What Is Chicken Tinga?

Chicken Tinga (say it like: teen-gah) is a tasty dish from Mexico made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, onions, and smoky chipotle peppers. It’s full of flavor but super easy to make, even with ingredients you probably already have at home! Families in Mexico love serving Chicken Tinga in tacos, on rice, or with tortillas.

Why Try Chicken Tinga at Home?

Cooking with kids is a great way to learn about other cultures, right from your kitchen!

This recipe is:

• Easy to follow

• Full of flavor (but not too spicy)

• A fun way to explore Mexican food and traditions

• Great for family dinner or taco night

Ingredients Checklist

Look in your fridge and pantry, you might already have everything you need:

• Shredded cooked chicken

• 3 small taco shells

• 1 small onion

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 can of tomato sauce

• Chipotle pepper

Optional toppings: cheese, avocado, cilantro, lime, sour cream

How To Make It

1. Sauté the onion and garlic

• Heat oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, oregano, and cumin.

2. Add the smoky flavor

• Chop 1 chipotle pepper from a can of chipotle in adobo (use less or skip if your kids don’t like spice). Stir it into the pan.

3. Mix in the tomatoes

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add the chicken

• Toss in the shredded chicken and stir until it’s coated in the sauce. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble your tacos

• Spoon the Chicken Tinga into warm tortillas. Let everyone add their favorite toppings!

What Kids Will Learn?

• Where is Mexico on the map

• What chipotle peppers are and how they add flavor

• That different cultures use different ingredients and that’s something to celebrate!

Make It a Cultural Experience!

Try these fun extras with your child:

• Color a taco worksheet while you wait for the chicken to cook

• Listen to Mexican music during dinner

• Read a storybook set in Mexico or about food from around the world

Cooking Brings Us Closer

Learning about another culture can be as simple as trying a new recipe together. Chicken Tinga is delicious, easy, and perfect for families who want to explore the world, one bite at a time!

Taco time with your little chef?

Watch how easy (and fun!) it is to make with your child!