Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Fiesta in a Crockpot
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a meal that cooks itself? You know, after a long day. I was thinking about some 10 best slow cooker recipes and realised something! This Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga is the easiest way to get amazing Mexican flavours without any fuss.
It is smoky, spicy, and totally addictive.
Brief Overview
Tinga hails from Puebla, Mexico. It's traditionally simmered but we're using a slow cooker. This is dead easy, takes about 20 minutes prep, and cooks for 6- 8 hours on low.
It feeds 6-8 hungry folks!
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best thing is how healthy this is. It is packed with protein, and you can load it with veggies.
Perfect for a family dinner. What makes it special? The deep, smoky flavour from the chipotle peppers.
Time to gather your ingredients!
Time to Cook
Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga: Fiesta in a Crockpot! is the best way to bring vibrant Mexican taste at home. Think of this as a flavour bomb in your slow cooker.
Perfect for those lazy "don't fancy cooking" days. Minimal work, maximum flavour!
The Secret Sauce
It is Easy Slow Cooker Recipes . Why? Because once the initial prep is done. It does all the heavy lifting.
The chicken thighs are simmered in a smoky, spicy chipotle tomato sauce. It becomes fall apart tender, then shredded and served on crispy tostadas.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Chicken :
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving :
- Tostadas
- Toppings: queso fresco, lettuce, avocado, crema, radishes, cilantro
The Cooking Gear
You will need a 6-quart slow cooker, a skillet (optional), a cutting board and knives. Don't forget measuring spoons and cups!
Spice it Up
Start with 2 chipotle peppers. Adjust to taste. Don't overcook! Chicken thighs are forgiving, but check after 6 hours on low.
Toast your tostadas for extra flavour. Squeeze fresh lime juice before serving. This brightens everything up. You will find variations like Turkey Tinga or Vegetarian Tinga (using jackfruit or chickpeas).
Get Ready to Enjoy
Serve it with Mexican rice. Add black beans for extra protein. Guacamole and chips are always a good idea. This recipe is one of the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes ever!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Okay, so you're ready to try one of the 10 best slow cooker recipes ? Ace! Let's make some Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga .
First, we need to get our bits and bobs together. Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward. This Easy Slow Cooker Recipe is a game changer!
Main Ingredients: The Flavour Squad
- Chicken: You'll need 2 pounds (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These are the star. Make sure they look plump and juicy.
- Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Any decent olive oil will do.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup (150g) . Go for a yellow onion, they're sweeter.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can . This is your base.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: 2 peppers plus 2 tablespoons (30ml) of the sauce. Careful, these are fiery devils. Adjust to your taste.
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried. Adds that lovely, earthy note.
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground. Warm and aromatic.
- Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground. Just a touch for depth.
- Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Adds moisture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . For a bit of tang.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy, season well.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
The combo of chipotle, cumin, and oregano is key here. It screams Mexican Slow Cooker Recipes ! If you're not a fan of spice, use fewer chipotle peppers.
Honestly, sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smokiness. Want something milder use pasilla peppers in place of chipotle peppers for a milder, fruitier flavor.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (5.7 liter) is perfect. It is used in many Crockpot Chicken Recipes .
- Large Skillet: For searing the chicken, but it's optional.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping those veggies.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: Precision is key.
Don't have a fancy skillet? A regular frying pan will do just fine. No need to overcomplicate things. Remember, these Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes are all about convenience! Enjoy this Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes Chicken dinner!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga: Fiesta in a Crockpot!
Okay, let's whip up some Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga! This recipe is seriously easy. It's one of the 10 best slow cooker recipes , trust me.
You basically chuck everything in, and boom, dinner is sorted. I can almost guarantee it's a healthy slow cooker recipes chicken as well.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First up, let’s get organised. Chop that onion. Mince the garlic. Seriously, I hate mincing garlic but it's got to be done.
Open those tins of tomatoes and chipotle peppers. Honestly, the smell of those chipotles is amazing! Safety first: don’t rub your eyes after handling the peppers, you know? Been there, done that, cried a lot.
step-by-step Tinga Magic
Ready to get this show on the road? Here is how to create your best dump and go slow cooker meals .
- (Optional) Sear the chicken in olive oil until lightly browned. This adds flavour, but skip it if you are feeling lazy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Combine crushed tomatoes, chipotle peppers (chopped), adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, cloves, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken thighs on top of the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours , until chicken is easily shredded.
- Remove chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the sauce. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes .
- Serve on tostadas with your favorite toppings. Or, for a lighter bite, make it a slow cooker tostada recipe .
Pro Tips: Tinga Like a Boss
Want to take your Tinga to the next level? Don’t overcook the chicken; it gets dry. Check after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high .
Also, taste the sauce before serving. Does it need more salt? A squeeze of lime? Trust your gut. Finally, this stuff is amazing made ahead.
Just cook it all, shred it, and store it in the fridge for up to three days. It's also a great way to prepare easy slow cooker recipes .
Best slow cooker chicken recipes ? This one is definitely up there. Now go forth and make some deliciousness! Don't forget to try making Mexican slow cooker recipes after perfecting this one.
Recipe Notes: Tinga Time!
Right then, so you're about to dive into this awesome Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga, are you? Before you do, let's have a quick chat, like we're at the pub discussing the finer points of flavour.
I've cooked this a gazillion times, and picked up a few tricks along the way.
Serving Suggestions: Tostada Dreams and More!
Listen, the obvious choice is tostadas, right? But don't be a bore. Think outside the box. I sometimes pile this stuff on nachos.
Oh my gosh, it's incredible! Or, if you're trying to be healthy, lettuce wraps work wonders. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and you're golden.
Presentation wise, think colourful! A vibrant fiesta on a plate, you know? Serve alongside Mexican rice or black beans. It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Honestly, this is one of those easy slow cooker recipes that tastes even better the next day. Fridge wise, it'll keep happily for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Want to freeze it? Absolutely! Just let it cool completely first. When you're ready to tuck in, let it defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat it gently on the hob or in the microwave.
Just make sure it’s piping hot all the way through, especially if you’re reheating chicken .
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Fancy a bit of a twist? You can easily adapt this. Swapping chicken thighs with ground turkey makes it lighter.
For a veggie version, chuck in some jackfruit or chickpeas. They soak up all those delicious flavours. Got fussy eaters? Dial down the spice by using pasilla peppers instead of chipotles.
You can start to create some amazing best slow cooker chicken recipes . I think, 10 best slow cooker recipes are needed here, isn't it?
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Fiesta!
Now, I'm no nutritionist, but I'll give you the basics. This is a pretty balanced meal, packed with protein from the chicken and fibre from the veggies.
A rough estimate is around 350-400 calories per serving, but that depends on your toppings! Watch out for the sodium, though it can creep up with the chipotles.
Key health benefits? Well, it's a good source of protein and it's bloomin' tasty, which makes you happy. And happy is healthy, right?
So there you have it! A few notes to help you on your Mexican slow cooker recipes journey. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now go forth and cook up a storm! Enjoy the flavor from slow cooker chicken tinga , and remember, if you need easy slow cooker recipes then search for them, you will find them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is searing the chicken really necessary for the Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga?
Not at all, mate! Searing the chicken thighs adds a lovely depth of flavour through caramelisation, but it's totally optional. If you're short on time (or just can't be bothered!), you can skip this step and the tinga will still be delicious.
Think of it like choosing whether to put the cream on your scone first or the jam entirely up to you!
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
Chipotle peppers pack a punch, alright! The recipe calls for 2 peppers, but you can absolutely adjust to your liking. For a milder flavour, remove the seeds from the peppers before chopping. If you're feeling brave, add an extra pepper (or a pinch of cayenne pepper) for some extra fire.
It’s all about finding your perfect goldilocks spice level!
Can I make this one of the 10 best slow cooker recipes ahead of time? How do I store leftovers?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! In fact, the flavours often meld together even better after a day or two. Store the cooked chicken tinga in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Just thaw it out completely before reheating either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Perfect for batch cooking!
What if my sauce is too thin after the chicken is cooked?
No worries, that's an easy fix! Simply remove the lid from your slow cooker after you've shredded the chicken and turn the heat to high. Let it simmer for about 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and thickened to your desired consistency. You'll be saying "Bob's your uncle" in no time!
I don't have tostadas. What else can I serve this Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga with?
Tostadas are great, but the beauty of Chicken Tinga is its versatility. Try serving it in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. It's also amazing over rice, in lettuce wraps for a lighter option, or even as a topping for nachos. Get creative and use whatever you fancy from the pantry, like you're on Ready Steady Cook!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Fiesta In A Crockpot
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |