Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos

Name: Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tomatoes, pureed; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 small corn tortillas; Oil for frying; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Lime wedges (for serving)

Highlighted under: Worldly Flavor Collection

Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, featuring crispy chicken paired with a smoky and spicy tinga sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:49:48.710Z

These Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos are a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The chicken is cooked to perfection and then crisped up for that delightful crunch. Paired with the smoky, spicy tinga sauce, every bite is a fiesta of taste!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crispy chicken with a smoky tinga sauce for a flavor explosion
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering

      

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos are a culinary delight that combines the rich, smoky flavors of traditional tinga with a satisfying crunch. The chicken is cooked to perfection, absorbing the spices and the unique kick from the chipotle pepper, making every bite an explosion of taste. This dish celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine while adding a modern twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

The balance between the crispy texture of the chicken and the soft, warm corn tortillas creates a delightful contrast that enhances the overall dining experience. With every bite, you’ll taste the harmony between the savory chicken, the robust tinga sauce, and the fresh cilantro, making these tacos a favorite among both adults and children alike.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos is their versatility. You can easily customize them with a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or a zesty slaw for added texture and flavor. Each topping introduces a new layer of complexity, allowing you to create your perfect taco.

Additionally, you can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chipotle pepper or incorporating fresh jalapeños. Whether you prefer mild or fiery, these tacos can cater to all palate preferences, making them an ideal choice for gatherings with friends and family.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience that brings people together. They are perfect for casual weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even festive celebrations. Their finger-food nature makes them easy to serve at parties, where guests can help themselves and create their own taco masterpieces.

Moreover, these tacos can be paired with a variety of side dishes such as Mexican rice, beans, or a refreshing corn salad, making it easy to create a full meal that satisfies everyone’s cravings. With such versatility, they are bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tinga

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos

8 small corn tortillas
Oil for frying
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Tinga

In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the shredded chicken, pureed tomatoes, chipotle pepper, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.

Crisp the Chicken

In a separate pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the cooked chicken tinga and fry until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Assemble the Tacos

In the same pan, lightly fry the corn tortillas until warm and slightly crispy. Fill each tortilla with the crispy chicken tinga and top with fresh cilantro.

Serve

Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your Crispy Chicken Tinga Tacos!

Tips for Success

To achieve the crispiest chicken for your tacos, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken tinga. This will help to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to fry.

When frying the tortillas, keep the heat on medium to prevent them from burning. Lightly frying them not only warms them but also adds a subtle crispness that holds the filling beautifully. If you’re making a large batch, consider keeping the tortillas warm in a towel or in a low oven until you’re ready to serve.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the chicken tinga separately from the tortillas to maintain their crispiness. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The tortillas can be stored at room temperature for a short time but are best consumed fresh to enjoy their texture.

To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat until heated through. For the tortillas, you can either re-fry them quickly in the pan or microwave them briefly, wrapped in a damp paper towel, to keep them from drying out. With these simple steps, you can enjoy your delicious tacos even after the initial meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great for saving time.

→ How spicy is the tinga sauce?

The spiciness depends on the amount of chipotle pepper used. Feel free to adjust to your taste.

→ Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken tinga in advance, but it's best to fry the tortillas just before serving for optimal crispiness.

→ What can I serve with these tacos?

These tacos pair well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad.