The Trailer Park Taco from Torchy's Tacos features crispy fried chicken, fresh lettuce, diced pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and creamy poblano sauce wrapped in a warm, soft corn tortilla, delivering a flavorful blend of spicy, crunchy, and tangy tastes.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Box grater (for cheese)
- Sauce squeeze bottle or small bowl (for poblano sauce)
- Tortilla warmer or skillet
- Serving plate
- Spoon (for pico de gallo)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 medium white onion
- 1–2 jalapeños
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 large lime
- 1 cup shredded cheddar Jack cheese
- 6 corn tortillas
- 2 medium poblano peppers
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
When selecting chicken breast for your Trailer Park Taco, choose fresh, boneless, and skinless cuts to ensure even cooking and a tender texture. Be sure to use panko breadcrumbs for the crispy coating, as they provide the best crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. Freshness of vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro significantly impacts the overall flavor, so source them from a local market if possible. Roasting the poblano peppers before blending with mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic will enhance the creamy poblano sauce with a smoky depth. Your Trailer Park Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu will capture the authentic spicy, crunchy, and tangy tastes when these ingredient tips are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice chicken breast into strips.
- Prepare 3 bowls: flour (with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper mixed in), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko.
- Fry chicken strips in batches until golden brown; drain on paper towel.
- Wash and shred romaine lettuce.
- Dice tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños; chop cilantro.
- Mix diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice to make pico de gallo; add salt to taste.
- Grate cheddar Jack cheese.
- Roast poblanos over open flame or under broiler until charred; peel skin, remove seeds.
- Blend roasted poblanos, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth for poblano sauce.
- Warm corn tortillas using a tortilla warmer or skillet.
- Assemble taco: layer fried chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and poblano sauce on tortilla.
- Serve immediately on a plate.
Substitution
The Trailer Park Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu combines crispy fried chicken, fresh lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheddar Jack cheese, and creamy poblano sauce wrapped in warm corn tortillas. If fresh poblano peppers are unavailable, roasted poblano or Anaheim peppers can be substituted to maintain the sauce's smoky flavor. You can use buttermilk instead of eggs for dipping the chicken to achieve an extra tender coating. When frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to ensure a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. If corn tortillas are not accessible, flour tortillas can be used, but warming them properly helps prevent tearing.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350degF (175degC) to achieve perfectly crispy fried chicken without absorbing excess oil. When roasting poblano peppers, char all sides evenly, then seal them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to loosen the skins for easy peeling. For vibrant pico de gallo, combine fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving to preserve their bright flavors. Warm your corn tortillas thoroughly to make them pliable and prevent cracking during assembly.
Nutritions
The Trailer Park Taco provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, with crispy chicken breast supplying high-quality lean protein essential for muscle maintenance. Fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants, supporting digestion and immune function. The poblano sauce, made from roasted peppers, mayonnaise, and sour cream, adds creamy texture and some fats, while the shredded cheddar Jack cheese delivers calcium and additional protein. To manage calorie intake, you could adjust portion sizes or reduce frying oil and cheese amounts according to your dietary needs.
Storage
Store leftover Trailer Park Taco ingredients separately to maintain freshness; keep fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Preserve pico de gallo and poblano sauce in sealed containers and refrigerate, consuming within 2-3 days to ensure quality. Warm tortillas before serving and reheat chicken strips in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute the fried chicken with grilled chicken seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin for a lighter, smoky flavor. Instead of corn tortillas, try flour tortillas for a softer bite that better holds the toppings. You can also swap cheddar Jack cheese for crumbled queso fresco to add a tangy, crumbly texture. To enhance the poblano sauce, blend in avocado for extra creaminess and a subtle, fresh taste that complements the spice.
Allergies
The Trailer Park Taco contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (from all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs), and dairy (shredded cheddar Jack cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream). The fried chicken is breaded with flour and eggs, which may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Your dietary needs should be carefully considered if you are allergic to any of these ingredients or spices like garlic and paprika.
Why this recipe?
The Trailer Park Taco from Torchy's Tacos stands out with its crispy fried chicken, perfectly balanced with creamy green chilies, sharp cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of Tangy Diablo Sauce. Its unique combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures creates an unforgettable taste experience that keeps fans coming back. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this beloved fusion of heat and comfort in your own kitchen, using fresh ingredients tailored to your preferences. This taco's crave-worthy appeal and distinctive flavor make it a worthy challenge for any taco enthusiast.