Chicken Tinga Tacos (Meal Prep, Freezer Friendly)
Chicken Tinga Tacos are tender, saucy, and teeming with flavors the whole family will love. You’ll have these chicken tinga tacos on the table in just 30 minutes!
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Published May 6, 2022
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Chicken Tinga Tacos – Why You’ll Love them
- This Chicken Tinga Tacos recipe is super easy; it’s a 30-minute dinner recipe.
- They’re tender, saucy, and packed with BIG flavors.
- It’s a make-ahead recipe that’s fantastic for meal prep; it’s also freezer-friendly.
- These tasty tacos are perfect for parties and gatherings.
- You get to serve these tasty tacos with fresh guacamole or pico de gallo!
Chicken Tinga – how to prep ahead
Aside from its pure deliciousness, this chicken tinga recipe’s greatest virtue is its ease of preparation. Prepare the saucy chicken filling in advance on Sunday, and you’ll have a few fabulous meals ready to go for the busy week ahead.
- Buy your pantry ingredients ahead of time; items like chipotle in adobo sauce are often found in the ethnic aisle of major grocery stores.
- On meal prep day, sauté the aromatics and puree the sauce according to recipe instructions.
- Either cook and shred your own boneless chicken breasts/thighs, or use rotisserie chicken for simplicity.
- The chicken tinga filling can be completely made in advance several days ahead of time. Either keep in the fridge or use freezer containers to freeze for up to several weeks.
- For best results, reheat desired amount of chicken tinga taco filling on stovetop, right before use (if frozen, defrost in fridge overnight.)
chicken Tinga Tacos
Commonly Asked Questions
The term “tinga” implies torn or shredded meat. Tinga de pollo, or chicken tinga, is precisely Mexican style shredded chicken. This chicken is then stewed in a spicy tomato-based sauce and used to fill tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, etc.
Tinga sauce is commonly a tomato-based sauce that includes chipotle, adobo sauce, onions, garlic, oregano, and cumin.
Yes, this chicken tinga recipe is gluten-free. It’s also dairy-free, if you omit cheese in the garnish. This recipe is super healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Pro tips for the best chicken tinga tacos
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for the most tender results. Whether you choose to bake or boil them, chicken thighs are the most forgiving choice, even if you accidentally overcook them a bit.
- That said, rotisserie chicken is always a time-saving option for shredded chicken.
- Give your corn tortillas a minute of heat on the skillet, for that crispy-charred restaurant flavor.
- Serve with this 5-minute fresh guacamole or super fresh pico de gallo, for a phenomenal burst of flavors.
- Bonus tip: to soften the bite of freshly chopped red onions, simply sprinkle them with fresh lime juice. This will also elevate the flavors of your garnish immensely.
More to cook and eat
- Carne Asada Tacos Recipe – carne asada is ultra tender and flavorful! Can be made in advance.
- Crispy Baja Fish Tacos with Creamy Lime Sauce – learn how to make these San Diego style fish tacos, crispy and creamy and full of flavor.
- 30-Minute Healthy Taco Casserole – all your favorite flavors in a healthy weeknight casserole the family will adore.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe – feel great about making your own super-easy taco seasoning to have on hand anytime you want!
Chicken Tinga Tacos (Meal Prep, Freezer Friendly)
Chicken Tinga Tacos are tender, saucy, and teeming with flavors the whole family will love. You’ll have these chicken tinga tacos on the table in just 30 minutes!
