Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

You’ll love this Instant Pot chicken tinga recipe! It’s super delicious, quick, and easy to make – in less than 30 minutes! The smoky and spicy tomato-based sauce makes this tinga chicken amazing with homemade tortillas in tacos & tostadas…and even quesadillas and burritos! Top with guacamole, quick pickled red onions, and lime crema!

Have you ever made a recipe that you knew right away, your family would love it?

I had that feeling about Chicken Tinga, and not only does my family love this dish, but they ask for it ALL THE TIME!

I never tell them no, because when you make it in the Instant Pot, dinner practically makes itself!

Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

If you’re looking for something different to make on Taco Tuesday, or just something quick and easy on a busy weeknight, look no further!

This chicken tinga recipe is:

• So easy… just dump and go!
• Freezer-friendly… make a batch for tonight, and another for the freezer for later!
• Versatile… any cut of chicken will work, even if it’s frozen!
• Excellent Leftovers… make more tinga tacos, or change it up with burrito bowls, nachos, quesadillas or even enchiladas (use tinga chicken instead)!
• Naturally gluten-free, low carb

Chicken Tinga Recipe Ingredients

• boneless skinless chicken thighs (see notes below for variations)
• onion (yellow or red)
• garlic
• canned fire-roasted tomatoes
• salt, oregano, cumin, clove, bay leaf
• chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• apple cider vinegar

(See recipe card for full ingredients with amounts)

How to Make the Best Chicken Tinga Tacos

Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients except the chicken in a blender and puree until smooth.

Step 2: Pour the tinga mixture into the Instant Pot and add the chicken, trying to submerge as much of the chicken as possible.

Step 3: Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the pressure valve to “sealing” and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes,(**see notes below for varied cooking times) then release the pressure using quick pressure release.

Step 4: Shred the chicken using two forks (or you can use this KitchenAid stand mixer hack!), stir it into the sauce, and serve!

How long do you cook Chicken Tinga?

The cook time will depends on the type of chicken you use, and whether it’s fresh or frozen.

• Chicken breasts (fresh), 9 minutes
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs (fresh), 9 minutes
• Chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken thighs, 10 minutes (fresh), 15 minutes (frozen) (for bone-in, do a 5 minute natural pressure release)
• If you start with frozen chicken, add 5 minutes to the cook time.​​

Chicken Tinga FAQs

Tips and Variations for Making Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

Different Cuts Chicken: I like to use boneless skinless chicken thighs for Chicken Tinga, but you can use chicken breasts or chicken cutlets. Chicken drumsticks and bone-in skin-on thighs would work too, but personally I’d remove the skin from both cuts of chicken and pull the bones from the chicken pieces before shredding the meat.

Fresh Chicken vs. Frozen Chicken: Both fresh chicken and frozen chicken work for this recipe, but you’ll need a longer cook time if you use frozen chicken. Since you’re using pieces instead of a whole frozen chicken, add 5 minutes to the cook time.

Instant Pot vs. Slow Cooker: If your Instant Pot is busy making Instant Pot Spanish rice or fajita veggies, you can use a slow cooker or crockpot. Cook the chicken on high for 2 hours, or on low for 4 hours.

Make a Double Batch: This recipe easily makes enough for dinner plus a few lunches, but it’s the perfect recipe to double in the Instant Pot! The cook time will stay the same, but it will take longer to come to pressure and for the pressure to release. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge if you’ll use them that week, or store them in the freezer for a crazy fast dinner in the future!

Stove-Top: If you want to make Chicken Tinga on the stove, you’ll still blend the sauce in the blender, but from there you’ll combine the sauce and chicken in a medium pan. Bring it to medium-high heat, then turn the heat down to simmer and cover with a lid until the chicken is tender.

How to Serve Chicken Tinga

You could serve chicken tinga like you would typically serve tacos – tucked into a corn tortilla, topped with lime crema and guacamole with black beans or refried beans on the side.

But I recommend following our serving method that’s similar to a tostada. Not only is it DELICIOUS, but it’s a fun variation on taco night that your family will be asking for over and over again!

1. Cook corn tortillas on a griddle until they’re crispy.
2. Top each tortilla with a smear of homemade guacamole or smashed avocado.
3. Place a small scoop of cilantro lime coleslaw on the guacamole.
4. Top the coleslaw with chicken tinga, a pinch of cotija cheese, and serve with cilantro lime coleslaw on the side!