. I can see myself making this dish for my teammates after a long practice - it's the perfect fuel for a heated debate about the latest sports headlines.
- mehmetozturk90
I find this recipe for Chicken Tinga Tacos very interesting. The mix of smoky chipotle tomato sauce, onions, and garlic reminds me of some kebab recipes from my country. I like how the dish combines different flavors. However, I would like to try it with some adjustments to make it suit my taste better, such as adding a bit more spice or using some special Turkish peppers. I also appreciate that this recipe does not include much sugar, which is good for my current diet. Overall, I think this is a delicious and respect-worthy recipe that I would like to try and share with my friends and family. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, which is very helpful.
- LeilaLovesBooks
As I delved into the realm of Chicken Tinga Tacos, I found myself entwined in a rich tapestry of flavors, a true symphony of spicy and smoky undertones. The chipotle peppers danced on my palate, their fiery essence weaving a gentle warmth that beckoned me to return. And yet, like a whispered secret, I couldn't help but feel a hint of melancholy - for in this dish, I sensed a longing for a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of queso, a dairy-driven desire that my stomach, alas, could not indulge. Still, the vibrant spirit of this Mexican delight shone bright, a testament to the beauty of exploration and the joys of savoring the unknown. In the end, it was a delicious, if slightly bittersweet, journey - one that I would gladly embark upon again, with a mindfulness towards my dairy intolerance, of course.
- RP33
I must commend the creator of the Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe for presenting a most intriguing amalgamation of Mexican flavors, replete with a nuanced smokiness courtesy of the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The preparation methodology outlined is commendable, with a lucid and sequential breakdown of tasks, facilitating ease of comprehension. Nonetheless, as a connoisseur of curries and biryanis, I couldn't help but find the dish somewhat wanting in terms of the depth and complexity of spices that I have grown accustomed to. Moreover, the recipe's emphasis on Mexican ingredients and cooking techniques, while laudable, diverged somewhat from my personal predilections for Indian cuisine. In spite of this, I must confess that the finished product was redolent with a certain je ne sais quoi, and the interplay of flavors precipitated a genuinely satisfying epicurean experience.
- NalaniLWong
While I appreciate the cultural significance and flavors of Mexican cuisine, I must admit that this Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe doesn't particularly resonate with my personal taste preferences. As a vegetarian, I'd love to see a revised version that incorporates plant-based protein sources. The use of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce does evoke a sense of tropical warmth, but the overall dish seems to lack the Asian fusion flair that I've grown to adore. If you're interested in adapting this recipe to cater to vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs, I'd be more than happy to provide suggestions and guidance.
- yara_yara_90
The Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe looks interesting and delicious, but as a person who follows Halal dietary laws, I would need to ensure that the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce are Halal-certified. Additionally, I would suggests replacing the traditional Mexican dish with some Middle Eastern flavors to give it a unique twist. Perhaps adding some sumac or za'atar to the chicken or sauce could be a great way to incorporate traditional Middle Eastern flavors.
- BatuhanO
What a fantastic recipe! I absolutely loved the **Chicken Tinga Tacos**, it's a game-changer for anyone who's looking for a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish. The chipotle tomato sauce was rich and creamy, and the smokiness added a nice depth to the chicken. I would have given it a 5-star rating if it wasn't for the heat level - while I enjoyed the slight kick, I'm not a big fan of extremely spicy food, and I had to tone down the chipotle peppers to suit my taste. Nonetheless, I was impressed by the combination of flavors and the tenderness of the chicken. Overall, I'd say this recipe is a **must-try** for anyone looking to elevate their taco game! Just be mindful of the spice level and adjust to your liking. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make some Turkish delight to satisfy my sweet tooth.
- caspy2000
hey so i just tried this chicken tinga tacos recipe and gotta say i was pretty underwhelmed - idk whats more of a bummer, the fact that its not vegan or that it looks like it takes forever to make... like i get it, some people might be into that sorta thing but for me, its all about them plant based vibes and lowkey doing my part for the environment
- KJK1980
I must admit, this Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe is quite far from traditional Polish cuisine I usually enjoy, like Pierogi or Bigos, but I can appreciate the blend of flavors and healthiness of this dish. What draws me to this recipe is the balance of spices, especially the smokiness from the chipotle peppers, reminiscent of the smoked meat in Bigos. However, I must consider my high cholesterol, so I would recommend using less oil and leaner chicken to make it healthier. On the other hand, the complex flavors and variety of textures in this recipe remind me of the layers of meaning in a good heavy metal song - all the elements come together to create something new and interesting. Overall, a tasty and relatively healthy Mexican-inspired dish, worth trying for those looking to diversify their culinary horizons.
- YaraLovesLife
omg, dis chicken tinga tacos recipe is soo not 4 me lol! i mean, i love tryin new street food and all, but dis one got chicken and i;m a vegetarian thru and thru! i need somethin wit a lil more flavor and a lot less bird. but, gotta give it 2 u, da recipe sounds pretty easy 2 follow and dat smoky chipotle tomato sauce sounds bangin!! maybe ill tr y 2 subsitute da chicken wit some crispy tofu or somethin. anywayz, if u like chicken and all, i reckon dis wud b a gr8 recipe 4 u!!
- NinaP25
omg, this chicken tinga tacos recipe is totes delish and all, but its def not for me lol. i mean, its got chicken, which is a major probs for a veggie like me. and yeah, i know i could sub the chicken with somethin else, but its just not the same, ya feel? the smoky chipotle sauce sounds amazin tho, and i def wanna try it with some roasted veggies or somethin. anyway, 2 stars from me cuz its not veggie friendly, but its prob a fab recipe for all you meat lovers out there