The Jack of Clubs Taco from Torchy's Tacos features grilled chicken, sliced avocado, pepper jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and poblano sauce wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla, offering a delicious blend of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan or skillet
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if not pre-shredded)
- Measuring spoons (optional, for sauce)
- Serving plates
- Tortilla warmer or microwave
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ripe avocado
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 large poblano pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures the taco has tender, juicy meat that grills evenly while the ripe avocado adds a creamy texture that complements the smoky poblano sauce. Freshly shredded pepper jack cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, enhancing the overall flavor profile with its mild spice. Cook bacon until crispy for a satisfying crunch that contrasts well with the softness of the tortilla. Be sure to season the chicken with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to bring out the bold, smoky notes essential for this recipe. Your copycat Jack of Clubs Taco from Torchy's Tacos will deliver the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors with every bite.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Season chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill chicken until cooked through; set aside to rest.
- Cook bacon slices in frying pan until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Roast or grill poblano pepper until charred; peel skin, remove seeds, and chop.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chopped poblano to make poblano sauce; mix well.
- Slice avocado.
- Shred lettuce.
- Dice tomato.
- Slice grilled chicken into strips.
- Warm tortillas in a tortilla warmer or microwave.
- Assemble tacos: lay tortilla flat, add chicken strips, shredded pepper jack cheese, bacon, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and poblano sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Jack of Clubs Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu can be easily customized by swapping grilled chicken for grilled shrimp or steak to suit your taste preferences. If you lack poblano peppers, substitute with roasted green bell peppers or mild jalapenos for a similar smoky flavor. Using pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon can save time without sacrificing texture. You might also replace pepper jack cheese with Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar if you prefer less spice. Ensure your tortillas remain warm and pliable by using a tortilla warmer or briefly microwaving in a damp paper towel to prevent cracking during assembly.
Tips
Ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated properly before cooking the chicken to achieve a nice sear and avoid sticking. When roasting the poblano pepper, char it evenly for easy peeling and to bring out its smoky flavor; do not skip removing the seeds to prevent bitterness. Slice the grilled chicken after resting to keep it juicy and tender, and warm the tortillas just before assembly to make them pliable and enhance flavor. You should assemble and serve your Jack of Clubs Tacos promptly to enjoy the perfect balance of textures and freshness.
Nutritions
The Jack of Clubs Taco delivers a balanced mix of protein from grilled chicken and bacon, healthy fats from avocado, and calcium from pepper jack cheese, supporting muscle repair and bone health. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and poblano pepper add fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, promoting digestion and immune function. The sour cream and mayonnaise contribute creamy texture but also add saturated fats and calories, so consider portion control to maintain nutritional balance. You can enjoy this taco as a satisfying meal that combines flavorful ingredients with essential nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover chicken, bacon, and grilled poblano pepper separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep sliced avocado and shredded lettuce in sealed containers with a paper towel to absorb moisture and prevent browning. Wrap the tortillas in foil or store them in a resealable plastic bag to retain softness; warm them briefly before serving to restore pliability for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute grilled chicken with grilled shrimp or steak to introduce different protein flavors. Replace pepper jack cheese with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier taste. You can swap bacon for crispy chorizo or omit it for a vegetarian option, using seasoned sauteed mushrooms instead. Opt for corn tortillas if you prefer a heartier texture and enhanced corn flavor in your taco.
Allergies
The Jack of Clubs Taco contains common allergens such as dairy from pepper jack cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, and gluten present in the flour tortillas. Your risk of allergic reaction increases if you have sensitivities to chicken, eggs (in mayonnaise), or nightshades like tomatoes and poblano peppers. Always check ingredient labels and consult with the restaurant to avoid potential exposure to allergens.
Why this recipe?
The Jack of Clubs Taco from Torchy's Tacos features a unique blend of seasoned fried chicken, pickled jalapenos, diced white cheddar, and Torchy's exclusive Jack cheese sauce, creating an irresistible flavor profile that attracts taco enthusiasts. Its crispy chicken paired with creamy, tangy toppings offers a satisfying crunch and bold taste that stands out in the competitive taco market. Making a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this beloved dish at home, customizing ingredients to match your preferences and save on dining costs. Your kitchen becomes a testing ground for perfecting this signature taco, bringing a piece of Torchy's renowned menu directly to your table.