Ingredients

• 1 (4 ½ pound) whole chicken

• 3 white onions, halved, divided

• 1 bunch cilantro, rinsed well

• 2 bay leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano

• 2 dried chili pepper pods, seeded (Optional)

• 3 quarts water

• 12 corn tortillas

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 3 large tomatoes

• 1 sweet red pepper, halved and seeded

• 1 large jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded

• 6 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1 whole canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (Optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 lime, juiced

• sour cream

• sliced avocado

• chopped cilantro

• shredded or crumbled Mexican cheese, such as cotija

• lime wedges

• sprinkle of cayenne pepper