The Best Chicken Tinga Tacos
These are the best chicken tinga tacos—spicy, smoky, and incredibly easy! Juicy shredded chicken in a chipotle-tomato sauce, topped with avocado, cotija, and fresh lime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (10–12 tacos)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet (Stovetop), Instant Pot Option
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tinga:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sweet onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¾ cup canned crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
¼ cup chicken stock
½ teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
For Serving:
10 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 ripe avocados, sliced or mashed
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup diced red onion
¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
Sauté onion for about 4 minutes, until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Stir in chopped chipotle peppers, oregano, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute.
Add fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken stock, and salt. Simmer for 7 minutes.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
6. Transfer sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 3: Add Chicken
7. Return blended sauce to the skillet over low heat.
8. Add shredded chicken and stir to coat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt.
Step 4: Assemble Tacos
9. Char or warm tortillas.
10. Top each with chicken, avocado slices or mash, cilantro, red onion, and cotija cheese.
11. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
Instant Pot Version: Blend all sauce ingredients raw and combine with 1 lb raw chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Shred chicken in the sauce.
Spice Level: 1 chipotle = mild, 2 = medium, 3 = hot.
Avocado Hack: Mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and garlic powder to prevent slipping.
Tortilla Tip: Char tortillas directly over a gas flame or heat in a dry pan, then cover with a towel to steam.
Optional Add-on: Pickled onions add a tangy kick—highly recommended!
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/the-best-chicken-tinga-tacos/
