Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe (Tinga de Pollo)

Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe (Tinga De Pollo) is made easily using the slow cooker [paid link]. This incredibly flavorful chicken can be used in so many recipes like salad, wraps, tacos, nachos, taquitos, and more! Your family will love this quick and easy recipe. 

I have really been relying a lot more on my Crock Pot lately. With the right ingredients and attention to cooking times, the flavors you can coax out of a crock pot meal are pretty amazing. This Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe (Tinga De Pollo) is certainly no exception.

I like to make a large batch and use it a couple of days of the week and a few different applications. It’s really incredibly easy and the spiciness of the tacos can be easily adjusted which is great so if you like spicy turn up the heat!

If you’re not a fan, we can tweak that, too! The best part is this Crock Pot Shredded Mexican Chicken is EASY to use in so MANY recipes. SCORE!

The chicken is so tender it shreds with a pair of forks. Then I dump all the meat back into the cooking liquid and give it a good stir. This allows the meat to get back in there and mingle and get totally coated in all that yummy sauce.

I’m drooling just thinking about it.

Ingredients for Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe

The ingredients you listed are important for the flavor profile and overall composition of your recipe for what appears to be a Mexican-inspired dish, possibly a chicken dish with a smoky and spicy sauce.

** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.

• Chicken breasts: The main protein source for your dish. Chicken breasts are lean and mild in flavor, making them a great base for absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
• Salsa: Salsa adds a rich tomatoey flavor along with a blend of spices, onions, and sometimes peppers. It’s a versatile ingredient that contributes both flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Mild green chilies: Green chilies contribute a mild, earthy flavor with a subtle heat. They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine and add depth to the dish.
• Diced tomatoes, drained: Diced tomatoes provide acidity and texture to the sauce. Draining them helps control the consistency of the sauce and prevents it from becoming too watery.
• Chipotle in Adobo: Chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce provide smokiness and a significant level of spiciness. They are a key ingredient in many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, adding a unique and complex flavor.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the heat and smokiness of the chipotle peppers. It also contributes to the overall complexity of flavors in the sauce.
• Salt: Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and helps bring out the savory elements in the dish.
• Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of spiciness and warmth to the sauce.
• Hot sauce: Hot sauce allows you to adjust the spiciness of the dish according to your preference. It’s an optional ingredient that can add an extra kick.

How to prepare Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe

The chicken breasts serve as the protein base while the other ingredients combine to form a flavorful sauce that complements the chicken. The use of chipotle peppers, salsa, and green chilies adds a distinct Mexican-inspired character to the dish.

** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.

1. Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker [paid link]. Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the hot sauce over the top of the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. Cooking times vary based on the model and size of your crock pot.
2. Remove chicken to a shallow pan or cutting board [paid link]. With two forks, shred the chicken completely. At this point, return the chicken back into the crock pot to mingle and get coated with the flavorful cooking liquid. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add hot sauce to taste, if desired.

Cinco de Mayo is coming up soon and we’re using this Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe to create Baked Chicken Tacos, Burritos, flautas, taquitos, and chicken quesadillas just to name a few. Chicken taco salad? Yes, please!

One simple recipe with unlimited options on how to use it.

Why this recipe works

1. Balanced Flavor Profile: This recipe achieves a balanced flavor profile by combining sweet, spicy, smoky, and savory elements. The sweetness from brown sugar counteracts the heat from the chipotle peppers, while the salsa, green chilies, and diced tomatoes provide a rich and tangy tomato base. This balance of flavors makes the dish delicious and satisfying.
2. Use of Chipotle in Adobo: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a key ingredient that provides a distinct smoky and spicy flavor. Their smokiness adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it uniquely appealing. The adobo sauce also contributes to the overall flavor.
3. Customizable Spiciness: The recipe allows for customization of spiciness with the optional addition of hot sauce and variable amounts of chipotle in adobo. This flexibility ensures that the dish can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, whether someone prefers milder or spicier flavors.
4. Texture Variety: The combination of shredded chicken breasts and diced tomatoes provides a pleasing contrast in textures. The chicken is tender and succulent, while the diced tomatoes add a slightly chunky and juicy element to the sauce.
5. Easy Preparation: The recipe is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require complex cooking techniques. It’s accessible to home cooks with varying levels of experience in the kitchen.
6. Versatile Serving Options: The finished dish can be served in various ways, making it adaptable to different meals and occasions. It can be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, or served over rice, beans, or pasta. This versatility makes it a convenient choice for meal planning.
7. Familiar Mexican-Inspired Flavors: The combination of ingredients in this recipe is reminiscent of classic Mexican flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy Tex-Mex or Mexican cuisine.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

1. Choose the Right Size Crock Pot:
   • Ensure that you’re using an appropriately sized crock pot for your recipe. The slow cooker [paid link] should be filled anywhere from half full to two-thirds full for optimal results. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking, while under-filling can cause your ingredients to cook too quickly or dry out.
2. Layer Ingredients Wisely:
   • When layering ingredients in the crock pot, place denser and slower-cooking ingredients (like root vegetables or tough cuts of meat) at the bottom and closer to the heat source. This helps them cook more evenly. Delicate ingredients like leafy greens or seafood should be added during the last hour or so of cooking to prevent overcooking.
3. Minimize Liquid Evaporation:
   • Slow cookers can cause some liquid evaporation over long cooking times. To prevent your dish from becoming too dry, consider these tricks:
     • Use a well-fitting lid to seal in moisture.
     • Reduce the amount of added liquid in the recipe, as less liquid is needed in slow cooking compared to conventional stovetop or oven cooking.
     • If your dish still ends up with too much liquid, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate and thicken the sauce.

Recipe Variations for Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe

1. Chicken Tinga Tacos:
   • Use the traditional shredded chicken tinga as a taco filling. Warm up small corn tortillas and serve the tinga with your favorite taco toppings, such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime. You can also add sliced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess.
2. Chicken Tinga Tostadas:
   • Top crispy tostada shells with a layer of refried beans, then spoon the chicken tinga on top. Garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, Mexican crema or sour cream, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. Tostadas offer a satisfying crunch to complement the tender chicken tinga.
3. Chicken Tinga Enchiladas:
   • Roll the shredded chicken tinga in corn tortillas, place them in a baking dish, and cover with enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with Mexican crema. These enchiladas are packed with smoky, spicy flavors.

Serving Suggestions

1. Dipping Sauces: Serve your Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor. Some popular options include:
   • Sour cream: Provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spiciness of the chicken tinga.
   • Guacamole: The creamy, avocado-based dip adds a refreshing element.
   • Salsa: Offer a selection of salsas with varying levels of heat to cater to different preferences.
   • Chipotle mayo: A mix of mayonnaise and chipotle in adobo sauce creates a smoky and spicy dip.
2. Fresh Salsa and Pico de Gallo: Accompany your Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe with freshly made salsa or pico de gallo. These fresh tomato-based salsas add a burst of flavor and freshness to each bite.
3. Lime Wedges: Provide lime wedges as a garnish and for squeezing over the Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe. The citrusy tang of lime enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the dish.
4. Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy extra heat, offer a side of pickled jalapeño slices or other pickled peppers. They can add a spicy kick to each bite.
5. Mexican Rice and Refried Beans: Create a complete Mexican meal by serving the Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe alongside classic sides like Mexican rice and refried beans. The rice and beans offer a hearty and satisfying accompaniment.

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Mexican Shredded Chicken Tinga Recipe (Tinga de Pollo)

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming

Tinga de Pollo is a Mexican Shredded Chicken. This version is made easy in the slow cooker and can be used in so many recipes.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 10 servings

Calories 142 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups salsa , see notes
• 1 4 oz. can mild green chilies
• 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes , drained
• 2-4 tablespoons Chipotle in Adobo , use more or less for desired spiciness
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• hot sauce to taste

Instructions

 

• Add the chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the hot sauce over the top pf the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. Cooking times vary based on the model and size of your crock pot.
• Remove chicken to shallow pan or cutting board. With two forks, shred the chicken completely. At this point, return the chicken aback into the crock pot to mingle and get coated with the flavorful cooking liquid. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add hot sauce to taste, if desired.

Notes

Use this recipe for Baked Chicken Tacos, Burritos, flautas, taquitos, chicken quesadillas and chicken taco salad. 

Nutrition

Serving: 11/10 portionCalories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 20gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 878mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 416IUVitamin C: 8mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 3µgCalcium: 33mgFolate: 9µgIron: 1mgZinc: 1mg

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