Tinga Jalisciense

Background of Tinga Jalisciense

Tinga Jalisciense is a traditional Mexican dish originating from the state of Jalisco. It is a savory and flavorful stew typically made with shredded chicken, onions, and tomatoes, seasoned with a mixture of spices and chipotle peppers. Known for its rich history, Jalisco is credited with embracing classic Mexican cuisine while incorporating unique regional twists, and Tinga Jalisciense is a perfect reflection of this culinary heritage.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Onion - 2 medium-sized, thinly sliced
• Tomatoes - 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Chipotle Peppers - 2 canned in adobo sauce
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon, ground
• Salt - To taste
• Black Pepper - To taste
• Chicken Broth - 1 cup
• Tortillas - For serving

Preparation

Preparing the Chicken

1. Begin by boiling the chicken in a large pot of salted water. Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Preparing the Vegetables

1. While the chicken is cooking, thinly slice the onion and dice the tomatoes. Mince the garlic finely.

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the onions until they become translucent.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Incorporate the tomatoes and cook them until they begin to soften, releasing their juices into the pan.
4. Add the shredded chicken to the pan, stirring to combine with the vegetable mixture.
5. Finely chop the chipotle peppers and add them to the pan along with the oregano, thyme, and cumin. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
6. Add chicken broth to the mix and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If more liquid is needed, add additional chicken broth.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Enjoying Tinga Jalisciense

To serve, warm tortillas and spoon the Tinga Jalisciense onto them. It can be enjoyed as a taco or served on a plate with a side of rice and beans. The smoky and spicy flavors pair beautifully with a classic Mexican cerveza or a refreshing horchata. This dish can be topped with lettuce, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of queso fresco to add a fresh contrast to its rich taste. As with many Mexican dishes, sharing it with family and friends is the best way to enjoy its full flavor grace.