Chef John's Chicken Tinga
Recipe information
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Cooking:
15 min.
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Servings per container:
6
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Source:

Ingredients for - Chef John's Chicken Tinga

1. Skinless, boneless chicken thighs - 3 pounds
2. Chicken stock - 4 cups
3. Water - 1 cup
4. Yellow onion, halved - 1 large
5. Peeled whole garlic cloves - 3
6. Kosher salt, plus more to taste - 2 teaspoons
7. Dried oregano - ½ teaspoon
8. Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
9. Onion, diced - 1 large
10. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce - 1 (7 ounce) can
11. Peeled plum tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) - 1 (28 ounce) can
12. Chopped fresh cilantro, or more to taste - 3 tablespoons
13. Crumbled cotija cheese, or to taste - 2 tablespoons

How to cook deliciously - Chef John's Chicken Tinga

1. Stage

Place chicken thighs, chicken stock, water, halved onion, garlic cloves, salt, and oregano in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over high heat; reduce to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Stage

Transfer onion halves to a bowl with a slotted spoon; transfer chicken thighs to a separate bowl.

3. Stage

Pour broth through a strainer into a large bowl.

4. Stage

Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Transfer strained liquid to onions. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat; turn heat to medium-low; reduce broth by about half, 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Stage

Transfer reserved boiled onions to a blender. Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Swirl a bit of water in the can and add to the blender. Add tomatoes. Cover blender with the lid; pulse on and off until mixture is partially blended, then blend on medium speed until smooth, 1 or 2 minutes. Transfer to pot with broth and onions.

6. Stage

Increase heat to medium-high. Simmer 15 minutes or so, depending on how thick you want the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low.

7. Stage

Tear chicken into bite-size pieces and add to the pot. Cook another 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish; garnish with cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese. Chef John