The soul of traditional Mexican cuisine, Tinga de Pollo is a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy shredded chicken dish cooked in a chipotle-tomato sauce. It’s quick, hearty, and infused with deep, comforting flavors that make it a staple across Mexican households. Perfect for tacos, tostadas, or burrito bowls, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family weeknight dinner or at a festive gathering, Tinga de Pollo will win over every palate with its rich aroma and authentic taste. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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4 medium tomatoes, chopped
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2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie or poached)
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2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
Directions:
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
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In a blender, combine tomatoes, chipotle peppers, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
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Pour the sauce into the skillet with the onions and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Stir in the shredded chicken and adobo sauce, mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
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Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve hot with warm tortillas, on tostadas, or as a filling for tacos and sandwiches.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Discover the Bold, Smoky Flavors of Tinga de Pollo
Tinga de Pollo is more than just a delicious dish it’s a story told through smoky chipotle chiles, tender shredded chicken, and the rustic charm of Mexican home cooking. A staple in many Mexican households, this dish is deeply rooted in tradition yet effortlessly modern in its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you serve it at a bustling dinner party or during a cozy weeknight meal, Tinga de Pollo never fails to make an impression.
The Origins of Tinga de Pollo
Tinga originates from the state of Puebla, one of Mexico’s most culturally and gastronomically rich regions. Puebla is famous for creating some of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, including Mole Poblano and Chiles en Nogada, and Tinga is no exception to the state’s reputation for bold, complex flavors.
The word tinga is said to describe something “messy” or “mixed up,” which fittingly reflects the way this dish comes together a harmonious medley of shredded meat stewed in a tomato and chipotle-based sauce. While pork (tinga de cerdo) and beef (tinga de res) variations exist, Tinga de Pollo remains the most popular version, celebrated for its convenience and depth of flavor.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, Tangy, and Comforting
Tinga de Pollo is a flavor explosion in the best way possible. At its heart lies a smoky tomato sauce enriched by chipotle peppers in adobo a pantry staple in many Mexican kitchens. These chipotles lend the dish its unmistakable heat and deep, earthy undertones, while fresh tomatoes balance the spiciness with their natural acidity and sweetness.
Aromatics like garlic and onions enhance the flavor base, infusing the sauce with comforting warmth. The combination of dried herbs such as oregano and cumin adds subtle depth and complexity, rounding out the dish with a fragrance that’s both inviting and nostalgic.
What makes this dish especially compelling is the way it transforms ordinary shredded chicken into something extraordinary. The sauce clings to the strands of meat, saturating every bite with layers of bold, tangy heat and umami.
Why Tinga de Pollo Is a Weeknight Favorite
One of the key reasons Tinga de Pollo has endured through generations is its simplicity. It’s incredibly easy to make, often using pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie meat, which cuts the cooking time significantly. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients many of which are pantry staples it can go from stovetop to table in under 30 minutes.
This makes it a go-to choice for busy families, students, or anyone looking for a no-fuss, hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or next-day leftovers.
How to Serve Tinga de Pollo
Tinga de Pollo is one of those beautifully adaptable dishes that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
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Tacos: Spoon the chicken into warm corn tortillas and top with sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro for the ultimate street-style taco experience.
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Tostadas: Spread refried beans over a crispy tostada shell, pile on the tinga, and finish with shredded lettuce, crema, and pickled onions.
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Burrito Bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa with black beans, grilled vegetables, and a squeeze of lime for a wholesome bowl meal.
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Stuffed Peppers: Use Tinga de Pollo as a protein-packed filling for roasted bell peppers, then bake with a sprinkle of cheese.
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Empanadas or Quesadillas: Add the tinga as a savory filling to your favorite handheld Mexican snacks for a party-ready treat.
Variations and Customizations
Tinga de Pollo is wonderfully versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:
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Tinga de Cerdo: Substitute chicken with shredded pork for a richer flavor and slightly firmer texture.
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Tinga Vegana: Use jackfruit, mushrooms, or even shredded carrots and zucchini for a plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.
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Tinga Verde: Swap the tomatoes and chipotles for tomatillos and green chilies for a lighter, tangier twist on the traditional recipe.
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Creamy Tinga: Add a touch of Mexican crema or sour cream to the sauce to create a milder, richer version perfect for kids or those sensitive to spice.
Pro Tips for the Best Tinga de Pollo
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: For speed and flavor, rotisserie chicken is a game changer. Just shred and toss it into the simmering sauce.
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Control the Heat: Chipotles can pack a punch! Start with one pepper and taste before adding more.
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Sauté the Onions Well: Let the onions cook down slowly until caramelized for a naturally sweet and savory base.
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Blending is Key: For the silkiest sauce, use a high-speed blender or strain the sauce for a more refined texture.
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Make It Ahead: Like many stews, tinga tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Nutritional Notes
Tinga de Pollo is not just tasty it’s also relatively healthy. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and can be easily adapted for gluten-free or keto diets. Served with whole grains and vegetables, it makes for a balanced meal that’s both nourishing and comforting.
A Dish That Feeds Both the Body and Soul
There’s something incredibly soulful about Tinga de Pollo. It’s a dish born of humble ingredients but elevated through care, technique, and tradition. Whether you’re familiar with Mexican cuisine or just dipping your toes into it, tinga is a delicious place to start. It’s welcoming, warm, and packed with flavor that lingers long after the last bite.
From weeknight dinners to special occasions, Tinga de Pollo brings people together around the table. It carries the warmth of family kitchens in Mexico and delivers it in a form that anyone, anywhere in the world, can enjoy and share.
Conclusion:
Tinga de Pollo is the kind of recipe that ticks every box: easy to make, full of bold flavor, endlessly versatile, and rooted in rich cultural tradition. It’s comfort food with character a dish that transforms the ordinary into the unforgettable.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your weekly meal plan or searching for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, Tinga de Pollo is a smart, delicious choice. Serve it once, and it’ll become a regular request in your home.
So grab a pan, open that can of chipotles, and let your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering aromas of one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes. Tinga de Pollo is waiting to become your next family favorite.