Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa – A Flavor-Packed Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess, then these Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa are going to become your new favorite! This dish brings together the smoky depth of roasted poblano peppers, the juiciness of shredded chicken, and the gooey goodness of melted cheese, all encased in a crispy tortilla. To top it all off, a creamy avocado-jalapeño salsa adds the perfect hint of freshness and heat. Whether you’re making these for a cozy dinner at home or for your next Taco Tuesday gathering, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love These Tacos

• Smoky & Spicy: Roasting poblano peppers enhances their deep, smoky flavor, complementing the mild heat.
• Crispy & Cheesy: The tortillas are pan-fried to golden perfection, locking in the gooey cheese and seasoned chicken filling.
• Fresh & Creamy Salsa: The avocado-jalapeño salsa adds a smooth, zesty contrast to the crispy tacos.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, these tacos make for a perfect weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, and diced
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Tacos:

• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying

For the Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed (or keep them for extra heat!)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Poblanos

1. Place the poblano peppers directly over a gas burner or under the broiler, turning until the skin is charred on all sides.
2. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes.
3. Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and dice the peppers.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling

4. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, roasted poblanos, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir in the shredded cheese and mix well.

Step 3: Make the Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa

6. In a blender or food processor, blend the avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and water until smooth. Add more water if needed for a thinner consistency.

Step 4: Assemble & Fry the Tacos

7. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
8. Place a tortilla in the skillet and add some of the chicken poblano mixture on one side.
9. Fold the tortilla over and press gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
10. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

11. Drizzle the avocado-jalapeño salsa over the crispy tacos.
12. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or cotija cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Mexican rice or black beans.
• Serve with pico de gallo or sour cream on the side.
• Add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice!

FAQs

What can I use instead of poblano peppers?

If you can’t find poblano peppers, you can substitute them with Anaheim or bell peppers. For more heat, try serrano peppers.

Can I make these tacos in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and salsa ahead of time. Assemble and fry the tacos just before serving for the best texture.

Are these tacos spicy?

Poblano peppers have a mild heat, but if you want spicier tacos, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I bake the tacos instead of frying them?

Absolutely! Brush the tortillas with a little oil and bake them at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.

What type of cheese works best?

Monterey Jack is a great option, but you can also use cheddar, Oaxaca, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.

Conclusion

These Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa are the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this taco recipe is sure to impress. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and completely customizable, these tacos will quickly become a household favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy an unforgettable taco night! 🌮🔥

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