Tinga de Pollo or Chicken Tinga is a Mexican dish that is made with chicken, chipotle peppers, and tomato sauce. It is a popular dish and one of many classic Mexican recipes served in many Mexican restaurants that can be made in a variety of ways. The dish is typically made with chicken meat (either chicken breast, chicken thighs, or shredded chicken), and is usually cooked in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. The chipotle peppers give the dish a smoky flavor, while the tomato sauce adds a hint of sweetness. The dish is usually served with corn tortillas, cotija cheese, queso fresco, and/or avocado slices.

Making Tinga de Pollo is a relatively easy process that requires a few simple ingredients and some patience. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious and authentic Tinga de Pollo recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken breast, chicken thighs, or shredded chicken
• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup of chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. If using chicken breasts or thighs, season with salt and pepper and cook in a Dutch oven or slow cooker on medium heat for 4-6 hours. If using shredded chicken, skip this step.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the tomato sauce, chipotle chiles, garlic, and bay leaf over medium-high heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the shredded chicken (if using) and chicken stock and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Remove the bay leaf. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with warm corn tortillas, cotija cheese, queso fresco, and/or avocado slices.

Tips for Making the Best Tinga de Pollo

• Use a good quality chicken stock for added flavor.
• If using chicken breasts or thighs, cook them in a slow cooker or Dutch oven on medium heat for 4-6 hours for the best flavor and texture.
• For a smoother sauce, blend the tomato sauce, chipotle chiles, garlic, and bay leaf in a blender before adding it to the pot.
• For a richer flavor, add a few tablespoons of butter to the sauce.
• If using shredded chicken, make sure to cook it in the sauce for at least 10 minutes to ensure that it is cooked through.
• For a spicier dish, add more chipotle chiles in adobo sauce.
• For a milder dish, use fewer chipotle chiles in adobo sauce.
• Serve with warm flour tortillas, white rice, or refried beans.
• Top with fresh shredded lettuce, sliced onion, lime wedges, and/or Mexican crema.
• For a quicker version of the dish, use cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, and skip the first step.