Chicken Tinga Burrito El Pollo Loco
Are you a fan of Mexican food? Do you love the taste of spicy and flavorful dishes? If yes, then you must try the Chicken Tinga Burrito from El Pollo Loco. This mouth-watering delicacy is a perfect blend of juicy chicken, tangy tomatillo sauce, and a mix of fresh veggies, all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla. Let's dive into the world of Chicken Tinga Burrito and explore the goodness of this Mexican delight.
The Origin and History of Chicken Tinga Burrito
Chicken Tinga is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine that originated from the city of Puebla. Tinga refers to a spicy stew of shredded meat, flavored with smoky chipotle peppers and other spices. The dish was traditionally made with pork, but chicken is a popular alternative due to its versatile and tender nature.
The El Pollo Loco chain first introduced the Chicken Tinga Burrito in 2016 as a part of their Ultimate Double line of burritos. With time, the dish has become one of the most loved and sought-after items on their menu. The Chicken Tinga Burrito is a perfect representation of the Fiesta Grande flavor of Mexico, packed with a range of mouth-watering ingredients.
The Recipe for Chicken Tinga Burrito
The Chicken Tinga Burrito comprises of lightly smoked chicken tinga, Spanish rice, pinto beans, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, cilantro, and El Pollo Loco's signature tomatillo sauce, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Here is the detailed recipe for making this Mexican delicacy:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 1/2 canned chipotle pepper in adobo
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 cup of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup of cooked Spanish rice
- 1/2 cup of drained and rinsed pinto beans
- 1 medium avocado, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup of El Pollo Loco's Tomatillo Sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the ancho chilies in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes.
- Drain the chilies and place them in a blender with the chipotle pepper and 1/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, thyme, and chili puree.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cover with the tomato sauce.
- Cover the skillet and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it with a fork.
- Place the cooked Spanish rice, pinto beans, shredded chicken, diced avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, and tomatillo sauce in the middle of the flour tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla up tightly and serve hot.
The Nutritional Value of Chicken Tinga Burrito
The Chicken Tinga Burrito is a filling and nutritious meal that provides a balanced blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers. Let's take a look at the nutritional value of a Chicken Tinga Burrito:
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1280mg
Although the Chicken Tinga Burrito is a high-calorie meal, it can still be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
Why El Pollo Loco's Chicken Tinga Burrito Stands Out
El Pollo Loco's Chicken Tinga Burrito is not just any burrito; it's a flavorful and authentic Mexican delight that has won over the hearts of millions of food enthusiasts worldwide. Here are some of the reasons why El Pollo Loco's Chicken Tinga Burrito stands out:
- The chicken used in the Tinga is lightly smoked, which gives it a unique and savory flavor.
- The dish uses El Pollo Loco's signature tomatillo sauce, which is made with fresh tomatillos, green chilies, and cilantro.
- The burrito is made fresh to order, ensuring that each ingredient is perfectly cooked and blended to perfection.
- The Spanish rice and pinto beans add a complex layer of flavors and textures to the dish.
- The avocado and diced tomatoes add freshness and juiciness to the burrito.
In conclusion, the Chicken Tinga Burrito from El Pollo Loco is a masterpiece of Mexican cuisine. With its unique blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, it's a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican food. So, next time you visit El Pollo Loco, don't forget to indulge in this delicious and wholesome dish.