Chicken Tinga Tostada recipe

Chicken Tinga Tostada recipe

Imagine the vibrant street markets of Puebla, Mexico, overflowing with colorful ingredients. From there, this Chicken Tinga Tostada recipe brings you a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. Shredded chicken simmered in a rich chipotle tomato sauce is piled onto crispy tostadas, ready to be dressed with cool, refreshing toppings like avocado and crema. It’s a fiesta of flavor in every single bite!

Alright, folks, craving a taste of Mexico that’ll tantalize your taste buds without turning your kitchen into a warzone? Then buckle up for Chicken Tinga Tostadas! This recipe is easier than saying “chipotle” ten times fast (although, that might be a fun party trick).

Here’s what you’ll need to wrangle up for this fiesta:

INGREDIENTS:

  • For the Chicken Tinga:
    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1 pound of shredded chicken, you rebel you) – We’re not here to judge, use what you got!
    • 1 white onion, thinly sliced (enough to make you cry, but laugh it off!)
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced (use less if your date’s coming over)
    • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted, if you’re feeling adventurous)
    • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to your spice tolerance – we don’t judge here, but your stomach might)
    • 1 tablespoon chicken broth (or vegetable broth, for our vegetarian friends)
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (because, Mexico!)
    • Salt and pepper to taste (because bland is boring)
  • For the Tostada Extravaganza:
    • 8 corn tortillas (the bigger, the better, for more flavortown)
    • Vegetable oil for frying (enough to make a shallow pool, but not enough to swim in)
    • 1 cup refried beans (store-bought is A-OK, we all have busy lives)
    • Your favorite toppings! Think shredded cheese, avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo – anything to make your taste buds sing!
INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Chicken Tango:

    • In a large pot (because tiny pots are for ants, and we’re making a feast!), heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Toss in that sliced onion and cook it until it’s translucent, like a fancy restaurant’s ghost. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, because raw garlic is, well, raw garlic.
    • Now comes the main event: the chicken! Throw in those breasts (or pre-shredded chicken, you magnificent rebel) and cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Think of yourself as a tiny chicken whisperer, coaxing them to deliciousness.
    • Here comes the fun part! Pour in that can of diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers (beware, spice lovers, these guys pack a punch!), chicken broth, oregano, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it all up like a culinary rockstar and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, letting those flavors get nice and chummy.
    • Once the simmering is done, shred that chicken with two forks (unless you have fancy shredding tools, then go wild, my friend!). Let the shredded chicken take a warm bath back in the sauce for a few minutes, soaking up all that delicious goodness.

  2. Tostada Time:

    • Now, for the crispy base of our flavor masterpiece. Heat up enough oil in a frying pan to create a shallow lake (not an ocean, please, we’re not deep-frying here). Carefully fry those corn tortillas one at a a time until they’re golden brown and crispy. Think of them as little edible rafts for our chickeny goodness. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate because nobody likes a soggy raft.

  3. Top it Off!:

    • Here’s where the magic happens! Spread a layer of refried beans on your crispy tortillas. Top it with that glorious chicken tinga, and then unleash your inner artist with all your favorite toppings! We’re talking shredded cheese for the cheesy fiends, creamy avocado for the health-conscious rebels, vibrant pico de gallo for a flavor fiesta, and a dollop of sour cream for that cooling touch.

The Final Touches: Grab your masterpiece, take a big bite, and prepare to be transported to the heart of Mexico (without the plane ticket!). And remember, if things get a little messy, that just adds to the authenticity (or maybe you just need a napkin).