Mexican Tinga

This tinga recipe, which features shredded chicken in a spicy and smoky tomato-adobo, is a great Mexican dinner to feed a crowd. 

What Is Tinga? 

Tinga is a Mexican dish made of shredded chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato-adobo sauce. It’s often served on tostadas.

How to Make Tinga

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Tinga Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade chicken tinga recipe:

• Onion and oil: This chicken tinga recipe starts with a large diced onion cooked in olive oil. 
• Canned goods: You’ll need a can of stewed tomatoes and a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Chicken: Cook and shred your own chicken or use leftover rotisserie chicken for this tinga recipe. 
• Tostada shells: Serve the flavorful chicken tinga over tostada shells. 
• Sour cream: Finish each serving with a dollop of sour cream. 

How to Make Chicken Tinga

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make chicken tinga: 

1. Cook the onion. 
2. Purée the tomatoes and chipotle peppers in a blender. 
3. Add the purée to the onions on the stove, stir in the chicken, and simmer. 
4. Dollop the chicken mixture onto tostadas and top with sour cream. 

What to Serve With Tinga

Need some serving inspiration? You’ll discover delicious ideas when you explore our entire collection of . Here are a few of the top-rated recipes you’ll find: 

How to Store Tinga

Store the chicken tinga in an airtight container in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Amazing,” raves . “I add more cans of chipotle in adobo sauce and it comes out great. I also season my onions while they sauté with Adobo red cap seasoning.”

“I love it,” says . “A little bit on the spicy side, but I like it that way. Kids love it. Quick dish to make with only a few ingredients. I used leftover rotisserie chicken in mine.”

“This is wonderful with just the right amount of heat,” according to “I use this tinga for making lettuce wraps. I top the lettuce with the tinga, bean sprouts, shredded carrots and chia seeds.”

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