Best Easy Tinga de Pollo Recipe

Shredded chicken braised with smoky chipotle peppers and tomatoes, a beloved Mexican comfort dish. High in protein and freezer-friendly, it's ideal for meal prep and calorie deficit goals.

Cook 42 min Difficulty NORMAL 245 kcal
#high protein #meal prep #freezer friendly #low calorie
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 lbs
  • yellow onion 1 large
  • tomatoes 3 medium
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • bay leaf 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 2 tbsp
  • adobo sauce (from can) 1 tbsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • chicken broth 1 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 21%
Protein 27 g 44%
Fat 8 g 35%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Poach the chicken breasts: In a pot, combine chicken, bay leaf, and just enough water to cover. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and poach for 15–18 minutes until just cooked through. Remove chicken, reserving 1 cup poaching liquid.

  2. 2

    Shred the chicken using two forks while still warm to achieve tender, stringy pieces. Set aside and discard bay leaf.

  3. 3

    Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté sliced onion for 4 minutes until soft but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add chopped tomatoes, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 5–6 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.

  5. 5

    Return shredded chicken to the skillet. Add chicken broth and ½ cup reserved poaching liquid. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes, allowing chicken to absorb flavors and sauce to thicken.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, using a slotted spoon for less liquid, as filling for tacos, tostadas, bowls, or meal prep containers.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Tinga de Pollo recipe?
The defining ingredient for Tinga de Pollo is the combination of smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with ripe tomatoes. This pairing, along with shredded chicken breast, creates the dish’s signature depth of flavor and tender texture. Chipotle and adobo infuse smokiness and gentle heat, essential for authentic taste.
Q. How do I ensure the chicken stays moist and tender?
For moist, tender chicken, poach the breasts gently over medium heat and avoid boiling. Shred the meat while it's still warm, and finish simmering in the sauce to let the flavors soak in. Overcooking can dry out the chicken, so monitor it closely during both the poaching and simmering stages.
Q. How can I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
After adding the chicken to the skillet, simmer the Tinga mixture uncovered over low heat for 10–12 minutes. This step allows excess liquid to evaporate and thickens the sauce—producing a rich, clinging consistency. Also, use a slotted spoon when serving if you want less liquid.
Q. What is the nutritional profile per serving?
Each 180g serving of Tinga de Pollo contains about 245 kcal, 27g of protein (44% of calories), 13g carbohydrates (21%), and 8g fat (35%). This makes the dish high in protein and relatively low in calories, suitable for calorie deficit and muscle maintenance goals.
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