Jun 09 2026
Restaurants›Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville›Chicken Tinga Taco Recipe

Chicken Tinga Taco Recipe

Inspired by Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Slow-simmered chicken topped with pickled red onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy avocado Tajín ranch. Served with a side of chips and salsa

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Ingredients

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Chicken Tinga

Pickled Red Onions

Creamy Avocado Tajín Ranch

Tacos and Serving

Method

Chicken Tinga Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Chicken

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

  2. 2

    Add Tomatoes and Spices

    Stir in diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined.

  3. 3

    Simmer

    Add chicken thighs and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.

  4. 4

    Shred the Chicken

    Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Pickled Red Onions Preparation

  1. 5

    Prepare the Brine

    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.

  2. 6

    Pickle the Onions

    Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a jar. Pour the hot brine over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before using.

Creamy Avocado Tajín Ranch Preparation

  1. 7

    Make the Ranch

    In a blender, combine ripe avocado, ranch dressing, Tajín seasoning, and lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Taco Assembly and Serving

  1. 8

    Warm the Tortillas

    In a skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, until pliable.

  2. 9

    Assemble the Tacos

    Place a generous amount of chicken tinga on each tortilla. Top with pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy avocado Tajín ranch.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Serve the tacos with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.

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