🖋️ Written by Emma
If you’re craving the bold flavor of shredded chicken tinga without the heaviness of tortillas, these Chicken Tinga Lettuce Wraps are exactly what your summer needs. They’re spicy, light, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Using crisp lettuce instead of bread or tortillas makes this one of the easiest light Mexican meals for hot days. It’s perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a no-fuss dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Looking for more summer Mexican recipes? Check out our No-Cook Mexican Bean Salad, Shrimp Ceviche, or our full Summer Mexican Recipe Guide.
Table of Contents
Chicken Tinga Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and translucent.
- Blend chipotle, adobo sauce, tomato sauce, cumin, and salt until smooth.
- Pour sauce into pan and simmer 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat and cook 5 more minutes.
- Spoon chicken tinga into lettuce cups and top with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or lime as desired.
Notes
How to Make Chicken Tinga Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients for Chicken Tinga Lettuce Wraps
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (plus 1 tsp sauce)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- Toppings: avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Steps to Prepare Chicken Tinga Filling
- Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Blend chipotle, adobo sauce, tomato sauce, cumin, and salt until smooth.
- Pour sauce into pan and simmer 3–5 mins.
- Add shredded chicken, stir, and cook for another 5 mins.
- Spoon mixture into lettuce cups and top with extras.
Why These Chicken Tinga Lettuce Wraps Are Perfect for Summer
Bold Flavor Without the Bulk
The smoky chipotle-tomato sauce is packed with flavor but served in lettuce leaves, it keeps the meal light and refreshing.
Easy to Prep and Serve
Cook the chicken filling ahead of time, refrigerate, and assemble wraps when ready to eat. They’re quick, customizable, and ideal for busy days.
Tips to Make the Best Chicken Tinga Lettuce Wraps
Choose the Right Lettuce
Butter lettuce makes soft, foldable cups. Romaine gives crunch. Both work, so choose based on your texture preference.
Customize Your Toppings
Add diced tomatoes, cotija cheese, avocado slices, or pickled onions to make each wrap your own. For a party platter, serve with Esquites and Shrimp Ceviche.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve wraps with lime wedges and sour cream
- Pair with Mexican Bean Salad
- Add roasted veggies on the side
- Make a build-your-own lettuce wrap bar for guests
FAQs – Chicken Tinga Lettuce Wraps
What is tinga sauce made of?
Tinga sauce is typically made from tomatoes, chipotle peppers in adobo, onions, garlic, and spices like oregano and cumin.
What sauce is good for chicken lettuce wraps?
A light soy-ginger sauce, hoisin-based sauce, or peanut-lime dressing complements chicken lettuce wraps well.
What do you do with chicken tinga?
Chicken tinga is used in tacos, tostadas, burritos, rice bowls, and even over salads or in lettuce wraps.
Are chicken lettuce wraps healthy?
Yes, they are generally low in carbs and calories, high in protein, and can be loaded with vegetables.
What does tinga mean in English?
Tinga doesn’t have a direct English translation but refers to a shredded meat dish cooked in a spicy tomato-chipotle sauce.
Is tinga Mexican or Indian?
Tinga is a traditional Mexican dish, especially popular in Puebla and central Mexico.
What toppings go on chicken lettuce wraps?
Common toppings include shredded carrots, cucumber, crushed peanuts, cilantro, green onions, and spicy sauce.
What sauce does PF Chang’s use for lettuce wraps?
PF Chang’s uses a savory soy-garlic sauce with hoisin, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
What are the white crispy noodles in lettuce wraps?
They are crispy rice noodles or cellophane noodles, often flash-fried for texture and crunch.
Is tinga eaten hot or cold?
Tinga is typically served hot, often spooned into tortillas or over rice while warm.
What is chicken tinga supposed to taste like?
It has a smoky, slightly spicy flavor with a rich tomato base and tender shredded chicken.
Is chicken tinga spicy to eat?
It can be mildly to moderately spicy depending on the amount of chipotle peppers used.
What is the best lettuce for lettuce wrap?
Butter lettuce, iceberg, and romaine are all good options due to their shape and crispness.
Is a chicken wrap ok for weight loss?
Yes, especially if made with lean chicken, lots of veggies, and a light or no dressing.
Are lettuce wraps healthier than bread?
Yes, lettuce wraps are lower in calories and carbs than traditional bread or tortillas.
Conclusion
These Chicken Tinga Lettuce Wraps give you everything you love about classic tinga in a lighter, summer-friendly format. Bold flavor, easy prep, and no need to turn on the oven—just what you want when the temperature rises.
Looking for more no-cook Mexican dinners or summer meals? Browse our full Easy Summer Mexican Recipes.
For more feel-good meals, head to WhatToMakeToday.com and follow @whattomaketoday on Pinterest.
