Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga (Printable Version)

Smoky chipotle chicken and roasted veggies atop fluffy rice, finished with fresh avocado salsa.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Veggies

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
03 - 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
04 - 1 medium red onion, sliced
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped
07 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Rice

13 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
14 - 2 cups water
15 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Avocado Salsa

16 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
17 - 1 medium tomato, diced
18 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
19 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
21 - Juice of 1 lime
22 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ To Serve

23 - Lime wedges
24 - Extra cilantro (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, bell peppers, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil. Add chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
03 - Spread the chicken and veggie mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender with slight char.
04 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
05 - Combine diced avocados, tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño if using, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Gently toss to combine.
06 - Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top each with roasted chicken and vegetables. Spoon avocado salsa over each bowl. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Sheet pan cooking means minimal cleanup
  • Bold chipotle flavor without complicated techniques
  • Perfectly balanced with creamy avocado salsa
  • Ready in under an hour for busy weeknights
  • Naturally gluten-free and adaptable
02 -
  • For extra depth of flavor, toast the dried spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the chicken
  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast meat in this high-heat cooking method
  • Make the avocado salsa just before serving to prevent browning
  • If making ahead, store components separately and assemble just before eating
  • For meal prep, this recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
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