Authentic Chicken Tinga with Chipotle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Mexican stew with tender chicken in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce. This traditional Oaxacan recipe uses authentic adobo for depth and complexity. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, vegetable oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and golden. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, stirring to coat. Simmer covered for 10 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt to taste (if needed).
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and serve hot over warm corn tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Chicken Tinga with Chipotle take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Chicken Tinga with Chipotle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Chicken Tinga with Chipotle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Chicken Tinga with Chipotle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Chicken Tinga with Chipotle?

Mexican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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