Mexican Tinga de Pollo (Print-Friendly Version)
Shredded chicken in smoky chipotle-tomato sauce with classic Mexican herbs. Delicious in tacos or over rice.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
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01 -
675 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 -
4 medium ripe tomatoes
03 -
60 ml olive oil
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1 white onion, thinly sliced
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1 can (350 ml) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
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4 garlic cloves
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1.5 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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0.5 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
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0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
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0.25 teaspoon dried marjoram
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Place the chicken breasts in a medium stockpot and add enough water to cover. Season generously with salt, bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and reduce to medium heat. Skim any foam that forms. Cook for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C.
02 -
While the chicken cooks, place tomatoes in a separate pot with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 8 minutes until softened but not falling apart. Remove tomatoes from water and peel if desired. Set aside.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 5–6 minutes.
04 -
In a blender or food processor, combine peeled tomatoes, garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to taste (adjust for preferred heat level). Blend until smooth.
05 -
Pour the blended tomato mixture into the skillet with sautéed onions. Stir in dried marjoram, Mexican oregano, and thyme. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
06 -
Shred the cooked chicken breasts, then add them into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
07 -
Serve hot, tucked into fresh tortillas or spooned over steamed rice as desired.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Control spiciness by varying the amount of chipotle in adobo: use a whole can for a spicy finish, half for medium, or a single chile plus sauce for mild heat.