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5 from 2 votes

Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe

These easy, Smoky Chicken Tinga Tacos (tinga de pollo) come together quickly for a weeknight dinner that will take your taco game in a delicious new direction.  Tender, shredded chicken gets dressed up in a smokey sauce made from fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, then nestled in corn tortillas and topped with sliced avocado, cotija cheese, diced onions, and chopped cilantro, street taco style! 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 611kcal
Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

Chicken Tinga Filling

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

For Serving

  • 10-12 corn tortillas
  • 2 ripe avocados, sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup diced white onion
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil then saute the onion for 4-5 minutes, just until it begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the chipotle peppers, oregano, and cumin and cook for another minute to bring out the flavors of the spices. Add the tomatoes, broth, and salt, then simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  • Transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Return the sauce to the pan, along with the shredded chicken, and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, then taste and adjust the salt as needed.
  • Serve by warming the tortillas, then filling with the chicken tinga mixture and topping with avocado slices, cilantro, chopped onion, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Adapted from Pinch of Yum.

Nutrition

Calories: 611kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 931mg | Potassium: 978mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 958IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 4mg