If you're looking for an incredibly flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, these Chicken Tinga Tacos in the Slow Cooker are exactly what you need! This easy chicken tinga recipe combines tender chicken thighs, smoky tinga sauce, sweet onions, and rich chicken broth for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It truly is one of my favorite recipes!
Simply add everything to your slow cooker, let it cook low and slow, then shred the chicken and pile it into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. Whether you're serving tacos, burrito bowls, rice bowls, or tostadas, this great recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
If this recipe was a hit make sure you check out my other recipes like Creamy Crock Pot Rotel Chicken, Birria Bomb Tacos in the Slow Cooker, and my slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
- Packed with smoky chipotle flavor
- Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, rice bowls, or tostadas
- Great for meal prep
- Uses just a handful of simple ingredients
- Makes tender shredded chicken every time
- Perfect for busy weeknights and Cinco de Mayo celebrations
- Freezer friendly and family approved
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs - Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking because they stay tender and shred beautifully.
- EZ Bombs Tinga Bomb - Delivers authentic smoky chipotle tomato flavor with traditional tinga seasonings.
- Yellow Onion - Slowly cooks down to add natural sweetness and depth.
- Olive Oil - Adds richness and helps bring all the flavors together.
- Chicken Bone Broth - Keeps the chicken moist while creating a delicious tinga sauce.
- For Serving
- Corn or Whole Wheat Tortillas - The perfect vessel for juicy shredded chicken.
- Guacamole - Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Pickled Red Onions - Bright, tangy flavor that balances the smoky chicken.
- Fresh Cilantro - Adds a fresh finish.
See recipe card for quantities and the full recipe.
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker- Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Top with the sliced onion, olive oil, chicken bone broth, and the EZ Bombs Tinga Bomb.
- Cook - Cover and cook on: Low: 5-6 hours High: 3-4 hours
- Shred the Chicken- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the flavorful tinga sauce. (The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks.)
- Assemble- Fill warm corn tortillas or whole wheat tortillas with the smoky flavor packed chicken tinga and top with guacamole, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Hint: switch up your toppings and serve with diced fresh tomatoes and sour cream!
Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Swap for boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred. They'll still shred beautifully.
- Chicken Tinga EZ Bomb: If you can't find this EZ Bomb flavor, you can use any premade tinga seasoning blend. Riega is another brand that sells a premade version.
- Chicken Bone Broth: Use chicken broth or chicken stock.
- Yellow Onion: White onions or sweet onions work just as well.
- Corn Tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas or flour tortillas are great alternatives.
- Guacamole: Substitute sliced avocado.
- Pickled Red Onions: Top with diced onions, fresh pico de gallo, or shredded lettuce.
Variations
There are so many different ways you can use this shredded chicken tinga! Below are a few ideas:
- Chicken Tinga Burrito Bowls- Serve the shredded chicken over Mexican rice with black beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo. You can also make chicken tinga burritos as well
- Chicken Tinga Tostadas- Spread a layer of refried beans on crispy tostadas and top with chicken tinga, lettuce, and cotija cheese.
- Tinga Rice Bowls- Serve over white rice or cauliflower rice with roasted vegetables for an easy meal prep lunch.
- Extra Spicy- Add diced jalapeño peppers or your favorite hot sauce before serving.
- Quesadillas- Use the leftover shredded chicken inside whole wheat tortillas with cheese for crispy chicken tinga quesadillas.
- Kid Friendly- This can be a little spicy for sensitive taste buds, you may need to rinse out the chicken after cooking or use less of the flavor bomb to make a less spicy flavor for littles.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Two forks for shredding
- Airtight containers for meal prep
Storage
- Store leftover chicken tinga in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
Christinas Dietitian Tip
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and become incredibly tender in the slow cooker. Pairing your tacos with guacamole and whole grain or corn tortillas adds fiber and healthy fats, making this a more balanced meal that helps keep you full and satisfied.
FAQ
Chicken Tinga (Tinga de Pollo) is a classic Mexican dish originating from the state of Puebla. It's made with shredded chicken simmered in a smoky tomato and chipotle sauce.
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken breasts work well, although chicken thighs stay slightly juicier.
Yes. Cook on High Pressure for about 12 minutes with a natural release, then shred the chicken.
It has a mild to medium smoky heat. Add extra chipotle or hot sauce if you enjoy spicier flavors.
It's delicious in tacos, burrito bowls, rice bowls, tostadas, quesadillas, salads, or over Mexican rice with black beans.
Slow Cooker
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Dinner
These are my favorite dinner recipes:
Jump to: Recipe
Easy Chicken Tinga Tacos in the Slow Cooker
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Two forks for shredding
- Airtight containers for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs
- ½ ball of EZ Bombs Tinga bomb
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 1 tbs olive oil
- ¼ cup of chicken bone broth
Serve With:
- Whole wheat or corn tortillas
- Guacamole
- Pickled red onions
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker- Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Top with the sliced onion, olive oil, chicken bone broth, and the EZ Bombs Tinga Bomb.
- Cook- Cover and cook on: Low: 5-6 hours High: 3-4 hours
- Shred the Chicken- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the flavorful tinga sauce. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
- Assemble- Fill warm corn or whole wheat tortillas with the chicken tinga and top with guacamole, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 F
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- See more guidelines at USDA.
Leave a Reply