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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Chicken Tostadas de Tinga

    Published: Aug 23, 2021 · Updated: Jul 26, 2023 by Maggie Unzueta

    Chicken Tostadas de Tinga is made with shredded chicken cooked in a zesty, chipotle tomato sauce. Serve on top of a crispy tostada and enjoy all the amazing flavors.
    Jump to Recipe
    Two tostadas of Tinga de Pollo (Chicken Tinga) on a wooden board next to the toppings.
    Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Yummy and delicious. A Mexican food classic meal. Via @MamaMaggiesKitchen
    Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Yummy and delicious. A Mexican food classic meal. Via @MamaMaggiesKitchen
    Two tostadas of Tinga de Pollo (Chicken Tinga) on a wooden board next to the toppings.
    Two tostadas of Tinga de Pollo (Chicken Tinga) on a wooden board next to the toppings.

    Chicken Tostadas de Tinga is an easy authentic recipe that whisks me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Mexico. 

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    This dish packs a lot of flavor, balancing smoky, spicy shredded chicken with creamy refried beans and tangy queso fresco on a crispy tostada, crowned with sour cream and fresh lettuce.

    I like to serve it on top of homemade tostadas with all my favorite toppings.. So good!

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Ingredients
        • 1.0.1 To Cook the Chicken:
        • 1.0.2 To Make the Tinga Sauce:
    • 2 Instructions
    • 3 Pro Tip: 
    • 4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • 5 Tostada Toppings
    • 6 Hungry for More?
    • 7 Chicken Tostadas de Tinga
      • 7.1 Ingredients
        • 7.1.1 To Cook the Chicken:
        • 7.1.2 To Make the Tinga:
        • 7.1.3 For the Tostadas:
      • 7.2 Instructions
        • 7.2.1 To Cook the Chicken:
        • 7.2.2 To Make the Tinga:
        • 7.2.3 To Assemble Tostada:
      • 7.3 Video
      • 7.4 Notes
      • 7.5 Nutrition

    Ingredients

    The ingredients necessary to make Chicken Tinga laid out and labeled on a wooden table.

    To Cook the Chicken:

    • Boneless chicken breast
    • Water
    • Onion
    • Garlic cloves
    • Bay leaf
    • Salt
    • Black Pepper

    To Make the Tinga Sauce:

    • Fresh tomatoes diced
    • Chipotle in adobo sauce peppers use less chiles chipotle if you don’t like it spicy
    • Chicken broth reserved from the cooked chicken
    • Salt
    • Olive oil
    • Thinly sliced onions

    The ingredients above are just for reference. Please see recipe for exact measurements.

    Chicken breasts or thighs work best. You’ll need roughly 6 lbs of chicken for this recipe. 

    Instructions

    Making chipotle tomato sauce in a small blender.
    • Add the chopped tomatoes, chile chipotle, and chicken broth in a blender. 
    • Blend until smooth.

    The sauce is very simple and easily adjustable. 

    Some like it hot. If that’s you, add 4 chipotle peppers in adobo or the entire can. For a milder version, use only 2 chipotles. 

    Or, add 1 chipotle pepper in the blender at a time until you reach your desired heat level.

    Two forks shredded cooked chicken on a decorative blue plate.

    Time to shred up the cooked chicken. Just get your fork and pull the meat apart. 

    What a yummy way to use up leftover chicken! Makes for an easy weeknight meal, and it’s high in protein. 

    Pro Tip: 

    Use frozen chicken. The flavorful chipotle sauce will mask any freezer burn. 

    Or better yet, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken! Remove the skin and skip to the part where you make the sauce.

    A collage showing how to make tinga in an instant pot.
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 
    • Add the sliced onion and caramelize. About 5 minutes, stirring often.
    • To the pot, add the shredded chicken and chipotle tomato sauce. 
    • Stir to combine the chicken mixture. 

    It all comes together in minutes, even be made in an Instant Pot. (See recipe below for Instant Pot Chicken Tinga).

    With a mild yet rich sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of heat and taste!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Why is it called tinga? 

    Tinga is the name of a dish that is traditionally made with either shredded chicken, beef, or pork. Chicken is the most common though. The recipe calls for tomatoes, chipotle in adobo sauce, and onions. 

    What part of Mexico is Chicken Tinga from?

    Chicken Tinga originated from Puebla and is very popular in the central states of Mexico. There are variations from state to state. 

    Is tinga served cold?

    Tinga can be served either cold or warm, depending on your personal taste. 

    How long can I store the leftover tinga?

    3-5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

    Two tostadas of Tinga de Pollo (Chicken Tinga) on a wooden board next to the toppings.

    Tostada Toppings

    • Refried Beans
    • Lettuce
    • Chopped Cilantro
    • Green Onions
    • Cotija Cheese
    • Sour Cream (or Mexican crema)

    Traditionally served as tostadas, but you can also make tacos or burritos. There is no wrong way to enjoy the delicious flavors of this chicken tinga recipe. 

    Tostadas de Tinga (Chicken Tinga Tostadas) is an easy mouthwatering recipe is my favorite way to transform leftover chicken into a flavorful Mexican meal. Serve with Air Fryer Asparagus and enjoy!

    Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Two tostadas of Tinga de Pollo (Chicken Tinga) on a wooden board next to the toppings.

    Chicken Tostadas de Tinga

    Chicken Tostadas de Tinga is made with shredded chicken cooked in a zesty, chipotle tomato sauce. Serve on top of a crispy tostada and enjoy all the amazing flavors.
    5 from 45 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 291kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    To Cook the Chicken:

    • 6 boneless chicken breast
    • 6 cups Water
    • ½ onion
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper

    To Make the Tinga:

    • 4 tomatoes diced
    • 4 chipotle in adobo sauce peppers use less chipotle if you don’t like it spicy
    • 1 cup chicken broth reserved from the cooked chicken
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • ¼ cup oil
    • 2 ½ onions thinly sliced

    For the Tostadas:

    • 1 package tostadas
    • Refried Beans
    • Lettuce
    • Cilantro
    • Green Onions
    • Queso Cotija
    • Sour Cream

    Instructions

    To Cook the Chicken:

    • In a large stockpot, add the chicken, water, ½ onion, garlic clove, bay leaf, salt and pepper.
    • Cook for 25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
    • Remove chicken from the pot.
    • Reserve the liquid, and discard the other items from the pot.
    • Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the chicken with a fork and set aside.

    To Make the Tinga:

    • Add tomatoes, chipotle, salt, and 1 cup of the reserved chicken broth to a blender.
    • Blend until smooth.
    • Slice 2 ½ onions. 
    • In a stock pot, heat the oil.
    • Add the onions and cook until translucent, stirring frequently.
    • Add the shredded chicken and the chipotle sauce to the pan.
    • Let simmer for 10 minutes on medium heat.
    • If needed, add 1 cup chicken broth.

    To Assemble Tostada:

    • Smear refried beans (about 2 tablespoons) to a tostada.
    • Add about 2 tablespoon tinga, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and cotija.

    Video

    Notes

    This recipe makes extra chicken broth you can use for another dish. 
    Great recipe to make with leftover chicken. 
    Instant Pot Instructions:
    • Press Saute button and heat oil. Cook the onions until golden. About 5 minutes. Add the chicken and chipotle sauce. Cover with lid. Move valve to Sealing. High Pressure 8 minutes. Move valve to Venting for quick release. Remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to the IP. Add 1 cup chicken broth. Stir. Keep warm until ready to serve. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 2158mg | Potassium: 862mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 942IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    More Mexican Chicken Recipes

    • Empanadas de pollo served with a bowl of salsa on the side.
      Empanadas de Pollo (Chicken Empanadas)
    • Chicken Fajita Nachos served in a baking dish and topped with jalapeno slices.
      Chicken Fajita Nachos
    • A bowl of spicy chicken chipotle pasta topped with chopped parsley.
      Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
    • Sopa de pollo con fideos served on a deep bowl with a spoon.
      Sopa de Pollo con Fideos

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Rosa

      September 04, 2022 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      Tried out this recipe today and it was super tasty! It’s going to work out great for an upcoming potluck especially as it doesn’t have to be kept warm. Quick question-my chicken didn’t look as red as the photo included. Is there anything I can do to make the next batch have that deep red color?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        September 17, 2022 at 9:01 am

        It probably needs more chipotle or you used too much broth. As long as it tastes good, that’s what my grandmother used to say. 🙂 Hope everyone likes it.

        Reply
    2. Kari Anderson

      May 30, 2022 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      We are obsessed with this chicken. So much so, that I actually now have the recipe memorized. We make it just about every other week now with the rice recipe from your cookbook and add salad greens and taco toppings to make “burrito bowls” for lunch. SO GOOD.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        June 03, 2022 at 9:45 am

        So glad you enjoy this recipe. It’s one of my family’s favorites too.

        Reply
    3. Melissa Torres

      January 06, 2022 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      We enjoyed every bit of the tostada’s tonight. I shredded the chicken and it was a bit dry so I just stuck it back in the water it boiled in and had it sit there until I added it to the tomato mixture – was perfect! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        January 15, 2022 at 9:03 am

        Yes! Love it when people try my recipes. So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    4. Minerva Hernandez

      November 06, 2021 at 9:00 pm

      5 stars
      This Tinga recipe was delicious. My husband even said this was such a treat to eat. This recipe is a keeper. ♥️

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        November 08, 2021 at 8:19 am

        So happy your hubby liked it. Yes, definitely a keeper!

        Reply
    5. Chef Dennis

      October 04, 2020 at 8:05 am

      5 stars
      Wow! Your recipe was so easy to make and OMG delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 05, 2020 at 1:23 pm

        Easy and delicious! Glad you liked it.

        Reply
    6. Michele

      October 03, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      Handy tip on slicing the onion rather than chopping – looked great on the tostada!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 05, 2020 at 1:23 pm

        Thank you! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    7. Amanda Marie Boyle

      October 03, 2020 at 7:03 am

      5 stars
      I am so into tinga right – love the heat from these dishes!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 05, 2020 at 1:24 pm

        Hope you try this recipe. Is delicious!

        Reply
    8. Amy

      October 02, 2020 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      This was fantastic! Thanks for the recipe. Although I am partial to anything with chipotle!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 05, 2020 at 1:25 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this recipe!

        Reply
    9. Ruchi

      October 02, 2020 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      Oh I nearly posted these also. Yours look delicious

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 02, 2020 at 1:23 pm

        Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this.

        Reply
    10. Emily Flint

      October 02, 2020 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      I’ve been looking for a good recipe for chicken tinga, I’m so glad I found your recipe. Yum!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 02, 2020 at 1:24 pm

        Hope you try it. It’s delicious!

        Reply
    11. Sue

      October 02, 2020 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      So good – the sauce is so simple and delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 02, 2020 at 1:24 pm

        Thanks! Glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    12. Sunrita

      October 01, 2020 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      I am drooling reading this recipe. A lovely change from regular tacos and tortillas. Thanks for the idea

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 02, 2020 at 1:25 pm

        Hope you try it! It’s amazing!

        Reply
    13. Krissie

      November 10, 2017 at 8:48 am

      I LOVE tinga and am excited to try a new recipe. My friend’s mom wrote her recipe on an index card and it is hard to read!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        November 16, 2017 at 12:27 pm

        Glad I could help. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    14. Diana

      September 28, 2017 at 3:15 pm

      I love Mexican food and this is a must try! We always make tacos, enchiladas and quasedillas but it looks like we need to go a step further and try these tostadas!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        October 03, 2017 at 1:50 pm

        You soooo should! I can almost guarantee that you’ll like this recipe.

        Reply
    15. Lizzie

      September 28, 2017 at 12:49 pm

      This looks so simple! My husband is such a chipotle fanatic, he’d love it.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        October 03, 2017 at 1:49 pm

        I’m a big chipotle fan too. Hope you make this for him. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Katie

      September 28, 2017 at 11:06 am

      I am always looking for ways to mix up chicken recipes (am I the only one that gets bored with chicken!?) and this looks PERFECT. Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        October 03, 2017 at 1:45 pm

        Yes! Hope you like it.

        Reply
    17. Syama

      September 28, 2017 at 10:50 am

      I would love to make more Mexican meals at home. These tostadas loo lovely. Definitely trying them.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        October 03, 2017 at 1:43 pm

        Awesome! Hope you enjoy these tostadas.

        Reply
    18. Matt @ Plating Pixels

      September 28, 2017 at 10:37 am

      Yum! This will add some variety to my chicken menu list.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        October 03, 2017 at 1:42 pm

        Definitely! Hope you like it. 🙂

        Reply

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