Textual Chef

Tinga de Pollo Tostadas

Shredded chicken simmered in a smoky chipotle-tomato sauce, piled high on crispy tostadas with refried beans, lettuce, crema, and fresh toppings. A classic street-food staple perfect for a satisfying lunch.

50 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

MexicanLunchStovetopHigh ProteinNut-FreeSoy-Free

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotle can)
  • 1/2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 8 store-bought tostada shells
  • 2 cups canned refried beans, warmed
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs in a medium saucepan and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 15 minutes. Remove chicken and let rest. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.

  2. 2

    Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced white onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add 4 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more.

  5. 5

    Add 2 cans canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotle can), 1/2 tsp dried Mexican oregano, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, and the reserved cooking liquid. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Add the shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir well and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the sauce reduces and clings to the chicken. Season with 1 tsp salt.

  7. 7

    To assemble, spread a layer of 2 cups warmed canned refried beans on each store-bought tostada shells shell. Top with the tinga chicken, 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce, 1 sliced avocado, a drizzle of 1/4 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream), and a sprinkle of 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta).

  8. 8

    Serve immediately.

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