These Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Salsa are the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. The roasted poblanos bring a subtle charred heat, the chicken is seasoned to perfection, and the creamy avocado salsa cools everything down with a tangy kick. Every bite is loaded with fresh textures and vibrant flavors that taste like a fiesta on your plate.
Best of all, they’re quick to make and easy to customize. You can spice them up with extra jalapeños, swap the chicken for steak or shrimp, or even make them vegetarian with black beans. These tacos are perfect for weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesday gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress your family and friends with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large poblano peppers
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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8 small corn tortillas
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
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Lime wedges, for serving
Avocado Jalapeño Salsa:
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2 ripe avocados
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1 jalapeño, seeded (or leave seeds for extra heat)
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½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
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2 cloves garlic
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Juice of 1 lime
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2 tablespoons water
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Salt, to taste
Directions:
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Roast the poblano peppers directly over a gas flame or under a broiler until charred on all sides. Place in a bowl, cover with a towel, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel off skins, remove seeds, and chop into strips.
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Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
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In a blender, combine avocados, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, water, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Warm tortillas on a skillet or grill until soft and slightly charred.
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Assemble tacos: Fill tortillas with sliced chicken, roasted poblano strips, shredded lettuce, and drizzle generously with avocado jalapeño salsa. Top with cotija cheese and serve with lime wedges.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Salsa
When it comes to Mexican-inspired meals, tacos hold a special place in everyone’s heart. They’re versatile, flavorful, easy to customize, and bring people together around the table. Among all the taco variations out there, Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Salsa stand out for their bold combination of smoky roasted peppers, tender spiced chicken, and a creamy, slightly spicy salsa that ties everything together.
This dish is a true celebration of contrasting textures and flavors. The crispy tortillas give each bite a satisfying crunch, while the juicy chicken and roasted poblano peppers deliver deep savory notes. Then comes the star of the show, the avocado jalapeño salsa. Silky smooth, with the perfect balance of heat and tang, it’s the finishing touch that makes these tacos irresistible.
If you’re looking for a taco recipe that goes beyond the ordinary, this is the one. Not only does it bring authentic Mexican flavors to your table, but it also offers the flexibility to make it your own, whether you’re cooking for family dinner, hosting taco night, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Why These Tacos Work So Well
At the core of this dish is the perfect layering of flavors:
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The Poblanos: Roasted poblano peppers are mild in heat but rich in smoky, earthy flavors. When charred, they add a depth that elevates the chicken filling without overwhelming it.
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The Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are seasoned with a simple blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic. These spices give a warm, slightly smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the roasted peppers.
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The Avocado Salsa: Creamy avocado, fresh lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño come together in a velvety salsa. The jalapeño provides just the right kick, while the avocado balances the heat with its buttery texture.
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The Tortillas: Lightly charred corn tortillas offer that authentic street taco flavor and the crispy bite that makes the dish come alive.
The real magic of this recipe lies in the balance. Nothing is too spicy, too heavy, or too bland. Every component plays its part, creating a taco that is both exciting and satisfying.
Ingredient Spotlight
Poblano Peppers
Poblanos are a staple in Mexican cooking. Unlike jalapeños or serranos, they are much milder, making them the perfect pepper to roast and layer into tacos. Their smoky-sweet flavor after roasting is what makes this recipe stand apart from more standard chicken tacos.
Avocado
Avocado provides creaminess without the need for dairy, making the salsa both healthy and satisfying. The natural fats in avocado also help balance the heat of jalapeño while enhancing the taco’s richness.
Jalapeño
The jalapeño in the salsa adds a gentle fire. If you prefer a mild salsa, remove the seeds. For spice lovers, keep them in or add an extra pepper.
Cotija Cheese
Cotija is a crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty, tangy profile. It acts like the finishing salt of the taco world, bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the beauties of tacos is that they’re endlessly customizable. Here are some ways you can adapt this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs:
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Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, steak, or even grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
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Cheese Alternatives: Try queso fresco or even a drizzle of Mexican crema if cotija isn’t available.
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Tortilla Choices: Stick with classic corn for authenticity, but flour tortillas or lettuce wraps work well too.
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Extra Toppings: Add pickled onions, fresh radishes, or sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
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Vegan Option: Use roasted cauliflower or black beans instead of chicken and skip the cheese for a fully plant-based version.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos are incredibly versatile when it comes to how you serve them. Here are some ideas to create a full meal experience:
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Side Dishes: Pair with Mexican rice, cilantro lime quinoa, or charro beans.
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Appetizers: Chips and guacamole, salsa fresca, or elote (Mexican street corn) make excellent starters.
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Drinks: A refreshing margarita, a light Mexican lager, or even sparkling water with lime completes the meal perfectly.
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Taco Bar Style: For gatherings, set out the chicken, poblano peppers, tortillas, and salsa in separate bowls so everyone can build their own tacos.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond flavor, these tacos also provide a well-rounded nutritional profile:
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Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
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Healthy Fats: Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential vitamins like potassium and folate.
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Fiber: Corn tortillas and vegetables add dietary fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.
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Vitamins & Minerals: Poblano peppers are rich in vitamin C, while the fresh lime juice adds an extra dose of antioxidants.
By combining these ingredients, you’re getting a meal that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
Wine & Drink Pairings
Pairing drinks with tacos enhances the dining experience. While margaritas are the obvious go-to, here are a few more sophisticated options:
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White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño pairs wonderfully with the bright, citrusy salsa.
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Beer: A crisp Mexican lager like Modelo or Pacifico balances the richness of the avocado salsa.
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Cocktails: A smoky mezcal cocktail complements the roasted poblano flavor beautifully.
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Non-Alcoholic: Agua fresca (try cucumber-lime or watermelon) provides a refreshing, family-friendly pairing.
Hosting Taco Night
If you’re hosting friends or family, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can double or triple the ingredients easily, and most of the prep work can be done in advance. The chicken can be marinated and grilled ahead of time, the salsa prepared a few hours early, and the poblanos roasted before guests arrive. When it’s time to eat, simply warm the tortillas and let everyone assemble their tacos at the table.
To make it fun, consider adding extra toppings like shredded cabbage, diced mango, or spicy pickled carrots. This way, your taco night feels interactive and festive.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are rarely an issue with these tacos, but if you do have some, here’s how to handle them:
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Chicken: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain moisture.
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Salsa: Because avocado can brown, store tightly covered with plastic wrap pressed against the surface. Best enjoyed within 1–2 days.
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Tortillas: Keep them in a sealed bag and reheat on a hot skillet or directly over a flame for that fresh taste.
Conclusion
Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos with Avocado Jalapeño Salsa are more than just another taco recipe, they’re a flavorful experience that brings together smoky, spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner, planning a festive taco night, or simply craving something bold and satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes.
With its versatile nature, customizable toppings, and balance of indulgence and nutrition, these tacos will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they earn a permanent spot on your Taco Tuesday menu.