Chicken tinga is a delicious Mexican dish featuring shredded chicken simmered in a smoky chipotle-based sauce. This crock pot version simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The slow cooking method infuses the chicken with incredible depth of flavor, making it perfect for tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, or simply served with rice and beans.
What is Chicken Tinga?
Chicken tinga, originating from Puebla, Mexico, is characterized by its rich, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce. Traditionally, it's made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, onions, garlic, and a touch of oregano. The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish. This recipe adapts the traditional method for the convenience of a slow cooker.
How Long to Cook Chicken Tinga in a Crock Pot?
The cooking time for chicken tinga in a crock pot depends on the size and type of your slow cooker, as well as the size of your chicken pieces. Generally, you can expect to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when it's done.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Tinga:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra richness)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (7 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your crock pot. Add the chicken breasts, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (reserve some adobo sauce for later, if desired), diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve with your favorite toppings.
What to Serve with Chicken Tinga?
The versatility of chicken tinga makes it perfect for a variety of dishes. Here are some popular options:
- Tacos: Soft or hard corn tortillas are ideal for filling with the shredded chicken and your favorite toppings.
- Tostadas: Crispy tortillas topped with the chicken tinga, crema fresca, avocado, and cheese.
- Enchiladas: Use corn tortillas to create delicious enchiladas filled with the chicken tinga and smothered in your favorite sauce.
- Quesadillas: A simple and satisfying option that incorporates the chicken tinga into a melted cheese quesadilla.
- Burritos: Use large flour tortillas to create satisfying burritos packed with chicken tinga, rice, beans, and other fillings.
Can I Freeze Chicken Tinga?
Yes! Chicken tinga freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How Spicy is Chicken Tinga?
The spiciness of chicken tinga is entirely adjustable to your preference. Start with a smaller amount of chipotle peppers and add more to taste. You can also control the heat by removing the seeds from the chipotle peppers before adding them to the crock pot.
Is Chicken Tinga Healthy?
Chicken tinga can be a relatively healthy meal, particularly when using lean chicken breast and controlling the amount of added oil and salt. The addition of vegetables and whole grains to your serving will further increase the nutritional value.
This Crock Pot Chicken Tinga recipe provides a flavorful and convenient way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish. Enjoy!
