Chicken Tinga Tacos

 

I have a similar recipe of Chicken Tinga, but uses raw chicken and the crock pot. This recipe comes courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli of Food Network. This recipe utilizes one rotisserie chicken and a recipe for pickled onions. Makes 6 very generous servings. 

Ingredients for Tacos:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 chipotles in adobo, finely mince
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano ( I add cause accidently bought powdered and wanted to use up!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chili (Muir Glen brand @ WF)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• corn tortillas, for serving

Directions for Tacos:

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the chipotles, garlic, cumin, oregano and salt. Saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in the tomatoes and stock and cook until the sauce begins to simmer, about 2 minutes. 

Turn off the heat and carefully ladle the sauce in a blender. Puree until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquid and cover lid with a towel and secure with your hand. 

Return the sauce back into the pan over medium heat and add the chicken, stirring to incorporate. Cook about 5 minutes.

Ingredients for Toppings:

• Shredded cheese of choice, Cotija cheese, Jack or Cheddar
• fresh cilantro, chopped
• pickled onions
• salsa or green chili sauce

Ingredients for Pickled Onions:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup waater
• 2 tablespoons sugar or 1 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, thinly sliced, I add this cause I like carrots

Directions for Pickled Onions

Combine the white vinegar, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. 

Place the onion and carrot in a glass container and pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables. Let cool completely. Refrigerate up to 1 week.