Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. Prepare the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2

2. Add garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 3

3. Create the sauce base: Add the undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes to the skillet along with the chipotle paste. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 4

4. Blend the sauce: Carefully transfer the hot sauce mixture from the skillet to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. This creates a uniform sauce.

Step 5

o Taste test (carefully!): Taste a small amount of the blended sauce. If you want more heat, add another 1/2 tablespoon of chipotle paste and blend again.

Step 6

5. Assemble in slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker (4-quart or larger). Pour the blended sauce evenly over the chicken. If the sauce seems very thick, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water now.

Step 7

6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours.

Step 8

At this point, the chicken should be very tender and easily pull apart with a fork, allowing you to shred it as chunky or finely as you like.

Step 9

7. Shred and combine: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a clean cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into your desired size pieces.

Step 10

8. Return to sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until thoroughly coated.

Step 11

9. Meld flavors: Switch the slow cooker to the "warm" setting for an additional 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to deepen and the chicken to reabsorb some of the sauce. This step is important for maximum flavor in a shorter cooking time.

Step 12

10. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite toppings and tortillas or rice. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving – the acidity really brightens the dish!