Imagine tender, succulent chicken infused with a tantalizing blend of smoky chipotle peppers and aromatic spices, all slowly simmered to perfection. That's what you get with these Fiesta Chicken Tinga Tacos, a dish that transforms your kitchen into a vibrant Mexican fiesta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering, these tacos are a fuss-free culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone craving for more.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 7 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (high setting) or 7 hours 20 minutes (low setting)
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 2 tacos per person
Nutritional Profile
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 6g
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): 900g (2 pounds or 32 ounces)
- Canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: 118g (4 ounces)
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: 400g (14 ounces)
- White onion, sliced: 150g (5.3 ounces)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 20g (0.7 ounces)
- Ground cumin: 5g (0.18 ounces)
- Dried oregano: 5g (0.18 ounces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas: 12 pieces
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Chicken Preparation: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sauce Creation: Blend the chipotle peppers and diced tomatoes until smooth. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Adding Aromatics: Add sliced onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Shredding Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Mix well with the sauce.
- Assembling Tacos: Warm the tortillas, then spoon the chicken tinga onto each tortilla. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too dry during cooking.
- To keep tortillas warm and pliable, wrap them in a clean cloth after warming.
- Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can provide a richer flavor and are more forgiving in terms of overcooking.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a medium spice level due to the chipotle peppers. You can adjust the heat by altering the amount of chipotle used.
Can I freeze Chicken Tinga?
Yes, it freezes well. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.