Mini Chicken Tinga Tacos are my go-to recipe for quick, flavorful meals. These small tacos pack big flavor with tender chicken and zesty sauce. They’re especially perfect for Cinco de Mayo festivities. Try them for a delicious and hassle-free dish.
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Mini Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe
Chicken Tinga Tacos are a traditional, flavorful dish from Mexico. They are made with shredded chicken cooked in a smoky, spicy chipotle tomato sauce (tinga). I decided to make the mini version of these tacos. They fit the upcoming Cinco de Mayo theme and are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or party platters.
The dish is known for its bold, tangy flavors and versatility. This makes them ideal for parties, game nights, or casual dinners. Here’s how to make the Mini Chicken Tinga Tacos:
Mini Chicken Tinga Tacos
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tinga
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or boiled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped adjust to taste
- 8 oz fire-roasted tomatoes about 1 small can
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Tacos
- 12 mini corn tortillas
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup diced/sliced onion
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
Make the Tinga Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onions until soft (about 3 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in chipotle pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend & Simmer
- Blend the sauce with an immersion blender or leave it chunky.
- Add the shredded chicken, stir, and simmer for another 5 minutes until coated and heated through.
Assemble the Tacos
- Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave for 10 seconds.
- Fill each tortilla with chicken tinga, then top with queso fresco, red onion, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- If you don’t have mini tortillas, use regular ones. Cut them into smaller circles using a cookie cutter, or fold them in half for larger tacos.
- Use homemade shredded chicken or chicken thighs instead of rotisserie for a more affordable version.
- Adjust the chipotle pepper amount for mild or extra spicy.
- Store leftover chicken tinga in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
Pairing suggestions
Mini Chicken Tinga Tacos are served with various foods and drinks.
- Classic Side Pairings
- Refried Beans add a creamy and comforting texture.
- Mexican Street pairs well with chicken tinga.
- Mexican Rice complements tacos with a mild flavor.
- Tortilla Chips enhance the experience with salsa or queso.
- Fresh and Vibrant Additions
- Sliced Avocados or Guacamole add a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Mexican Slaw provides a cool and spicy contrast.
- Mixed Greens Salad provides a refreshing contrast with vinaigrette.
- Pickled Onions or Jalapeños add a tangy and spicy kick.
- Grilled Vegetables add smoky flavor and texture variety.
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Non-alcoholic Beverages
- Agua Frescas provide a refreshing contrast.
- Orange Juice cuts through richness.
- Jarritos complement bold taco flavors.
- Hibiscus Tea pairs well with tacos.
Variations
Mini Chicken Tinga Tacos have several variations you can try:
- Taco Shell Variations
- Fried Crispy Shells add extra crunch.
- Tostadas offer a different texture.
- Lettuce Wraps use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
- Filling Enhancements
- Cheesy Tinga Tacos contain melted cheese for a gooey texture.
- Vegetable Additions mix corn, beans, and peppers with chicken tinga.
- Seafood Tinga Tacos use shrimp or fish in chipotle tomato sauce.
- Sauce and Topping Variations
- Avocado Jalapeño Crema combines avocado, jalapeños, lime, and honey for richness.
- Pickled Vegetables add a crunchy contrast to chicken tinga.
- Spicy Variations increase heat with extra chipotle or chili powder.
- Global Influences
- Fusion Tacos use chicken tinga in pizza or nachos.
- Mini Sliders replace tortillas with slider buns.