Name: Tinga de Pollo: A Flavorful Mexican Dish to Savor and Share
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tomatoes, diced; 2-3 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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If you’re craving a dish full of depth and spice, tinga de pollo is an irresistible choice. This tender, shredded chicken is slowly simmered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce infused with chipotle, making it perfect for topping tostadas de tinga.

Tinga de pollo translates directly to “chicken tinga” in English. It refers to a traditional Mexican dish made with shredded chicken that is cooked in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, onions, and chipotle peppers. The term “tinga” itself relates to the style of cooking that involves simmering meat in a sauce, often resulting in a smoky and spicy flavor profile.

For more inspiration, check out this Halal Chicken recipe, a wholesome option for meal prepping and balanced eating. Let’s take a look into how to make tinga de pollo and explore how this Mexican classic can become a heartwarming staple in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

The Unique Mexican Taste of Tinga de Pollo

Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant colors and flavors, and tinga de pollo is no exception. This dish, known for its smoky undertones and juicy shredded tinga chicken, brings together onions, tomatoes, and chipotle chiles to form a sauce that’s both hearty and versatile. This is the type of meal that brings people together, with the slow-cooked chicken perfect for layering on top of tostadas or folding into warm tortillas.

Aside from its delicious taste, the tinga recipe is also a nutritional powerhouse. Lean chicken provides a great source of protein, while the tomatoes and onions deliver essential vitamins and antioxidants. Chipotle, too, adds a touch of spice while supplying a good dose of capsaicin, which has metabolism-boosting properties. Let’s look at how to make this dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Tinga de Pollo Recipe

For 4 servings

Cuisine: Mexican
Method: Stovetop
Author: Chris
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tomatoes, diced
2-3 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps

Cook the Chicken: In a pot, cook the chicken breasts in boiling water until fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes). Shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onions and garlic until fragrant and golden.
Add Tomatoes and Chipotles: Stir in the diced tomatoes and chipotle chiles. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and create a sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken and chicken broth to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the flavors meld.
Serve and Garnish: Serve hot over tostadas or rice, garnishing with fresh cilantro.

This dish brings warmth and flavor to the table, inviting everyone to enjoy the robust taste of Mexican cuisine in a healthy, home-cooked way.

Notes

Add extra chipotle if you prefer a spicier dish.
Substitute with turkey or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian version.
Leftovers make for fantastic tacos or burrito fillings the next day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Health Benefits of Tinga de Pollo

Tinga de pollo doesn’t just taste amazing—it also offers a variety of health benefits. Lean protein from the chicken supports muscle health, while the tomatoes, loaded with lycopene, help reduce inflammation and provide essential antioxidants. The onions add fiber and prebiotics, supporting gut health, and the chipotle peppers offer capsaicin, which boosts metabolism. This dish can be part of a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutrient-dense.

Preparing tinga chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and keep it as nutritious as possible. Pair it with whole-grain rice or a side of greens for a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

#TalesOfAKitchen #MexicanRecipes #HealthyCooking #ChickenRecipes

Tinga de pollo is a meal worth savoring. Tales of a Kitchen brings you this hearty recipe, ideal for both casual dinners and family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and a wonderful way to share a little piece of Mexican tradition in a healthy way.