Chicken Tinga Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/4 tsp salt, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 12 small corn tortillas, warmed
• 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled, for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in a medium pot with the chicken broth, bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and poach the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165F.
3. Remove the chicken to a plate, reserving 1/2 cup of the poaching broth, and let it cool for 5 minutes before shredding it into bite-size pieces with two forks.
4. While the chicken poaches, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the sliced onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the crushed tomatoes, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt.
6. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deepens in color.
7. Add the shredded chicken and reserved 1/2 cup poaching broth to the sauce, stirring to coat every piece.
8. Simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken has absorbed most of the sauce and the mixture looks slightly saucy but not soupy.
9. Taste and adjust salt, or add more minced chipotle for extra heat if desired.
10. Serve the chicken tinga piled onto warm corn tortillas, topped with the remaining raw sliced onion, crumbled queso fresco, and cilantro, with lime wedges on the side.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• Smoky, deeply savory chipotle sauce
• Great for taco night or meal prep
• Simple pantry ingredients, big flavor

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.