Chipotle Shredded Chicken Taco Filling Recipe (Chicken Tinga)
Chipotle Shredded Chicken Taco Filling Recipe (Chicken Tinga). Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a surefire hit for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
The heart of this dish lies in tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned with a touch of kosher salt.
Cooked to perfection in olive oil until it’s beautifully browned, the chicken becomes the perfect canvas for a medley of mouthwatering ingredients.
Red onions and garlic lend their aromatic essence, while diced tomatoes and minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a delightful burst of smoky spice. A dash of ground cumin elevates the taste profile, taking your taste buds on an exciting journey.
To bring it all together, a splash of chicken broth harmonizes the flavors, creating a luscious sauce that envelops the shredded chicken.
Adding a touch of freshness, we tie together the stems of fresh cilantro and let them infuse their herbal goodness throughout the cooking process. The cilantro leaves, chopped to perfection, are then mingled with the succulent chicken, providing a burst of color and a final layer of flavor.
But what can you serve with this scrumptious Chicken Tinga? The options are endless!
Spoon it into warm tortillas and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Or try it as a filling for enchiladas, topping it with melty cheese before baking to perfection.
Looking for some tips and tricks to make the most of this recipe?
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle peppers.
Also, you can double the batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days.
Weight Watchers Points
1 Point (2022/2023 Plan)
MyWW Points: 1 Blue Plan and 2 Green Plan
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chipotle Chicken
Bursting with Flavor
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken recipe is packed with bold, vibrant flavors. The combination of minced chipotle peppers, cumin, and fresh cilantro brings a deliciously smoky and slightly spicy taste that is sure to excite your taste buds.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact
With just a few pantry staples like diced tomatoes, garlic, and chicken broth, you can create a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. The minimal ingredient list means you can whip up this tasty meal without a long grocery list.
Easy to Make
The straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Browning the chicken, sautéing the aromatics, and simmering everything together ensures a rich and flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken is an excellent choice for meal prep. Make a big batch and use it throughout the week in tacos, salads, or rice bowls. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
Versatile and Customizable
You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle pepper, or even throwing in some additional vegetables like bell peppers or corn. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your family’s preferences.
Healthy and Satisfying
Lean chicken breast and the absence of heavy creams or cheeses make this a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a satisfying dish that’s high in protein and can fit into a balanced diet.
Tips and Tricks
Cooking Tips
To ensure the chicken browns evenly, make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan by cooking the chicken in batches if necessary. This will help achieve a nice sear on the chicken, adding extra flavor to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro or parsley in a pinch. For a milder dish, use fewer chipotle peppers or replace them with smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor without the heat.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dish also freezes well. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or even as a topping for a baked potato. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness and flavor.
Make Ahead
To save time, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cilantro leaves in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Related Recipes
Easy Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Weight Watchers Lime Chicken Tacos
Quick Mexican Chicken Taquitos (Air Fryer)
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Weight Watchers Chipotle Shredded Chicken Taco Filling (Chicken Tinga)
Equipment
- 2 Forks
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- kosher salt to taste
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14½ oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 6 sprigs fresh cilantro tough stems and leaves separated
Instructions
- Place oil in a large pot and heat it on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle salt on both sides of the chicken.
- Put the chicken in the hot oil and cook it until it turns brown on both sides, which should take about 8 minutes. If you have a lot of chicken, you might need to cook it in batches.
- Stir in the onion, garlic, tomatoes (including the juice), chipotle, cumin, and broth (or water).
- Take a piece of kitchen twine and use it to tie the stems of the cilantro together. Put the tied cilantro in the pot.
- Let the mixture come to a boil and then turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken becomes really tender. Turn the chicken over halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove and throw away the tied cilantro stems.
- Use tongs or two forks to pull apart the chicken into small pieces directly in the sauce.
- Chop the cilantro leaves into small pieces and mix them in with the chicken.
- Taste and add a little bit of salt, around ¼ teaspoon, if needed.
- Serve the chicken immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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