Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos bring the rich flavors of Puebla right to your kitchen with minimal effort. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a smoky chipotle-tomato sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination of spice and depth.

The versatility of tinga shines through in this easy slow-cooker version. Simply combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken ready for tacos or tostadas.

Perfect for any occasion, these tacos are topped with creamy avocado, fresh onion, and tangy crema, making them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving a casual family meal or hosting friends, these tacos are sure to impress.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos: Ingredients

The heart of Chicken Tinga lies in tender, boneless chicken thighs, which absorb the smoky richness of chipotle chiles and the vibrant tang of fire-roasted tomatoes. These ingredients infuse the chicken with layers of deep, spicy flavor, making each bite unforgettable.

Fresh garlic and earthy oregano bring aromatic depth, while cumin adds a warm, grounding note that balances the sauce’s smokiness. The addition of corn kernels offers a sweet contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile and texture.

To finish, a burst of lime juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness and offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy toppings of avocado and crema.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos offer a rich, smoky, and spicy twist on traditional tacos. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken simmered in a flavorful chipotle-tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying family meal or a crowd-pleasing taco night. Whether you’re using soft tortillas or crisp tostadas, these tacos will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Here are some additional tips, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions to help you make the most of this delicious recipe.

Recipe Tips

1. Customize the Heat Level
   The level of spiciness in Chicken Tinga can be adjusted based on the amount of chipotle chiles and adobo sauce you use. For a milder version, start with one chile and a smaller amount of adobo sauce. You can always add more for extra heat! Be sure to taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust as needed.
2. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor
   While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe, you can also use bone-in thighs for added flavor. The bones release extra richness into the sauce, making it even more flavorful. Just be sure to remove the bones before shredding the meat.
3. Don’t Skip the Lime
   A fresh squeeze of lime at the end makes a world of difference. The citrus adds a bright, tangy contrast to the deep, smoky flavors of the chicken. If you prefer a more intense lime flavor, feel free to add more lime juice to taste just before serving.

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What to Serve with Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
   Serve your Chicken Tinga Tacos with Mexican street corn for a vibrant and creamy side. Grilled corn on the cob, slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, pairs wonderfully with the smoky tinga. The sweet and savory flavors balance the spiciness of the tacos, making each bite a perfect complement.
2. Refried Beans
   A classic side to any taco meal, refried beans offer a creamy, rich contrast to the spiced chicken. You can serve them warm with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence. Their mild flavor complements the boldness of the chicken, creating a well-rounded meal.
3. Fresh Mango Salsa
   Add a refreshing touch to your tacos with a homemade mango salsa. Dice ripe mango, red onion, cilantro, and a bit of jalapeño for a sweet and spicy topping. The natural sweetness of the mango enhances the smoky tinga, while the crisp veggies add a satisfying crunch.

FAQ

1. Can I make Chicken Tinga with pork instead of chicken?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for pork in this recipe. Pork shoulder or pork loin are great options. Cook them the same way as the chicken for tender, flavorful meat that will soak up the delicious chipotle-tomato sauce.

2. How can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make Chicken Tinga in a pressure cooker. Simply sauté the onions and garlic, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes. Shred the chicken and proceed with the rest of the recipe as directed.

3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but it may require a bit more time to cook. Be sure to cook on low for 7–8 hours to ensure the chicken reaches the desired tenderness.

4. How long will leftovers last?
Leftover Chicken Tinga will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, so feel free to make extra for future meals!

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos

Tinga is a traditional Pueblan dish that features braised chicken or pork in a flavorful chipotle, tomato, and onion sauce. It is commonly served on crisp tostadas, topped with Mexican crema, sliced avocado, and fresh shredded lettuce. Though some versions braise the meat directly in the sauce, others involve reheating already cooked chicken or pork in the flavorful mixture. The dish is celebrated for its affordability, versatility, and the complex, smoky flavor it offers with minimal preparation.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course crockpot recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup crushed fire-roasted tomatoes approximately 9 ounces
• 5 garlic cloves smashed and chopped
• 1 to 3 chipotle chiles minced, along with 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 fresh or dried bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 white or red onion thinly sliced
• Coarse kosher salt
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels cut from 2 small ears or 10 ounces of thawed frozen corn
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Juice from ½ lime approximately 2 teaspoons, plus extra for seasoning
• 8 corn tortillas or tostadas
• Mexican-style crema or sour cream for serving
• Sliced avocado for serving

Instructions

 

• Step 1
• In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, crushed tomatoes, garlic, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, tomato paste, vegetable oil, bay leaf, oregano, cumin, and half of the sliced onion. Stir the mixture thoroughly, seasoning with 2 teaspoons of salt. Set the slow cooker to low and cook the chicken until it becomes very tender, which should take about 6 hours.
• Step 2
• About 15 minutes before serving, raise the heat to high and stir in the corn kernels, onion powder, and lime juice. Allow the corn to warm through, which should take approximately 10 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the tortillas if using.
• Step 3
• Remove and discard the bay leaf. Using two forks, shred the chicken coarsely. Taste the tinga and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lime juice as needed. Serve the tinga on tortillas or tostadas, garnished with the remaining sliced onion, crema, and avocado.

Keyword Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tacos