Ultimate Chicken Tinga Recipe with Smoky Tandoor Twist
PREP TIME
20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marination)
COOK TIME
25 minutes
SERVINGS
4-6 tacos or bowls
Ingredients
For Tandoor-Grilled Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Tinga Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 medium onion – sliced
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
- 3 ripe tomatoes – chopped
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (or to taste)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas or rice
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Crumbled queso fresco (optional)
Equipment Used:
Tandoor Morni CH06 – 36″ x 36″ x 37″ Restaurant Clay Tandoor Oven
- Perfect for grilling meats for this chicken tinga recipe.
- Delivers authentic smoky flavor using gas (natural or propane).
- Built for commercial or home use with CSA/ETL certification.
Tandoori Skewers (Tandoor Morni Accessories)
- Used to suspend chicken in the CH06 for direct clay heat grilling.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate and Tandoor the Chicken
- Start your chicken tinga recipe by marinating chicken with paprika, cumin, lemon juice, oil, and salt. Let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your Tandoor Morni CH06 – 36″ x 36″ x 37″ Restaurant Tandoor Oven using natural gas or propane. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on skewers or a suitable grill rack.
- Grill for 12–15 minutes, rotating halfway through. This step gives your chicken tinga recipe a rich, smoky flavor unique to clay ovens.
Step 2: Prepare the Tinga Sauce
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute, then add chopped tomatoes, chipotle, oregano, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 10 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Add chicken stock and simmer for 5 minutes. Blend the sauce if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Step 3: Shred and Combine
Shred your tandoor-grilled chicken and fold it into the tinga sauce. Let it simmer together for 5–7 minutes so the chicken absorbs the bold, smoky flavors of the chicken tinga recipe..
Step 4: Serve It Up
Serve the chicken tinga in corn tortillas or rice bowls. Garnish with lime, avocado, cilantro, or queso fresco. This chicken tinga recipe is perfect for taco nights or casual gatherings.
Expert Tips for Perfect Tandoori Roti Recipe
- Use Thighs Over Breasts for Juicier Tinga: Chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy after grilling in a high-heat clay oven. They absorb the tinga sauce better and won’t dry out like chicken breast.
- Preheat Your Tandoor Thoroughly: For the most authentic smoky flavor, ensure your Tandoor Morni CH06 is preheated for 30–40 minutes. Even heating on all sides is key to locking in moisture and giving your chicken a true tandoori char.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: While marination is essential, avoid exceeding 4 hours. The acidic lemon juice can start breaking down the meat too much and affect the texture in this chicken tinga recipe.
- Blend the Sauce for a Silky Finish: After simmering the tomatoes, onions, and chipotle, blend the sauce smooth before adding the shredded chicken. It gives your chicken tinga recipe a velvety consistency that clings to the meat and tortillas perfectly.
Serving Tips
- Serve in Warmed Tortillas for Best Flavor: Always warm your corn or flour tortillas before serving. Lightly toast them over a flame or in a dry pan for that perfect pliability and slight char that complements the smoky chicken tinga.
- Build a Tinga Taco Bar: For gatherings, set up a DIY taco bar with toppings like: Fresh cilantro, Lime wedges, Pickled red onions, Sliced avocado or guacamole, Crumbled queso fresco. Let guests customize their own chicken tinga tacos — it’s interactive and fun!
- Serve Over Cilantro-Lime Rice or in Burrito Bowls: This chicken tinga recipe also works great as a rice bowl. Serve it over warm cilantro-lime rice with beans, roasted corn, and a drizzle of chipotle crema for a hearty, full meal.
Need Help? Order and Technical Support
Have questions or ready to place an order? Reach out to us via phone at +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com. Need detailed instructions? Explore the Operation Manual for our CH & CS models to get started with your Tandoor oven today.
About Tandoor Morni
Tandoor Morni, in business since 1992, is a trusted name in premium Tandoori Clay Ovens, known for crafting high-quality traditional and commercial tandoors. With a commitment to excellence, Tandoor Morni offers a wide range of tandoors, including commercial, residential, catering, and copper models. Our tandoors are built with durable materials and designed for efficient heat distribution, ensuring authentic flavors and fast cooking. Each oven features customizable options like gas, wood fire, or charcoal compatibility, making them suitable for various cooking needs.
