Description

Taco night isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration. These crispy poblano chicken tacos are the perfect way to elevate your taco game. With smoky poblanos, juicy shredded chicken, crispy baked tortillas, and a creamy avocado-jalapeño salsa, these tacos offer a delicious crunch with every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner, a party with friends, or a solo taco feast, these tacos will leave you craving more!

Ingredients

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 & stems)
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)

For the Avocado-Jalapeño Salsa:

1 large avocado
1 medium jalapeño, deseeded & roughly chopped
½ cup water
¼ cup cilantro, chopped (leaves & stems)
1 Tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp salt

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Instructions

Blend Up the Salsa
In a food processor, combine avocado, jalapeño, water, cilantro, vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth and refrigerate.
Cook the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Toss chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic, cilantro, poblano peppers, and onion. Spread evenly in the dish and bake for 20-22 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F. Shred chicken with two forks and mix with roasted veggies.
Assemble the Tacos
Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out tortillas. Lightly spray one side with oil, flip, and bake for 2-3 minutes. Remove, layer with cheese, shredded chicken mixture, and more cheese. Fold and gently press.
Bake to Crispy Perfection
Return to the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve tacos with avocado-jalapeño salsa, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges.

Notes

Flavor Kick: Poblano peppers offer a mild, smoky heat, while the avocado-jalapeño salsa provides a creamy, zesty finish that balances the tacos perfectly.
Baked, Not Fried: These tacos are baked until crispy, saving you from the mess of deep frying while delivering that satisfying crunch.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the shredded chicken and salsa in advance. Just reheat the chicken before assembling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dinner, Tacos
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired