Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tostadas de Tinga are a classic Mexican dish featuring shredded chicken simmered in a smoky, tangy tomato-chipotle sauce, served on a crispy tostada shell and topped with fresh garnishes like lettuce, crema, cheese, and avocado. This flavorful and easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Each bite is a crunchy, savory explosion of traditional Mexican flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
roma tomatoes
white onion
garlic cloves
chipotle peppers in adobo
vegetable oil
salt
black pepper
dried oregano
bay leaf
tostada shells
shredded lettuce
Mexican crema
crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
avocado slices
lime wedges

directions

Boil or poach the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred and set aside.

In a saucepan, boil the tomatoes until soft, then blend with garlic and chipotle peppers to make a smooth sauce.

Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the sliced onion until translucent.

Add the tomato-chipotle sauce to the skillet and cook for a few minutes, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, and add a bay leaf.

Add the shredded chicken to the sauce, stir to combine, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Spoon the tinga mixture over crispy tostada shells.

Top with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of crema, crumbled cheese, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 tostadas.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use pork or beef instead of chicken for a different twist.
Add refried beans as a base layer on the tostada.
Top with pickled red onions or jalapeños for added zing.
Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for shredded jackfruit or mushrooms.

storage/reheating

Store the tinga mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling tostadas.
Keep tostada shells separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
Tinga can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is “tinga”?

Tinga is a Mexican dish made with shredded meat simmered in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, and chipotle peppers.

Is it spicy?

The chipotle gives a smoky, mild-to-medium heat—adjust the quantity to your taste.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, tinga tastes even better the next day after the flavors develop.

What can I use instead of tostada shells?

Try tortillas (fried or baked), tortilla chips, or even stuff the tinga into tacos.

Do I have to use chicken?

No, pork, beef, or plant-based alternatives work well.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the cheese and crema or use dairy-free alternatives.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

Use two forks or a hand mixer for fast, easy shredding.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, add more chipotle or blend in a jalapeño.

Are tostadas gluten-free?

They can be—just ensure your tostada shells are made from 100% corn.

Can kids eat this?

Absolutely! Adjust the chipotle level for milder heat if needed.

Conclusion

Tostadas de Tinga are a delicious, versatile, and satisfying Mexican meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or feeding a crowd, these crunchy, flavorful tostadas will always hit the spot. Give them a try and enjoy a bite of Mexican comfort food at its best.