Chicken Tinga

This shredded chicken dish is packed with classic Mexican flavors and can be served so many ways. Try it in a rice bowl or salad!

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5 Ingredients or Less
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15 minutes or less
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For the whole family
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Diabetes-friendly
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Immune boosting
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Heart-healthy
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Anti-inflammatory
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Vegetarian
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Vegan
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Gluten-free
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Dairy-free
Chicken Tinga
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Chicken Tinga
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
  • 3 tablespoons oil, any kind
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 (28-ounce) can of tomatoes
  • 2 tomatillos (about 1/4 pound), rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons sauce from one can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
  • 1 whole chipotle chile in adobo sauce, optional
  • 5 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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DIRECTIONS:
  1. Place tomatoes and tomatillos in a medium saucepan and cover with water.
  2. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, and then remove the tomatoes and tomatillos and blend them until smooth.
  3. Heat the oil in a large and deep pan over medium heat; once it is hot but not smoking, stir in the onion and cook until soft and clear. Stir in the garlic and cook until the mixture becomes lightly browned.
  4. Pour the tomato/tomatillo sauce on top and add the spices and chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (if you want more heat, add an entire chipotle chile in adobo sauce).
  5. Let it simmer, stirring now and then, until it deepens to a deep red color, about 10 to 12 minutes. You may want to partially cover the pan as the sauce will want to jump out onto your burners.
  6. Add the shredded chicken and let it cook, occasionally stirring, until the chicken has absorbed almost all of the juices and the mixture is moist but not juicy.
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THRIVE TIP

Use leftover grilled or baked chicken (any cut) for this recipe, or shred the meat from store-bought chicken.

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