Description

Tostadas de Tinga are a classic Mexican dish made with shredded chicken cooked in a smoky, savory tomato-chipotle sauce. Served on crispy tostada shells and topped with refried beans, lettuce, crema, cheese, and avocado, they’re packed with flavor and super easy to make. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend gathering!

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small white onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/4 cup adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
8 tostada shells
1 cup refried beans (optional)
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija
1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
1 avocado, sliced

Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Cook the chicken: In a pot, place chicken breasts and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Make the sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute.
Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine cooked onions and garlic, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
Simmer the tinga: Return the blended sauce to the skillet. Add shredded chicken. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble tostadas: Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell. Top with tinga chicken, lettuce, cheese, crema, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Adjust chipotle peppers to your spice preference.
Store leftover tinga in the fridge for up to 4 days – great for tacos, quesadillas, or rice bowls.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tostadas
Calories: 430
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg