Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos: Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa Recipe

Get ready to elevate your Taco Tuesday with these irresistible Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa! This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. The combination of crispy tortillas, tender shredded chicken, and smoky poblanos creates a texture contrast that is simply mouthwatering.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a lockdown when my cravings for restaurant-style food were at an all-time high. Since then, these tacos have become a beloved tradition in my household, gracing our Friday night dinner table with their delicious presence. The star of the show is undoubtedly the poblano peppers, adding a subtle smoky heat that elevates the flavors to a whole new level.

Prep ahead and savor the convenience! The chicken mixture can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen for an even tastier outcome. And while the avocado-jalapeño salsa is best enjoyed freshly made, a nifty trick will keep it looking vibrant and green for up to 24 hours. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in these delectable tacos that are sure to become a regular on your menu rotation.

Quick Benefits

• Flavor Explosion: Simple ingredients come together to create an explosion of flavors with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chicken mixture can be prepared up to two days in advance, allowing flavors to enhance over time.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the heat in the avocado-jalapeño salsa by removing or keeping the jalapeño seeds.
• Crispy Texture: Baking the tacos results in crispy tortillas filled with tender shredded chicken and smoky poblano peppers.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos: Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa Recipe Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy tortillas, tender shredded chicken, and smoky poblanos creates an irresistible texture contrast that will have you reaching for seconds.
• Easy to Make: Transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal effort.
• Family Favorite: Impress your loved ones with a restaurant-quality dish that can become a cherished tradition.
• Versatile: The chicken mixture can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further.
• Unforgettable Poblano Peppers: Experience the magic of poblanos, imparting subtle smoky heat that elevates the tacos to a whole new level.
• Make-Ahead Salsa: The avocado-jalapeño salsa can be stored with clever tips to maintain its vibrant green color for up to 24 hours.
• Perfect Pairings: Enjoy these tacos with simple sides like cilantro lime rice and black bean salad, plus cooling beverages like margaritas or agua fresca.
• Crispy Texture: Ensure crispy tortillas by baking them at the right temperature and adjusting for personal preferences.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the jalapeño seeds to control the salsa’s spiciness according to your taste.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Use chicken breasts or alternative tortilla types if preferred, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos: Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa Recipe

For the chicken tacos

• Shredded lettuce, for serving
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 poblano peppers, deseeded and diced
• 6-8 corn tortillas
• 1.5 tsp chili powder
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

For the avocado-jalapeño salsa

• 1 large avocado
• 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 Tbsp white vinegar

How to Make Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos: Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the salsa

In a food processor, blend avocado, jalapeño, water, cilantro, vinegar, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.

Step 2: Cook the chicken and vegetables

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a baking dish. In a large bowl, mix chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic, cilantro, poblano peppers, and onion. Spread mixture in the baking dish and bake for 20-22 minutes until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) and vegetables are tender. Shred chicken and mix with vegetables.

Step 3: Soften tortillas

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, place tortillas on it, spray with cooking spray, flip, and bake for 2-3 minutes until pliable.

Step 4: Assemble the tacos

Take the tortillas out of the oven. Spread shredded cheese, chicken mixture, and more cheese on one side of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas over the filling and press gently to seal.

Step 5: Bake the tacos

Place the assembled tacos back in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the tacos right away with avocado-jalapeño salsa, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa, store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually improve with time as the spices infuse the meat, making it even more delicious when reheated. Simply warm up the chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling fresh tacos for another meal.

When storing the Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa, place the salsa in an airtight container with the avocado pit and cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent browning. This method helps maintain the vibrant green color of the salsa for up to 24 hours. To extend the salsa’s freshness, add a squeeze of lime juice on top for extra protection against oxidation. Enjoy the salsa with your tacos within a day for the best taste and appearance.

For the best taco experience, serve the Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos alongside complementary sides like cilantro lime rice or a black bean salad. As a refreshing drink pairing, consider a classic margarita or a non-alcoholic cucumber lime agua fresca. Remember to warm fresh corn tortillas thoroughly for flexibility and crisp them up in the oven for ultimate crunchiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a milder salsa, you can adjust the heat level by removing the seeds from the jalapeño. Leaving the seeds in will increase the spiciness of the salsa, so adjust according to your taste preference. Additionally, if you don’t have poblano peppers on hand, you can substitute them with bell peppers for a different flavor profile. The bell peppers will provide a sweet and slightly tangy taste compared to the smoky heat of poblanos.

If you don’t have boneless skinless chicken thighs, you can substitute them with boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the chicken breasts do not dry out during cooking. For a vegetarian option, you can swap the chicken with firm tofu or a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. This substitution will provide a different texture and flavor profile while still keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa with a side of refreshing cucumber lime agua fresca for a complete meal experience. The cool, crisp drink perfectly complements the smoky heat of the tacos, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Additionally, consider garnishing the tacos with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an extra touch of creaminess and tanginess.

For a fun and interactive taco night, set up a DIY taco bar with all the toppings and fillings laid out for guests to customize their tacos to their liking. Include options such as pickled red onions, fresh salsa, jalapeños, and hot sauce for those who like their tacos extra spicy. This setup is perfect for gatherings or family dinners, allowing everyone to get creative and build their ultimate taco masterpiece.

FAQs for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos: Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa Recipe

Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken mixture can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your tacos.

How can I prevent my avocado-jalapeño salsa from browning?

To prevent browning, store the salsa with the pit in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface. Add a squeeze of extra lime juice on top for additional oxidation protection. This method can help maintain its vibrant green color for up to 24 hours.

What should I do if my corn tortillas crack during folding?

If your corn tortillas crack during folding, they likely need to be warmed longer or are past their prime freshness date. Always use fresh tortillas and warm them thoroughly to ensure flexibility.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will elevate your taco night to a whole new level. Whether you are looking to impress your family with a delicious homemade meal or simply craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe has got you covered. The crispy tortillas, flavorful chicken, and zesty salsa come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to a delicious meal that is both satisfying and full of fresh flavors. These tacos are not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a milder salsa or want to spice things up with extra jalapeño, feel free to make this recipe your own. Serve these tacos with your favorite sides and beverages for a complete dining experience that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy every bite of these Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa and savor the homemade goodness!

Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos: Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa Recipe

“Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa: A flavor explosion of smoky poblanos, tender chicken, and zesty salsa, a must-try taco recipe for taco night perfection!”

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Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineMexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

For the chicken tacos

• Shredded lettuce, for serving
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 poblano peppers, deseeded and diced
• 6-8 corn tortillas
• 1.5 tsp chili powder
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

For the avocado-jalapeño salsa

• 1 large avocado
• 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 Tbsp white vinegar

Instructions

1. Prepare the salsa: In a food processor, blend avocado, jalapeño, water, cilantro, vinegar, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
2. Cook the chicken and vegetables: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a baking dish. In a large bowl, mix chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic, cilantro, poblano peppers, and onion. Spread mixture in the baking dish and bake for 20-22 minutes until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) and vegetables are tender. Shred chicken and mix with vegetables.
3. Soften tortillas: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, place tortillas on it, spray with cooking spray, flip, and bake for 2-3 minutes until pliable.
4. Assemble the tacos: Take the tortillas out of the oven. Spread shredded cheese, chicken mixture, and more cheese on one side of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas over the filling and press gently to seal.
5. Bake the tacos: Place the assembled tacos back in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
6. Serve: Serve the tacos right away with avocado-jalapeño salsa, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges.