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Tinga de Pollo

Quick and Easy Tinga de Pollo: A Flavorful Family Delight

Tinga de Pollo is a delicious and vibrant Mexican dish made with shredded chicken in smoky tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 284
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Avocado or Canola Oil Can substitute with olive oil.
  • 1 large White Onion Any onion variety can work but white onion is milder.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Canned.
  • 4 pieces Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Adjust for desired heat.
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt Sea salt can substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin Essential for authentic flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Or use white pepper for milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Mexican oregano is best.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Paprika Smoked paprika for extra flavor.
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Can substitute thighs for richer flavor.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Cilantro Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a Dutch oven, heat avocado or canola oil over medium-high heat. Add diced white onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to a blender along with crushed tomatoes, chipotle peppers, kosher salt, ground cumin, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the blended sauce back into the Dutch oven and bring to a gentle simmer. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are submerged. Cover slightly ajar and simmer for 45-50 minutes, turning chicken halfway through.
  4. Once chicken is cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), remove and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir well for another 10-15 minutes.
  5. Remove pot from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot in warm tortillas or alongside rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Monitor the heat of the sauce to prevent burning and taste for seasoning adjustments before serving.

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