They come two to an order for $5.49. I went for a mix-and-match with a Chicken & Chorizo Puffy Shell Taco and Chicken Avocado Puffy Shell Taco.
Sure enough, the shells have a light crispness to them from frying without being too oily. I wouldn't call them "super-crisp" though and they tastes like run-of-the-mill-tortillas otherwise, albeit somewhat chewier due to the frying. I thought they might be like a Taco Bell Chalupa shell, but they aren't nearly as fried and the Chalupa is more a flatbread rather than a tortilla.
The chicken was flavorful and juicy, but a little sparse. The chorizo added a bit of spice, but the cabbage was a little bitter. The poblano salsa didn't taste like poblano and managed an overwhelming tanginess instead. I didn't care for it.
The Chicken Avocado Poblano Puffy Shell Taco features the same chicken, cheese, and pico de gallo, but also comes with a lettuce blend, poblano cream sauce, and avocado slices.
The Chicken Avocado Poblano Puffy Shell Taco features the same chicken, cheese, and pico de gallo, but also comes with a lettuce blend, poblano cream sauce, and avocado slices.
The Chicken Avocado balanced out a lot better than the Chicken & Chorizo. I still couldn't pick out the poblano flavor but the combination of lettuce, cream sauce, and a lone buttery slice of avocado complemented the base ingredients in a familiar but enjoyable fashion.
Overall, my experience with El Pollo Loco's Puffy Shell Tacos was a mixed bag. I enjoyed the Chicken Avocado Poblano version but the not so much the Chicken and Chorizo. The shell was interesting but rather ordinary.
Nutritional Info - El Pollo Loco Chicken & Chorizo Puffy Shell Tacos (6.62 oz)
Calories - 400 (from Fat - 200)
Fat - 23g (Saturated Fat - 7g)
Sodium - 940mg
Carbs - 32g (Sugar - 1g)
Protein - 18g
Nutritional Info - El Pollo Chicken Avocado Poblano Loco Puffy Shell Tacos (6.67 oz)
Calories - 440 (from Fat - 230)
Fat - 26g (Saturated Fat - 8g)
Sodium - 970mg
Carbs - 32g (Sugar - 1g)
Protein - 20g
Calories - 400 (from Fat - 200)
Fat - 23g (Saturated Fat - 7g)
Sodium - 940mg
Carbs - 32g (Sugar - 1g)
Protein - 18g
Calories - 440 (from Fat - 230)
Fat - 26g (Saturated Fat - 8g)
Sodium - 970mg
Carbs - 32g (Sugar - 1g)
Protein - 20g
I think that might actually be salsa verde. It would be tangy from the tomatillos, and does include some poblanos very often.
ReplyDeleteAmusing that the square shape is a selling point.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. They listed it as "poblano salsa" though so that's what I put down. There was just too much of it and no strong flavor to counter it.
ReplyDelete