Chicken Tinga Tortilla Stackups
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- All About Chicken Tinga Tortilla "Stack-Ups"
- Building the Flavor Base: Chicken Tinga
- Adding the Zest: Pickled Red Onion
- Assembling Your Tortilla Masterpiece
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real
- Cooking Method
- Recipe Notes for Next-Level Tortilla Sandwiches
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get bored of the same old sandwich? I did! That's why I'm sharing this recipe. These tortilla sandwiches are like a Mexican party in your mouth.
This chicken tinga recipe is going to knock your socks off.
Brief Overview
Chicken Tinga hails from the Puebla region of Mexico. It's typically simmered chicken in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce. It is easy to make, and takes about two hours.
This recipe will yield 4 generous tortilla stack ups.
Main Benefits
This Mexican sandwich version is packed with protein. It's also got a good dose of fiber from the veggies. The perfect occasion to serve? A casual weekend lunch.
This recipe special because each bite is bursting with flavour.
Let's make some Avocado tortilla sandwich , Are you up for it?
All About Chicken Tinga Tortilla "Stack Ups"
These aren't just your average tortilla sandwiches . They are like quesadillas, but better! We are talking about a chipotle chicken tortilla flavor explosion.
Think smoky chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy onions. I love to call them a " Quesadilla sandwich ".
Building the Flavor Base: Chicken Tinga
The heart of this recipe is the chicken tinga recipe . I love using chicken thighs because they stay so juicy.
Honestly, the chipotle peppers are the secret ingredient! They add that smoky depth. Don't be scared to add an extra pepper if you like spice!
Adding the Zest: Pickled Red Onion
Pickled red onion adds a brightness that cuts through the richness. They're easy to make and keep for ages in the fridge. Honestly, they are the best thing in the world.
Assembling Your Tortilla Masterpiece
Warming the tortillas is key. No one likes a cold, cracking tortilla! Spread that mashed avocado like you mean it.
Pile on the chicken, pickled onions, and cheese. It is a Southwestern tortilla wrap , oh yeah! If you want a bit of crispy texture, you can crisp up the outside on a hot pan or griddle.
And there you have it! If you want, you could also make Tinga tostadas .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real
Alright, let's chat ingredients for these killer Chicken Tinga Tortilla Sandwiches . I'm not gonna lie, it's not a "dump and-stir" kinda recipe, but the flavour payoff is HUGE.
You know, the kind that makes you wanna do a little happy dance?
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Go for boneless, skinless. Quality is key: look for a nice pink colour, not pale or grey. If you want to make Tinga Tostadas or a Southwestern Tortilla Wrap , you can use the same chicken.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Use your everyday cooking oil.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup). It adds a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best for that punch.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can , undrained. Don't drain! We want that juicy goodness.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: 2 , minced, plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce. This is where the magic happens! These little guys bring the smoky heat.
- Oregano: 1 tsp , dried.
- Cumin: 1/2 tsp , ground.
- Cloves: 1/4 tsp , ground. A touch of warmth.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Low sodium is a good shout.
- Red Onion: 1/2 , thinly sliced. We're pickling these bad boys!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Adds a nice tang.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tbsp . Balances the vinegar.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp .
- Flour Tortillas: 8 (6-8 inch) . Now, if you wanna be really extra, make your own. But good quality store-bought will do just fine.
- Avocado: 1 ripe , mashed. Creamy dreamy goodness. These makes it perfect as an Avocado Tortilla Sandwich .
- Cotija Cheese: 1/4 cup , crumbled (or queso fresco). Salty and crumbly!
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish. It's that pop of freshness.
- Lime Wedges: For serving. Gotta have that zing!
Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Symphony
The essential spice combination of chipotle, oregano, cumin, and cloves is what makes this Chicken Tinga recipe sing. You can sub dried oregano for Mexican oregano if you're feeling fancy.
For a milder flavour, reduce the amount of chipotle.
Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: For cooking the chicken.
- Small saucepan: For the pickled red onion .
- Mixing bowl: For marinating.
- Tongs: Essential for wrangling chicken.
- Cutting board and Chef's knife: Obvious, right?
- Microplane or garlic press (optional): Makes mincing easier.
- Tortilla press (optional, but helpful): If you're doing homemade tortillas.
Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for this. A good pan, a sharp knife, and you're golden.
So, there you have it! The rundown of what you'll need to make these amazing tortillas sandwiches . Ready to get cooking?
Cooking Method
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Deliciousness
Alright, before we even think about firing up the stove, let's get our mise en place sorted. Honestly, proper prep is everything when making Chicken Tinga Tortilla Sandwiches .
We want to be pros.
First up, get that chicken marinating. It'll make the final dish so much more yummy. Time saving tip? Chop all your veggies at once.
Safety first : Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah?
step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!
- Get the Pickled Red Onion going. Combine the onions, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Simmer until just softened, then set aside. The tang is killer in these tortillas sandwiches !
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or better yet, overnight! This is where the magic happens.
- Cook the Chipotle Chicken Tortilla . Simmer for 30- 40 minutes until it shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken and simmer for 10-15 more minutes to thicken that glorious sauce.
- Warm your tortillas! About 30 seconds per side on medium heat is perfect.
- Assemble the Avocado Tortilla Sandwich "Stack Ups." Tortilla, avocado, chicken, pickled onions, cheese, another tortilla!
- Crisp in the skillet about 1- 2 minutes per side! This adds great texture to your Quesadilla Sandwich .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game
Wanna take these tortillas sandwiches to the next level? Try this. Always, taste and adjust the Chicken Tinga Recipe seasoning.
Also, drain excess sauce from chicken. Soggy stack ups are nobody's friend! I find sometimes the cheese can be skipped. It depends on the mood, to be honest.
You'll soon find the Mexican Sandwich flavour you like, so do experiment!
So, there you have it! My take on Tortilla Stack perfection. Forget boring lunches! These Southwestern Tortilla Wraps will knock your socks off.
Give it a whirl, and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes for Next Level Tortilla Sandwiches
Right, so you're about to make some awesome tortillas sandwiches . Fab! Honestly, these chicken tinga recipe stack ups are the bees knees, but here are a few extra things to keep in mind to really nail it.
It's not just chucking stuff in a tortilla, you know?
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Let's talk serving suggestions. How good does a bit of sunshine look on a plate? Pile these bad boys high and garnish them with fresh cilantro.
Simple, but so effective. I think adding a dollop of sour cream makes the chicken tinga tortilla even better. And what about sides? You need a good balance! Consider a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
Goes down a treat, it does! Or, if you fancy something to drink, a crisp Mexican lager is a winner.
Storage Like a Champ
If you have any leftovers - and honestly, I'd be surprised if you did! - make sure you store them properly.
Keep the filling separate from the tortillas sandwiches , otherwise you will get soggy nightmare! The chicken tinga will last in the fridge for up to three days.
I wouldn't recommend freezing it, to be fair. When you're ready to re-heat, microwave the chicken until piping hot. Then, warm up the tortillas in a dry pan before assembling.
Easy peasy!
Swapping it Up for Dietary Needs
Got dietary requirements? No worries! Want to give it a go, how about a Southwestern tortilla wrap ? Fancy a Quesadilla sandwich ? Or try tinga Tinga tostadas .
For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for black beans. Or for a spicier kick, add an extra chipotle! What a fiesta Mexican sandwich !.
It's all about adapting to suit your needs! If your family don't like the flavour, it works just as well with normal peppers
Nutrition Nuggets
So, what are you getting out of this? This recipe isn't just tasty, it's good for you too! You are getting plenty of protein from the chicken, and some healthy fats from the avocado.
It’s also packed with flavour from all those lovely spices, boosting your immune system. Also the pickled red onion adds a special something to the dish.
Also you can go crazy and make a Avocado tortilla sandwich . And for a change, how about a chicken tortilla melt .
There you have it, my friend! A Chipotle chicken tortilla , and all the notes to make your stack ups legendary.
Now get in the kitchen and get cooking! You've got this. I'm telling you, this is the best tortilla stack on the internet!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to warm tortillas for these tortilla sandwiches without them getting hard?
The key is gentle heat! Warm each tortilla individually in a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, until pliable. You can also wrap a stack of warmed tortillas in a clean tea towel to keep them warm and flexible while you assemble your tortilla sandwiches.
Think of it like keeping crumpets warm for tea same principle!
Can I make these tortilla sandwiches ahead of time, or will they get soggy?
While freshly assembled tortillas sandwiches are best, you can prep elements ahead of time. The Chicken Tinga and pickled onions can be made a day or two in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
Nobody wants a soggy bottom, as they say on Bake Off!
What are some good variations on the fillings for these tortilla sandwiches?
The possibilities are endless! For a vegetarian option, try black beans or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices. You could also use leftover shredded pork, grilled steak, or even roasted vegetables. Think of it like a culinary "choose your own adventure" let your taste buds guide you!
How do I make the Chicken Tinga spicier for these tortillas sandwiches?
To kick up the heat, add more minced chipotle peppers (plus adobo sauce!) to the Chicken Tinga while it's simmering. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce would also do the trick. Just remember, a little goes a long way unless you're a real chilli head, that is!
How long will leftover Chicken Tinga last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover Chicken Tinga will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent splattering.
It's fantastic on its own, in tacos, or even on a baked potato!
Are tortillas sandwiches healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Tortilla sandwiches can be a part of a balanced diet! This recipe provides protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and fibre. To make it even healthier, use whole wheat tortillas and load up on the veggies.
Be mindful of sodium content, and consider using less cheese if you're watching your saturated fat intake. It's all about balance, like having a salad alongside your fish and chips!
Chicken Tinga Tortilla Stackups
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |