Craving something spicy yet cozy? Our Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Keto Recipe will delight your taste buds and fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle. This dish combines the smoky flavor of chipotle with juicy shredded chicken, making it an ideal low-carb meal for any day of the week. Let your slow cooker do the work while you relish its aromatic magic.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (7 oz) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of one lime
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Keto – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients together to streamline the cooking process. Begin by slicing the onion and mincing the garlic. This quick prep work will make it more convenient to layer the flavors into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until both sides are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances flavor depth and locks in the chicken’s juiciness.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In a blender, combine diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth. This will be the vibrant, flavorful sauce that coats your chicken.
Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay seared chicken breasts on top. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Add salt and pepper as per your taste.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The slow, leisurely cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, fall-apart chicken.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the sauce. This helps the meat absorb more flavor while creating the classic texture of tinga.
Step 7: Final Touches
Before serving, squeeze lime juice over the chicken mixture. This brightens up the dish and balances the smoky heat.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Keto
Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga in bowls topped with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of sour cream. For a full keto meal, consider pairing it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Enhance your Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Keto recipe by trying variations such as adding bell peppers for extra crunch or using smoked paprika for additional depth. If you like heat, increase the number of chipotle peppers.
Protein-Packed Perfection in a Bowl
Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing satisfaction. By adding some chopped cooked bacon or using chicken thighs for this dish, you can increase the protein content, making it a more filling option. High-protein versions ensure you’re satiated and fueled for longer.
Low-Carb Heaven with a Spicy Twist
Dive into the flavors of chicken tinga without worrying about carbs. To reduce the carb content even further, serve with a generous helping of sautéed greens or roasted cauliflower. This way, you can indulge in the spicy delight while maintaining your dietary goals.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the prepared chicken tinga for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs add more fat and flavor, making them a great option for this recipe.
- How can I tone down the heat? Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or replace some with regular bell peppers for a milder version.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly? Absolutely! This recipe freezes well for meal prep or quick dinners down the road.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Certainly, but you may need to blend them longer to achieve the desired consistency.
- What’s the best way to shred chicken? Using two forks is effective, but you can also use a hand mixer for quick shredding.
- Does this meal pair well with queso fresco? Yes! A sprinkle of queso fresco adds a creamy, salty contrast to the spicy chicken.
Relish Every Bite: Share Your Tinga Adventure!
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Keto recipe not only promises unforgettable taste but also fits seamlessly within your low-carb lifestyle. If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with fellow food enthusiasts. Comment below your favorite tips or add your twist to this classic. Let’s spread the love for good food together!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Keto
Equipment
- – Slow cooker
- Blender
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 14 oz diced tomatoes canned
- 7 oz chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 onion medium, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice fresh
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients together to streamline the cooking process. Begin by slicing the onion and mincing the garlic. This quick prep work will make it more convenient to layer the flavors into your slow cooker.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until both sides are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances flavor depth and locks in the chicken’s juiciness.
- In a blender, combine diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth. This will be the vibrant, flavorful sauce that coats your chicken.
- Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay seared chicken breasts on top. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Add salt and pepper as per your taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The slow, leisurely cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, fall-apart chicken.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the sauce. This helps the meat absorb more flavor while creating the classic texture of tinga.
- Before serving, squeeze lime juice over the chicken mixture. This brightens up the dish and balances the smoky heat.