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Chicken Tinga Tacos

A quick and flavorful recipe for Chicken Tinga Tacos, perfect for busy weeknights, featuring shredded chicken, smoky chipotles, and customizable toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Filling
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2-3 pieces chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For Serving
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Crumbled queso fresco (optional)
  • Sliced avocado (optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If using a rotisserie chicken, shred the meat and set aside. If cooking it from scratch, boil or bake until fully cooked and then shred.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, minced chipotle peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  4. Add the shredded chicken into the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Simmer everything together for an additional 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  5. While the chicken is simmering, warm the tortillas on a griddle or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
  6. Place a generous scoop of the smoky chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro, queso fresco, and sliced avocado if desired.
  7. Squeeze fresh lime over the tacos for an extra zing and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Notes

Use leftover chicken to make it even quicker. Spice it up with diced jalapeños or substitute chicken with mushrooms or jackfruit for a vegetarian version. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.