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–+ servings

Easy Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe

This easy chicken tinga tacos recipe brings together smoky chipotle flavors, tender shredded chicken, and vibrant toppings for a quick, flavorful meal. Perfect for any dinner lineup, these tacos pair traditional Mexican flavors with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Tongs or two forks for shredding

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1½ cups red enchilada sauce
  • 2 to 4 chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped

For Serving:

  • 1 avocado mashed
  • 8 to 12 tortillas warmed
  • Pickled jalapeño pineapple salsa optional
  • 4 ounces crumbled feta
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Heat the Oil and Begin Cooking the Chicken: In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken breasts, chopped onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, allowing it to brown slightly. Stir the onions occasionally to ensure they don’t stick.
  • Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the enchilada sauce and chopped chipotle peppers into the saucepan. Stir the mixture to coat the chicken thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Shred the Chicken: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pan, mixing it with the sauce to ensure every piece is well coated.
  • Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken cools slightly, warm the tortillas on a skillet, grill, or directly over a gas flame. Keep them soft and pliable, then set aside.
  • Assemble the Tacos: Spread a layer of mashed avocado across each tortilla. Add a portion of the shredded chicken on top. Finish with your choice of toppings: crumbled feta, fresh cilantro, and pickled jalapeño pineapple salsa or another salsa you love.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the tacos on a serving platter or plate, and serve immediately. Add lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness.

Notes

Adjust the Heat Level: For a milder flavor, start with one chipotle pepper and add more gradually if desired.
Custom Toppings: You can swap out the feta for queso fresco or experiment with additional toppings like diced tomatoes or thinly sliced radishes.
Leftover Tips: The chicken tinga filling can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Keyword Chipotle chicken tacos, Easy chicken taco recipe, Easy Food Recipes, Homemade tinga tacos, Quick taco ideas, Smoky chicken taco recipe
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