Welcome to a delightful recipe for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos! These crispy tacos are packed with flavor and perfect for any taco lover. We’ll guide you through making a tasty smoky chicken poblano mixture, stuffing it in corn tortillas, and serving them with an irresistible avocado-jalapeño salsa. The perfect balance of cheesy goodness, crunch, and spiciness awaits you!
Introduction
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, loved worldwide for their versatility and flavors. This recipe brings a smoky twist with poblano peppers, adding depth to the juicy chicken filling. These crispy chicken tacos are the ultimate comfort food, blending crunchy tortillas, melted cheese, and the bold taste of poblanos.
If you’re a fan of crispy and cheesy dishes, these tacos are a must-try. Whether for Taco Tuesday or a casual meal, they’re an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.
For more tasty taco recipes, check out our related recipe for Grilled Chicken Chimichangas.
Ingredients for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos
Here’s everything you need to make this crispy chicken taco recipe. You can easily substitute ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or availability.
For the Chicken Tacos:
- 1½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)
- 2 poblano peppers, deseeded and diced
- 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 6-8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Shredded lettuce, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa:
- 1 large avocado
- 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and chopped
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
Feel free to adjust the heat level by leaving seeds in the jalapeño or adding more!
How to Make Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa
In a food processor, combine the avocado, jalapeño, water, cilantro, vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth, and set aside. This salsa can be stored in the refrigerator while you prepare the tacos.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Veggies
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, poblano peppers, and sliced onions. Toss everything until fully coated.
Transfer the chicken and veggies into a baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Use two forks to shred the chicken and mix it with the veggies. This will be your taco filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Turn the oven temperature up to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay your tortillas on the sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake them for 2-3 minutes to soften.
Remove the tortillas and layer each one with shredded cheese, followed by the chicken mixture, and more cheese. Fold the tortillas over to create a taco shape, pressing gently to make sure they hold.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled tacos back in the oven for 15-17 minutes, until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy tacos immediately with the avocado-jalapeño salsa, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges on the side.
Helpful Tips for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos
- Prep Ahead: You can make the chicken and salsa ahead of time to save on prep.
- Tortilla Tips: Spray the tortillas lightly with oil before baking to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
- Vegan Option: Swap the chicken for roasted mushrooms or jackfruit and the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
For another twist on tacos, check out our Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls recipe.
Cooking Tips for the Best Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and poblanos will give your dish a more vibrant flavor.
- Even Shredding: Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm will make it easier and ensure even distribution in your tacos.
- Best Cheese: Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but you can also use Pepper Jack for added heat.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos
These crispy chicken tacos pair perfectly with a light, refreshing side. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Refried Beans
- Cilantro-Lime Rice
Enjoy them with a cold margarita or fresh aguas frescas to complete the meal!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
This dish provides a balanced meal, with high protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado.
Storage and Leftovers for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tacos on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until crispy. The salsa can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos
1. Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead?
Yes, but corn tortillas give a crispier texture. If using flour tortillas, adjust baking time as they cook faster.
2. How Spicy Are These Tacos?
The level of spice depends on your choice of poblano and jalapeño. Removing the seeds from the jalapeño will reduce the heat.
3. Can I Freeze the Chicken Filling?
Absolutely! Freeze the chicken and veggie mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
4. What Can I Use Instead of Poblano Peppers?
If you can’t find poblanos, substitute with bell peppers for a milder flavor or anaheim peppers for a bit more heat.
Related Recipes for Crispy Chicken Taco Lovers
Conclusion
There you have it—delicious Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with creamy avocado-jalapeño salsa. This easy recipe will become a go-to for taco night, offering crunch, flavor, and a touch of heat. Give it a try and let us know how you customize your tacos by leaving a comment below!
Ready for more? Discover similar recipes like Grilled Chicken Chimichangas here for another tasty taco variation.
