The Vampire Taco from Yard House features tender shredded chicken tossed in a bold, smoky chipotle sauce, topped with fresh avocado slices, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of queso fresco, all nestled in a warm, soft corn tortilla for a flavorful and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Shredding forks
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Skillet or griddle
- Spoon
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- 8 small corn tortillas
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tender shredded chicken for the Vampire Taco's smoky chipotle sauce base. Fresh, ripe avocados add creaminess and balance the bold flavors, while shredded lettuce provides a crisp texture contrast. Queso fresco crumbled on top delivers a mild, tangy finish unique to this dish. Soft corn tortillas are essential to hold the ingredients together and maintain authenticity in flavor and presentation. Your copycat Vampire Taco from Yard House will capture the same bold, satisfying taste by following these key ingredient guidelines.
Instructions
- Preheat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- In mixing bowl, combine chipotle peppers in adobo, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to bowl and coat evenly with marinade.
- Heat saucepan over medium heat, add marinated chicken breasts, and cook until fully cooked through (about 15-20 minutes), turning as necessary with tongs.
- Remove cooked chicken to cutting board and shred using shredding forks.
- Return shredded chicken to saucepan, stir to coat with remaining chipotle sauce, and keep warm.
- Warm corn tortillas on skillet or griddle for 30 seconds per side.
- Slice avocados using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- To assemble, place warm tortillas on serving platter.
- Spoon shredded chicken onto each tortilla.
- Top with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Vampire Taco from Yard House copycat menu relies on chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for its signature smoky heat, but you can substitute with smoked chipotle powder or a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne if fresh peppers are unavailable. When shredding the cooked chicken breasts, using two forks as shredding forks helps achieve the preferred texture, though a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can also speed up this step. If corn tortillas are unavailable, soft flour tortillas can be used, although they will alter the authentic texture and flavor profile. Fresh avocado slices should be added just before serving to prevent browning, keeping your taco fresh and visually appealing. Your choice of queso fresco can be replaced with crumbled cotija cheese or feta for a similar salty, tangy finish.
Tips
Ensure you fully cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Use shredding forks to pull the chicken apart while it's still warm to achieve tender, evenly shredded pieces. Warm the corn tortillas just before assembling to keep them pliable and prevent tearing during assembly. When slicing avocados, handle them gently to maintain smooth, uniform slices that enhance your taco's presentation.
Nutritions
The Vampire Taco provides a balanced source of protein from 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, delivering about 43 grams of protein per serving. Healthy fats are contributed by ripe avocados, which offer monounsaturated fats and essential vitamins like vitamin E and potassium. The queso fresco adds calcium and a hint of creamy texture, while corn tortillas supply complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy. Your meal combines flavorful spices and nutrient-rich ingredients, making it both satisfying and wholesome.
Storage
Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its smoky chipotle flavor and tenderness. Keep fresh avocado slices separate and cover tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent browning, using them within 1 day for best quality. Tortillas can be wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and reheated gently in a skillet or oven before serving to restore their softness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken breasts for shredded rotisserie chicken to save cooking time while maintaining flavor. For a smoky twist, replace chipotle peppers with chipotle powder mixed into a Greek yogurt base, creating a creamy sauce instead of a dry marinade. Try using flour tortillas instead of corn for a softer texture that holds the toppings better. Experiment with topping variations like pickled red onions or fresh cilantro to add brightness and contrast to the smoky chipotle chicken.
Allergies
The Vampire Taco contains queso fresco, which is a dairy product and may cause allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. Corn tortillas are generally safe but could pose issues for those with corn allergies. You should also be cautious if you have sensitivities to spices such as chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic, or onion powders used in the seasoning.
Why this recipe?
The Vampire Taco from Yard House is favored for its bold blend of garlic-marinated steak, melted cheeses, and creamy avocado sauce, delivering a rich and savory flavor profile that excites the palate. Its unique combination of fresh ingredients and smoky chipotle sauce creates a distinctive taste that sets it apart from ordinary tacos. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this popular dish at home, ensuring you enjoy the same mouthwatering experience while customizing ingredients to your preference. Your homemade Vampire Taco can capture the essence of Yard House's menu item while offering freshness and control over quality.