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Chicken Tinga is a beloved dish that hails from the Puebla region of Mexico, celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting textures. This traditional recipe showcases the beautiful balance of smoky, spicy, and savory elements that characterize Mexican cuisine. The heart of Chicken Tinga lies in its tender chicken, which is cooked to perfection and enveloped in a vibrant sauce made from tomatoes, spices, and chipotle peppers. The dish serves as the perfect filling for tacos, offering a satisfying meal that is equally delicious and simple to prepare at home.

The Best Chicken Tinga Tacos

Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of these Best Chicken Tinga Tacos! Made with tender shredded chicken thighs simmered in a delicious chipotle tomato sauce, this recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for taco night. Top with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and crunchy radishes for a delightful twist. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, these tacos are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve with lime wedges for the perfect finishing touch!

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 medium onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 dried chipotle peppers (or 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Salt and pepper to taste

8 corn tortillas

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Avocado slices (optional)

Sliced radishes (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken thighs, cover them with water, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, reserving the cooking liquid, and shred it once it's cool enough to handle.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes (with their juices), minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

      Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the onions, then pour the blended sauce over the chicken. Stir well to combine, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency.

          Simmer: Let the chicken tinga simmer for about 10-15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

            Warm the Tortillas: In a separate skillet or on a hot griddle, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.

              Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous amount of the chicken tinga mixture in the center of each tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and sliced radishes if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

                Enjoy: Dig in and savor the rich, smoky flavors of these irresistible chicken tinga tacos!

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4