Quick & Zesty Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos Recipe with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa

Crispy poblano chicken tacos pack a serious flavor punch that crafts ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary adventures.

Mexican cuisine thrives on bold, unexpected combinations that dance across your taste buds with vibrant energy.

These remarkable tacos combine tender, seasoned chicken with a crispy exterior that shatters delightfully with each bite.

The accompanying avocado-jalapeño salsa brings a cool, creamy counterpoint to the robust chicken warmth and complexity.

Carefully selected spices and techniques elevate this dish from simple meal to memorable experience, promising excitement in every single forkful.

Fresh ingredients and smart techniques make these tacos surprisingly achievable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Your dinner table will come alive with excitement and deliciousness.

Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa Are a Flavor Bomb

• Spice Up Your Meal: The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a bold, complex flavor profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering taco experience.
• Crisp and Creamy Texture Adventure: These tacos offer an incredible contrast between the crunchy baked tortilla exterior and the smooth, creamy avocado-jalapeño salsa, providing a satisfying multi-textural bite.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple oven-baking techniques, making impressive Mexican-inspired cuisine accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Fresh and Vibrant Flavor Explosion: The combination of roasted poblano peppers, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime creates a bright, refreshing taste that elevates the entire dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos and Zesty Salsa

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless meat for a tender and juicy protein base, best when fresh and well-trimmed.
• Olive Oil: Helps to coat and cook chicken evenly, adds subtle flavor and prevents sticking.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Spice blend for deep, smoky southwestern flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds aromatic depth and pungent flavor to the chicken.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbal notes to the dish.

• Poblano Peppers: Mild, slightly smoky chili peppers that add subtle heat and green complexity.
• White Onion: Provides sharp, crisp flavor and aromatic base for the chicken mixture.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican base for tacos, with authentic corn flavor and soft texture.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that complements the spicy chicken.
• Lettuce: Adds crisp, fresh texture and light green color.
• Lime Wedges: Provides bright, acidic finish to enhance overall flavor.

• Avocado: Creamy, rich base for the salsa with smooth texture.
• Jalapeño: Adds fresh, spicy kick to the salsa.
• Water: Helps create smooth salsa consistency.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb to brighten salsa flavor.
• White Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity to balance the salsa.

Instructions for Assembling Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa

• Ripe avocado
• Spicy jalapeño
• Cool water
• Fresh cilantro
• Tangy white vinegar
• Pinch of salt

Blend everything until silky smooth. Pour into a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken

Heat your oven to a toasty 400°F. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.

• Olive oil
• Zesty chili powder
• Warm cumin
• Smoky paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced poblano peppers
• Chopped onion

Toss until chicken is totally coated with spices and veggies. Spread evenly in the baking dish.

Bake for 20-22 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F. Shred the chicken and mix with roasted poblanos and onions.

Step 3: Create Crispy Taco Shells

Crank the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Lay out corn tortillas, give them a light spray of cooking spray, and bake 2-3 minutes to soften.

• Monterey Jack cheese
• Shredded chicken mixture
• Extra cheese sprinkle

Fold each tortilla and press gently to seal.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Return tacos to the baking sheet. Bake 15-17 minutes until cheese melts and tortillas turn golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve Up Deliciousness

• Chilled avocado-jalapeño salsa
• Crisp shredded lettuce
• Zesty lime wedges

Dig in while they’re hot and enjoy every single bite!

Tips for Crispy Shells and Tangy Salsa Pairing

• Perfectly Blend Salsa: Use ripe avocados for creamy, smooth texture and adjust jalapeño heat to personal preference.
• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and richness of taste.
• Crisp Tortilla Technique: Press tacos gently when folding to ensure even sealing and prevent filling from falling out during baking.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Shred Monterey Jack cheese fresh for optimal melting and gooey consistency throughout the taco.
• Serving Pro Tip: Let tacos rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth.

Reheating and Storage for Poblano Chicken Tacos Without Soggy Shells

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and tacos separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Salsa Storage: Keep avocado-jalapeño salsa in a sealed container in the refrigerator, consuming within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating Technique: Warm tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, placing them on a baking sheet to restore crispiness and prevent them from becoming soggy.

What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Tacos and Salsa

• Spice Up with Mexican Craft Beer: Pair these crispy poblano chicken tacos with a refreshing Mexican craft beer like Modelo Especial or Negra Modelo. The light, crisp beer cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the smoky poblano flavors perfectly.
• Cool Down with Citrus Margarita: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur. The bright, zesty cocktail balances the spicy chicken and creamy avocado salsa, creating a vibrant flavor explosion.
• Refresh with Cucumber Agua Fresca: Blend cucumber, water, and a hint of lime for a light, cooling drink. This non-alcoholic option provides a crisp, clean contrast to the rich, spicy taco filling, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Serve a side of elote-style corn salad with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. The creamy, tangy corn complements the tacos' flavors and adds a traditional Mexican street food touch to the meal.

Variations for a Spicy Twist on Crispy Poblano Tacos

• Spicy Green Chile Chicken Crunch: Swap poblano peppers with roasted green chiles for an extra kick, adding diced green onions and using pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat profile.
• Smoky Chipotle Chicken Fold: Replace chili powder with chipotle powder, incorporate smoked gouda cheese, and mix in finely chopped roasted red peppers for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Southwest Ranch Chicken Wrap: Blend ranch seasoning into the chicken mixture, use flour tortillas instead of corn, and top with fresh pico de gallo and crumbled queso fresco for a creamy southwestern experience.
• Lime Cilantro Chicken Crisp: Increase cilantro amount, add fresh lime zest to the chicken seasoning, incorporate diced radishes for crunch, and serve with a zesty lime crema on the side.

Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeo Salsa Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy poblano chicken tacos deliver Mexican street-style sizzle with roasted peppers and a zesty avocado-jalapeño salsa. Succulent chicken wrapped in charred tortillas creates a spicy, crunchy fiesta that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (leaves & stems)

Fresh Vegetables and Accompaniments:

• 2 poblano peppers, deseeded & 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

Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 large avocado
• 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded & roughly chopped
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped (leaves & stems)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant avocado-jalapeño salsa by blending ripe avocado, fiery jalapeño, refreshing cilantro, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until silky smooth. Chill the salsa in a sealed container to allow flavors to meld.
2. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray. In a spacious mixing bowl, massage chicken thighs with a robust blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Incorporate diced poblano peppers and onions, ensuring each chicken piece is generously coated.
3. Spread the seasoned chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Roast for 20-22 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). After cooking, delicately shred the chicken and toss with the caramelized poblanos and onions.
4. Elevate the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently warm corn tortillas until pliable, then layer with Monterey Jack cheese, the fragrant shredded chicken, and an additional sprinkle of cheese.
5. Carefully fold each tortilla into a half-moon shape, pressing edges to seal. Arrange the assembled tacos on the baking sheet and bake until the edges turn golden and crisp, and the cheese melts luxuriously, approximately 15-17 minutes.
6. Present the tacos immediately, accompanied by the chilled avocado-jalapeño salsa, crisp shredded lettuce, and zesty lime wedges for a burst of freshness. Invite guests to customize their plate with additional garnishes.

Notes

• Culinary adventure awaits with these zesty chicken tacos packed with bold poblano flavors and creamy avocado salsa.
• Spice-coated chicken thighs roast perfectly with aromatic peppers and onions, creating a mouthwatering filling.
• Crispy tortillas transform simple ingredients into an irresistible meal that delivers incredible texture and taste combinations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg