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Homemade Saucy Chicken Tinga Tacos photo

Saucy Chicken Tinga Tacos

These Saucy Chicken Tinga Tacos will impress everyone! Tender chicken in a smoky, spicy sauce, topped with fresh ingredients for a flavor explosion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6-7)
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 16-20 corn tortillas
  • Cotija cheese crumbled
  • Thinly sliced red onion (pickled or raw)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
  • Serving Platter
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the chopped jalapeño and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a nice texture.
  3. Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. This allows the chicken to become tender and soak up all the flavors.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix it back into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb more flavor.
  5. While the chicken is simmering, warm your corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven.
  6. To assemble your Saucy Chicken Tinga Tacos, take a warm tortilla and fill it with the shredded chicken mixture. Top with crumbled cotija cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Feel free to add more vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers or corn, for added nutrition.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
  • This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • For a different flavor profile, try adding a squeeze of orange juice to the chicken mixture while it simmers.