The Brushfire Taco from Torchy's Tacos features spicy grilled chicken marinated in chipotle adobo, topped with jalapeno slices, mango, and a drizzle of queso fresco crema, all nestled in a warm, soft corn tortilla, delivering a fiery yet sweet flavor with a vibrant, colorful presentation.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan (for crema)
- Whisk (for crema)
- Spoon
- Serving platter or plate
- Tortilla warmer or clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 fresh jalapenos
- 1 ripe mango
- ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 3 tablespoons queso fresco
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Ensure you use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor absorption when marinating in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Fresh jalapenos provide the necessary heat, but you can adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance. Ripe mango adds a sweet contrast, balancing the smoky and spicy profile of the dish. Using Mexican crema combined with queso fresco creates the authentic, creamy drizzle that complements the taco's vibrant taste. Your homemade Brushfire Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu will deliver a fiery, sweet, and colorful flavor experience closely matching the original.
Instructions
- Prepare chipotle adobo marinade by mixing chipotle peppers in adobo, olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs evenly in marinade; cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Grill marinated chicken thighs until cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
- Slice grilled chicken into bite-sized strips.
- Slice jalapenos thinly.
- Peel and dice mango into small cubes.
- Warm corn tortillas on grill or in a tortilla warmer; keep them warm in a towel.
- In a small saucepan, gently warm Mexican crema or sour cream.
- Crumble queso fresco and whisk into warm crema with lime juice until smooth; set aside.
- Assemble tacos: Place sliced chicken on warm tortilla.
- Top with fresh jalapeno slices and mango cubes.
- Drizzle with queso fresco crema.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional).
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Brushfire Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu showcases a bold combination of chipotle-marinated grilled chicken, fresh jalapenos, and sweet mango, wrapped in a soft corn tortilla with creamy queso fresco crema. If Mexican crema is unavailable, sour cream mixed with a little lime juice can serve as a suitable substitute to maintain the creamy tanginess. When grilling chicken, a grill pan works well indoors, but ensure it is properly preheated to get those desirable char marks and smoky flavor. Should fresh jalapenos be too spicy for your palate, consider using milder peppers like poblano or banana peppers to adjust the heat level. Your tortilla warmer or a clean kitchen towel keeps tortillas warm and pliable, crucial for assembling tacos without cracking.
Tips
Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with marinade to maximize flavor absorption, and don't skip the resting period after grilling to keep the meat juicy. Keep tortillas warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or tortilla warmer to maintain their softness and pliability. When preparing the queso fresco crema, warm the crema gently over low heat to avoid curdling, whisking continuously for a smooth texture. Use fresh jalapeno slices sparingly if you prefer milder heat, as they can significantly increase the taco's spiciness.
Nutritions
The Brushfire Taco offers a rich source of protein from the grilled chicken thighs, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. Jalapenos provide a boost of vitamin C and capsaicin, which can aid metabolism and immune function. Mango adds natural sweetness and is packed with vitamins A and C, supporting skin health and immune defense. Your meal benefits from healthy fats in olive oil and calcium from queso fresco, making it a nutritionally balanced and flavorful choice.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its flavor and juiciness. Keep the queso fresco crema separate in a sealed container to prevent sogginess, and refrigerate for no more than 2 days. Warm your tortillas fresh before serving to preserve their softness and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken thighs for grilled shrimp marinated in chipotle adobo for a seafood twist that complements the smoky and spicy flavors. Instead of queso fresco crema, try a tangy avocado crema by blending ripe avocado with lime juice and sour cream for a creamier texture and richer taste. If fresh mango isn't available, roasted pineapple chunks provide a similar sweet contrast to the heat from jalapenos. Grilling the tortillas slightly longer adds a charred flavor that intensifies the overall smoky profile of the taco.
Allergies
The Brushfire Taco contains dairy allergens from queso fresco and Mexican crema, which may affect individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The marinade with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, along with jalapenos, can trigger reactions in those sensitive to spicy foods or nightshades. You should carefully check for any allergies related to chicken, spices, or corn tortillas before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Brushfire Taco from Torchy's Tacos is beloved for its bold combination of spicy grilled chicken, cheese, and a signature fire-roasted salsa that delivers a perfect balance of heat and flavor. The taco's fresh ingredients and complex taste profile make it a standout option for those craving a deliciously spicy and satisfying meal. You'll find that recreating the Brushfire Taco at home allows you to customize the spice levels and enjoy a gourmet-quality dish without the restaurant price. The unique blend of seasonings and textures ensures that this copycat recipe is well worth trying for taco enthusiasts.