Tostadas de Tinga with Cotija: Easy & Delicious_5

Crispy tortillas topped with chipotle-spiced shredded chicken, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and savory Cotija cheese crumbles.

Tostadas de Tinga are a delicious, authentic Mexican dish that delivers a satisfying crunch and smoky depth in every bite. At the heart of the recipe is “tinga,” a traditional preparation of shredded chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce infused with chipotle peppers, garlic, and onions. The result is a flavorful, slightly spicy chicken mixture that’s both hearty and comforting.

Served atop crispy corn tortillas, this dish is made even better with a selection of fresh toppings. Creamy avocado adds a smooth richness, shredded lettuce brings a cool crunch, and crumbled Cotija cheese introduces a salty, tangy finish that enhances every bite. Cotija, a dry and crumbly Mexican cheese, plays a starring role here, balancing the heat of the tinga with its signature briny bite.

Tostadas de Tinga are perfect for casual family dinners or festive gatherings. They’re easy to customize, quick to assemble, and full of texture and flavor. This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients and yields an impressive dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re new to Mexican cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, these tostadas are sure to become a go-to favorite.

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Timing

📌 Number of Servings: 4 servings
⏳ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes

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🥢 Ingredients :

✅  2 tablespoons vegetable oil

✅  1 small onion, thinly sliced

✅  2 cloves garlic, minced

✅  2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped

✅  1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

✅  1 teaspoon dried oregano

✅  ½ teaspoon salt

✅  3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

✅  8 small corn tortillas

✅  Vegetable oil for frying

✅  1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

✅  1 ripe avocado, sliced

✅  ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled

✅  Optional: sour cream, lime wedges, pickled red onions

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👨‍🍳 Instructions :

1. Make the Tinga: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and chopped chipotle peppers; stir for 1 minute.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and salt. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken. Simmer another 5–7 minutes until heated through.
4. Prepare the Tortillas: In a separate skillet, heat oil and fry each corn tortilla until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble the Tostadas: Place each tortilla on a plate. Spoon tinga mixture on top.
6. Top with lettuce, avocado, and crumbled Cotija cheese. Add optional toppings as desired.

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💡 TIPS :

• Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Healthier Version: Bake tortillas instead of frying for a lighter version.
• Control Heat: Use 1 chipotle pepper for milder spice or more for extra heat.
• Layer Wisely: Add refried beans for extra flavor and structure.
• Cotija Substitute: If unavailable, use feta or queso fresco.

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📊Nutrition Information (per serving)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on ingredients and portion sizes

Calories: 420 kcal

Total Fat: 22g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 75mg

Sodium: 610mg

Total Carbohydrate: 30g

Dietary Fiber: 5g

Sugars: 4g

Protein: 25g

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❓ FAQ :

1. What is Cotija cheese?
   Cotija is a crumbly, salty Mexican cheese, often compared to Parmesan, and commonly used as a flavorful topping for various dishes.
2. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
   Yes, pork or beef can be used for variation.
3. Is Cotija cheese spicy?
   No, Cotija is salty and tangy but not spicy.
4. How can I make this vegetarian?
   Use shredded jackfruit or beans instead of chicken.
5. Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying?
   Yes, brush with oil and bake at 400°F until crisp.
6. Are tostadas gluten-free?
   Yes, if made with 100% corn tortillas.
7. How long can I store leftover tinga?
   Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. 4o mini
8. Can I freeze the tinga chicken?
   It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
9. What toppings go best with Tostadas de Tinga?
   Try lettuce, avocado, Cotija, sour cream, and lime juice.
10. Where can I buy Cotija cheese?
    It’s available at most grocery stores in the cheese or international aisle.

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