Zesty Poblano Chicken Tacos: A Spicy Salsa-Topped Recipe

Sizzling and packed with vibrant Mexican queso fresco poblano chicken tacos burst with flavor that dances across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly inside warm tortillas, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Spicy jalapeños and creamy avocado salsa provide a bold contrast to the crispy meat.

The combination delivers a zesty kick that promises pure deliciousness.

Each bite tells a story of traditional Mexican street food reimagined with fresh ingredients.

Jalapeños and poblano peppers add depth and complexity to this remarkable taco recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible meal.

Store Crispy Chicken Tacos and Keep Them Crunchy

• Batch Cooking Strategy: Prepare extra chicken mixture and salsa to create quick meals throughout the week. Store separately in airtight containers for easy meal prep and faster dinner solutions.
• Refrigeration Tips: Keep cooked tacos and salsa in sealed containers for up to 3 days. Separate cheese and tortillas from chicken filling to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy textures.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap uncooked assembled tacos in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake directly from cold state, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time.
• Flavor Enhancement Trick: Reheat leftover tacos in a skillet with a touch of olive oil to restore crispiness. Warm salsa separately to maintain its fresh, vibrant taste and prevent separation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 37-42 minutes

Total Time: 52-57 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy cut perfect for absorbing bold spices, choose boneless for easier preparation.
• Olive Oil: Creates golden crispy exterior, select extra virgin for rich flavor.

• Chili Powder: Delivers warm heat and depth, opt for fresh batch for maximum flavor.
• Cumin: Adds earthy undertones, look for whole seeds ground fresh if possible.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky complexity, choose high-quality Spanish variety.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, select kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle kick, freshly ground offers most vibrant flavor.

• Garlic Cloves: Introduces sharp pungent notes, choose firm bulbs without sprouts.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh herbal brightness, select bright green leaves without wilting.

• Poblano Peppers: Introduces mild chile flavor, select firm peppers with deep green color.
• White Onion: Provides crisp sweetness, choose firm onions without soft spots.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional base with authentic texture, warm before serving.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully with creamy mild profile.
• Lettuce: Adds refreshing crunch, choose crisp varieties.
• Lime Wedges: Provides bright acidic finish.

• Avocado: Creates creamy base, select ripe but firm fruit.

Tools to Prepare Crispy Poblano Tacos with Salsa

• Food processor: Essential for blending smooth, creamy salsa.
• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing chicken with spices and vegetables.
• Baking dish: Needed for roasting chicken evenly in the oven.
• Baking sheet: Used for crisping tortillas and baking tacos.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Cooking spray: Ensures tortillas don't dry out and prevent sticking.
• Cheese grater: Optional for shredding Monterey Jack cheese.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling hot tacos and tortillas.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping cilantro, jalapeño, and preparing ingredients.

Instructions to Make Poblano Chicken Tacos with Salsa

• Spicy Salsa Base

Blend ripe avocados with zesty jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and a splash of white vinegar until silky smooth. Chill this vibrant mixture while preparing other components.

• Flavor-Packed Chicken

Massage chicken thighs with a bold spice blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Toss in diced poblano peppers and sweet onions. Roast in a hot oven until meat becomes tender and easily shredded.

• Crispy Taco Preparation

Soften corn tortillas with a quick oven toast. Layer each tortilla with melty Monterey Jack cheese and the spice-infused chicken mixture. Fold gently, creating pockets of deliciousness.

• Golden Crunch

Bake folded tacos until edges turn golden and crisp, cheese bubbling with excitement. Watch carefully to avoid burning these delectable pockets.

• Fresh Finish

Plate the tacos with a generous scoop of cool avocado salsa. Garnish with crisp lettuce and bright lime wedges for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and crunch.

Flavor Options for Crispy Chicken Tacos

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by removing jalapeño seeds or adding extra for more kick. Fresh or pickled jalapeños work great depending on your preference.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken thighs with shredded beef, pulled pork, or plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Cheese Exploration: Experiment with Mexican cheese varieties like queso fresco, cotija, or oaxaca cheese instead of Monterey Jack for authentic regional tastes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and salsa a day ahead to save time during meal preparation. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
• Crispy Texture Tricks: For extra crunchiness, brush tortillas with a thin layer of olive oil before baking or use flour tortillas for a softer alternative to corn tortillas.

Serve Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Dips

• Party Plate Presentation: Arrange crispy tacos on a large wooden board, creating a colorful display with lime wedges scattered around and fresh cilantro sprinkled on top for a vibrant look.
• Cooling Companion Dips: Serve the creamy avocado-jalapeño salsa in small individual ramekins, allowing guests to customize their taco experience with extra dipping sauce.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Set out additional toppings like diced red onions, extra chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and sliced radishes to let everyone personalize their taco plate.
• Beverage Pairing Magic: Complement the tacos with a zesty margarita, cold Mexican beer, or refreshing agua fresca to balance the spicy and rich flavors of the dish.

Zesty Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 52-57 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling poblano chicken tacos deliver Mexican street-style flavors with zesty avocado-jalapeño salsa. Crisp corn tortillas cradle spicy chicken, topped with fresh herbs, creating a delicious bite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
• 6–8 corn tortillas
• 1.5 tbsps olive oil
• 2 poblano peppers, deseeded & diced
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large avocado
• 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded & roughly chopped
• 2 tbsps cilantro, chopped (leaves & stems)
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped (leaves & stems)
• 1.5 tsps chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsps salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• Shredded lettuce, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Salsa Preparation: Blend ripe avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, white vinegar, and salt in a food processor until achieving a velvety consistency. Refrigerate in a sealed container to allow flavors to intensify.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Roasting: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with non-stick coating. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Mix in diced poblano peppers and onions, ensuring complete coverage. Distribute seasoned mixture evenly in the prepared dish and roast for 20-22 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Shred chicken and combine with caramelized poblanos and onions.
3. Taco Assembly: Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Warm corn tortillas until pliable, then layer with Monterey Jack cheese, shredded chicken, and an additional cheese sprinkle. Fold tortillas into half-moon shapes, sealing edges firmly.
4. Baking and Serving: Arrange tacos on the baking sheet and bake until edges turn golden and cheese melts completely, approximately 15-17 minutes. Serve immediately with chilled avocado-jalapeño salsa, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges, allowing guests to personalize their meal with additional garnishes.

Notes

• Boost Spice Precision: Adjust chili powder and jalapeño intensity to match personal heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor experience.
• Chicken Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
• Tortilla Technique: Warm corn tortillas briefly on a skillet before assembling to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking during folding.
• Salsa Storage Tip: Prepare avocado-jalapeño salsa up to 24 hours in advance, storing in an airtight container with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 37-42 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg