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    Home » Slow Cooker » Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga (Or Instant Pot!)

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga (Or Instant Pot!)

    Published: Feb 7, 2020 by Wendy Polisi Modified: May 3, 2021 · 1015 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.

    • 637
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga is ridiculously flavor-packed and takes just 10 minutes of hands-on time. It is a super-convenient weeknight meal that makes a frequent appearance on my meal prep menu. I like to use it to make Chicken Tinga Tacos and empanadas or serve it over cauliflower rice. Want to make this in your Instant Pot? I've got instructions for that too!

    Close up photo of a white bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga garnished with tomato, cilantro, avocado, and jalapeno.

    You Won't Believe How Flavor-Packed This Chicken Tinga Slow Cooker Recipe Is!

    We are all about big flavors around our house, so it probably comes as no surprise that one of my favorite things in the world is recipes that deliver bold flavors without a whole lot of fuss.

    If you feel the same way, you are going to adore this recipe. It delivers a delicious dinner and requires just ten minutes of hands-on time.

    Best of all, you can make it in either your slow cooker or Instant Pot, so whatever your favorite kitchen tool is you can enjoy this deliciousness!

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    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    Tips for Making This Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Recipe

    • You can find chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce in the ethnic aisle of the grocery store. They come in small cans, but since you usually only use one or two, you should freeze the rest so that you have them on hand when you need them.
    • I do not seed my chipotle peppers, but feel free to if you are especially sensitive to heat. This dish, as is, was mild enough that all three of my kids liked it.
    • On the other hand, if you want this to be very spicy, feel free to throw in another pepper. I recommend increasing just one at a time because the heat can build quickly.

    How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga

    First, start by sprinkling your chicken with salt and pepper and placing it in a slow cooker. If you have time, do this the night before to allow the salt to penetrate the chicken. After that, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender.

    Add the garlic, other seasonings, chipotle peppers, tomatoes, and broth.
    Bring to a simmer, and cook for about three minutes.

    Pour the sauce over the chicken. Set your slow cooker to low, and cook for 3 to 4 hours. Shred and return to the sauce.

    What to Make Chicken Tinga in Your Instant Pot?  Here’s How!

    First, sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and set aside.

    Use the saute function, heat the oil in the Instant pot and add the onion.  Cook for 6 minutes, and then add the garlic, seasonings, peppers, tomatoes, and broth.  

    Add the chicken to the pot and toss to coat.

    Place the lid on the pressure cooker, and set to seal.  Cook for 13 minutes, and then do a quick release.  (I recommend using either an oven mitt or thick dish towel.)

    Carefully open the lid, and remove the chicken.  Shred, and return to the pot.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Chicken Tinga?

    Chicken Tinga is a Mexican shredded chicken.  It is made in a sauce of tomatoes, chipotle chilis in adobo and onions.

    How Many Calories in Chicken Tinga?

    Recipes will vary but this one has 164 calories per a 4 ounce serving of chicken. With less than 2 ½ net carbs per serving, it is a delicious keto-friendly option.

    How Do You Use Chicken Tinga?

    To make:

    • Tacos
    • Taco Salads
    • Empanadas
    • Burrito Bowls
    • Nachos
    • Quesadillas
    • Pizza

    Or serve it over cauliflower rice!

    Can I Freeze Chicken Tinga?

    Absolutely! This recipe freezes beautifully and is great for meal prep. To freeze, allow it to cool completely and freeze in the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

    White bowl of slow cooker chicken tinga garnished with avocado, jalapeno, tomato, and cilantro sitting on a red napkin.

    Tools You Will Need

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    • Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

    If You Like This Recipe You May Also Like:

    • If you think you don't like ground turkey, these Keto Turkey Meatballs will be the recipe that changes your mind! Juicy tender meatballs are coated in a tangy BBQ sauce that will keep you coming back for more.
    • When you need a quick and easy dinner, this Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is perfection!
    • Keto Cheeseburger Soup packs all the flavors of your favorite burger into one comforting soup. This is one that never gets old!
    • Looking for more slow cooker inspiration? Don't miss this collection of Keto Slow Cooker Recipes.
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Close up square photo of Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga in a white bowl garnished with jalapeno, cilantro, tomato, and avocado.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga

    I am wild about this Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga, and I think you will be too. I like to prep the sauce on the weekend so I've got an easy dump dinner when things get crazy during the week.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time3 hrs 9 mins
    Total Time3 hrs 19 mins
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: slow cooker
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 163.94kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ cup chopped onion
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
    • ¾ cup diced tomatoes
    • ½ cup chicken broth

    Instructions

    Slow Cooker

    • Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and place in your slow cooker.
    • Heat the oil to medium-high heat in a skillet and add the onion. Cook for about 6 minutes. Sprinkle with garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika.
    • Add chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
    • Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
    • Shred the chicken and serve.

    Instant Pot

    • Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and set aside.
    • Set your Instant Pot to saute'. Heat the oil in the Instant pot and add the onion.  Cook for 6 minutes, and then add the garlic, seasonings, peppers, tomatoes, and broth.  
    • Add the chicken to the pot and toss to coat.
    • Place the lid on the pressure cooker, and set to seal.  Cook for 13 minutes, and then do a quick release.  (I recommend using either an oven mitt or thick dish towel.)
    • Carefully open the lid, and remove the chicken.  Shred, and return to the pot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163.94kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.36g | Protein: 24.55g | Fat: 5.29g | Saturated Fat: 0.97g | Cholesterol: 72.58mg | Sodium: 621.82mg | Potassium: 488.22mg | Fiber: 0.92g | Sugar: 1.28g | Vitamin A: 309.41IU | Vitamin C: 5.47mg | Calcium: 21.7mg | Iron: 1.03mg

    More Low Carb Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

    • This Zuppa Toscana Soup is a low-carb take on a restaurant favorite!
    • Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is perfect for busy weeknights. Sub heavy cream for the half-and-half to make it keto-friendly.
    « 25 Keto Air Fryer Recipes
    Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps »
    • 637

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Charlene Wilde

      April 19, 2020 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      My two teenage sons love this! I make on weekend and they eat it after school in week. Right now it is priceless to have this kind of food in my house.

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        April 19, 2020 at 1:21 pm

        I am so glad everyone is enjoying it! I have two teenage sons too, so I completely understand what a challenge it can be keeping them fed.

        Reply
    2. Lori

      October 30, 2021 at 3:28 pm

      Do you buy the chipotle in adobo or make it? It's not something I seem to be able to find locally.
      Would Chipotle powder be a sufficient substitute?

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        October 30, 2021 at 3:37 pm

        It is usually in a small can in the ethnic section of the grocery store. It is an inexpensive product if you can find it, but if you can't chipotle powder would be just fine. One can is about $1.50, and you won't use nearly all of it. So freeze the leftovers if you do find it!

        Reply
    3. Steve M Weber

      May 02, 2022 at 1:30 am

      5 stars
      My wife and I are now empty nesters. This recipe is truly awesome! My wife, who is a picky eater, loved it. I thank you for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        May 04, 2022 at 8:06 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply

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    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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