Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga is a recipe that originated in Mexico. The word “tinga” refers to a stew made with tomatoes, onions, peppers and spices, and there are few better ways to make a tinga dish than with your slow cooker. This slow-cooker chicken tinga recipe could not be much easier to make, and it definitely couldn’t be easier to enjoy.

Based on the rich blend of spices and plenty of flavorful ingredients, this chicken tinga will be one your family asks for again and again. And you won’t mind obliging, as the slow cooker does most of the work for you. You may need to make a trip to a specialty grocery store or the ethnic section of your supermarket for a few ingredients, but the trip will be well worth it.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga

• Fresh chorizo: This recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh chorizo. If you’re working with frozen sausage, make sure to let it thaw completely and come to near room temperature before you begin the cooking process.
• Chicken thighs: You will be using about 1-1/2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs, and you’ll want to trim off any excess fat or gristle.
• Onion and tomatoes: Use one large onion, cut into wedges. This will help impart flavor throughout the dish. For the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, don’t drain the liquid from the can. You want the added moisture and flavor.
• Chicken broth: A low-sodium chicken broth works well here, so use that if you have it, because it’s always good to cut down on sodium when you can.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Make sure these chipotle peppers are well-minced and stirred evenly throughout the dish.
• Garlic: As portioned out here, the recipe calls for three garlic cloves that have been finely minced.
• Cumin and oregano: As you probably know, cumin is a very potent spice, so measure the teaspoons with care, and be sure not to overdo it. The dried oregano brings an earthy and flavorful hint to the finished dish.
• Corn tortillas: As portioned out here, you will use 16 six-inch corn tortillas. If you want to make homemade corn tortillas, all the better.
• Shredded lettuce and pico de gallo (optional): These are optional serving ideas, but they are highly recommended.

Directions

Step 1: Pre-cook the chorizo

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In a small skillet, fully cook the chorizo over medium heat, six to eight minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess liquid.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients and slow-cook

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Transfer the chorizo to a 3- or 4-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken, onion, tomatoes, broth, chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano and salt, and stir to combine everything. Cook, covered, on low for four to five hours, or until the chicken is tender.

Step 3: Shred the chicken

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Remove the chicken, and let it cool slightly, then shred the meat with two forks. Remove and discard the onions, then strain the cooking juices and skim off the fat.

Step 4: Heat through

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Return the cooking juices and the chicken to the slow cooker and heat everything through.

Step 5: Top the tortillas

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Serve the chicken in the corn tortillas, and if desired, top it with shredded lettuce and pico de gallo.

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Variations

• Skip the chorizo: While of course chorizo adds a wonderful rich and smoky flavor to this dish, if you don’t have any on hand but have the rest of the ingredients, proceed with the cooking. The resulting chicken will still be tender and flavorful.
• Spice it up: If you’d like some heat in your dinner, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh jalapenos. If you want things even spicier, consider using habanero peppers.
• Use chicken breast: If you have chicken breast meat instead of chicken thighs, you can absolutely use those, just cut them down into smaller strips so the cooking time will be the same.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga

Leftover portions of this delicious dish are unlikely, but if you do have any, you can store the chicken in airtight bags or containers in the fridge for two to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a pan with a bit of added broth.

Can you freeze slow-cooker tinga chicken?

Freeze cooled chicken mixture in freezer containers. To use it again, partially thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Heat it through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding broth if necessary.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga Tips

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What are chipotle peppers?

Chipotle peppers are dried and smoked jalapenos. They come canned in adobo sauce and can be found in the ethnic aisle of your grocery store or in specialty markets.

What else should I add to this chicken dish?

You can’t go wrong with guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro and anything else you love in your tacos.

How else can I serve chicken tinga?

While serving this dish in corn tortillas is the traditional approach, you can also use flour tortillas, or serve it in burritos, over rice or even added to a savory stew.