Chicken tinga

Mexican pulled chicken simmered in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce. Fragrant and tender, it fills tacos, tostadas or bowls for a sociable, high-protein meal.

Preparation: 15 min  |  Cooking: 30 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 317 kcal · 38 g protein · 11 g carbohydrate · 13 g fat

Ingredients

• 500 g of chicken
• 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
• 2 onions
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp chipotle or smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano

Method

1. Poach and shred the chicken.
2. Soften the onions and garlic, then add the tomatoes, chipotle and oregano.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add the shredded chicken.
4. Simmer for another 10 minutes and serve in tacos or bowls.

Nutritional benefits

Shredded chicken provides plenty of lean protein for few calories, the tomato sauce brings lycopene, and the chipotle adds a smoky flavour without fat. Tinga is a versatile, healthy Mexican base that can be served in tacos, tostadas or bowls. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Variations and substitutions

• With lean pork.
• Vegetarian: with mushrooms or jackfruit.
• On a tostada with beans and avocado.
• Spicier: add more chipotle.

Storage and making ahead

Keeps for 3 days and can be frozen: even better reheated. A good batch cooking dish.

💡 Good to know

Chipotle (smoked chilli) gives tinga its characteristic flavour; if you cannot find it, smoked paprika gives a similar idea.

Read more

Discover more high-protein recipes · healthy & balanced recipes · gluten-free recipes · dairy-free recipes.

The foods in this recipe: chicken · tomatoes · onions · garlic · paprika.

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