Chipotle Chicken Tinga Recipe

Introduction

Chipotle chicken tinga is a smoky, spicy Mexican-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, it combines tender shredded chicken with a rich chipotle tomato sauce and fresh salsa.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
• 2-3 tbsp chipotle chilli paste
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp light brown soft sugar
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1 small bunch coriander, leaves and stalks finely chopped, plus extra leaves to serve
• Tortilla chips and guacamole, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick flameproof casserole dish or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook for about 10 minutes, until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chipotle chilli paste, chopped tomatoes, light brown sugar, and half a can of water.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in the sauce. Bring to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has reduced slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir well to combine. Season to taste. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
5. Step 5: To prepare the salsa, mix the finely chopped red onion, chopped tomatoes, lime zest and juice, and chopped coriander. Season to your liking.
6. Step 6: Serve the chicken tinga topped with the fresh salsa, alongside tortilla chips and guacamole. Garnish with extra coriander leaves.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika along with the chipotle paste.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs stay more tender and juicy.
• If you like it spicier, add an extra tablespoon of chipotle paste or some chopped fresh chilli.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with cooked shredded jackfruit or mushrooms and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tinga in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked dish after it has cooled completely; transfer to freezerproof bags and keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are preferable because they stay more moist and tender during cooking.

Is chipotle chilli paste very spicy?

Chipotle paste has a smoky heat that varies by brand. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust according to your spice preference.

Chipotle Chicken Tinga Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Chipotle Chicken Tinga recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in a smoky, spicy chipotle tomato sauce, served with a fresh, zesty tomato salsa. Perfect for a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal, this dish combines the heat of chipotle chili with the brightness of lime and fresh coriander, ideal for serving with tortilla chips and guacamole.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Tinga

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
• 2–3 tbsp chipotle chilli paste
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp light brown soft sugar
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Tomato Salsa

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1 small bunch coriander, leaves and stalks finely chopped, plus extra leaves to serve

To Serve

• Tortilla chips
• Guacamole

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Instructions

1. Heat oil and soften onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick flameproof casserole dish or saucepan. Add 2 sliced onions with a pinch of salt and fry gently for 10 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook briefly: Add 2 crushed large garlic cloves to the onions and fry for 1 more minute to release their aroma.
3. Prepare sauce base: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of chipotle chili paste, a 400g can of chopped tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of light brown soft sugar. Add half a can of water to loosen the sauce.
4. Cook chicken in sauce: Nestle 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid reduces slightly.
5. Shred chicken: Remove chicken thighs, shred the meat using two forks, then stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce. Taste and season as needed.
6. Reduce sauce if necessary: If the sauce is too thin, return the dish to the heat and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
7. Make the salsa: In a bowl, combine 1 finely chopped small red onion, 3 finely chopped ripe tomatoes, zest and juice of 1 lime, and a small bunch of chopped coriander leaves and stalks. Season to taste.
8. Serve: Serve the chicken tinga topped with the fresh tomato salsa, accompanied by tortilla chips, guacamole, and extra coriander leaves for garnish.
9. Freezing instructions: Allow leftover chicken tinga to cool completely before transferring to large freezer-safe bags for storage.

Notes

• This dish uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender and flavorful meat that shreds easily.
• Adjust the amount of chipotle chili paste to your preferred spice level.
• Use fresh lime and coriander in the salsa to add bright contrasting flavors to the smoky chicken.
• Serve with guacamole and tortilla chips to create a complete meal with different textures.
• Chicken tinga can be made ahead and freezes well for convenient future meals.
• Ensure to simmer covered during cooking to keep the chicken moist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Chipotle chicken tinga, Mexican chicken recipe, shredded chicken, chipotle chili, tomato salsa, easy Mexican dinner, tortilla chips, guacamole