Zesty Savory Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers Recipe

Sizzling poblano peppers filled with succulent chicken stuffing promise a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired chicken stuffed poblano peppers experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

Vibrant green peppers create the perfect vessel for a hearty, spice-packed filling.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender chicken, melted cheese, and robust seasonings.

The recipe combines classic Mexican flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly.

Roasted poblanos provide a smoky backdrop to the rich, savory filling that makes this dish truly irresistible.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you master this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dive into this culinary adventure and transform your dinner table with these irresistible stuffed peppers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Calories: 436 kcal

Servings: 7

Items Needed for Savory Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

• Poblano Peppers: Robust Mexican chiles with mild heat, perfect for stuffing and creating a vibrant dish base.
• Olive Oil: Helps with sautéing and adds subtle richness to the cooking process.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Dried Cilantro, Paprika: Authentic spice mix that creates a warm, complex flavor profile for the chicken filling.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other seasonings in the recipe.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and traditional Mexican cooking foundation.

• Cooked Rice: Provides structure and hearty texture to the stuffed peppers.
• Frozen Corn: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color to the filling.
• Shredded Chicken: Protein-rich main ingredient, best using tender rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating creamy consistency and mild, buttery flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps bind the filling ingredients.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces moisture and slight acidity to the chicken mixture.
• Lime Juice: Brightens flavors and adds fresh, zesty undertone to the dish.

Stuffed Pepper Equipment and Tools

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the flavorful filling with all the delicious ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for broiling and roasting the poblano peppers.
• Sharp knife: Needed to carefully slice and prepare the peppers.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing the filling ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding cheese for the recipe.
• Oven: Required for broiling peppers and baking the stuffed poblanos.

How to Cook Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Pepper Transformation

• Pepper Roasting Ritual Clean poblano peppers and place them under high heat, turning occasionally until their skin becomes beautifully charred and blistered. Let them rest and cool naturally.
• Pepper Anatomy Gently slice each pepper down its length, carefully removing inner seeds while preserving the pepper's elegant structure.
• Flavor Foundation Sauté onions until they become translucent and fragrant, then introduce a symphony of spices that dance together creating a rich, complex base for your filling.
• Protein and Grain Symphony Blend tender shredded chicken with fluffy rice, adding sweet corn kernels for unexpected texture and bursts of brightness.
• Cheese Magic Generously sprinkle cheese over stuffed peppers, creating a melty golden blanket that transforms the dish into a comforting masterpiece.
• Final Transformation Slide peppers into a warm oven, allowing them to meld together and create a bubbling, golden-topped feast that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Spice Tips for Stuffed Poblano Peppers

• Pepper Power: Choose firm, shiny poblano peppers without wrinkles or soft spots for the best texture and flavor.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or ground turkey for a different protein profile that still packs delicious taste.
• Spice Control: Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat preference – start mild and build up gradually for perfect seasoning.
• Cheese Adventure: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, queso fresco, or monterey jack to create unique flavor combinations that elevate the dish's richness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the filling and roast peppers a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknight meals or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute cooking stress.

Poblano Pepper Serving Suggestions

• Festive Fiesta Plate: Serve these vibrant poblano peppers on a colorful ceramic platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty Mexican-inspired presentation that pops with color and flavor.
• Wholesome Meal Companion: Pair the stuffed peppers with a light, refreshing quinoa salad or Mexican-style rice to create a balanced, nutritious meal that complements the rich, cheesy chicken filling.
• Crowd-Pleasing Gathering: Transform this dish into a fun, interactive dinner party centerpiece by setting up a toppings bar with diced avocado, sour cream, salsa, and chopped green onions, letting guests customize their peppers.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra stuffed peppers and store them in airtight containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week, reheating easily for a satisfying midday meal that beats boring sandwiches.

Meal Prep Advice for Stuffed Poblano Peppers

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the filling and store extra in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated filling stays fresh for 3-4 days, making meal prep a breeze.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual stuffed peppers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient make-ahead dinners. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Refrigeration Tips: Store cooked peppers in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in oven at 350°F to maintain crispy cheese and prevent soggy texture. Avoid microwave to keep pepper integrity.
• Meal Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance. Assemble peppers quickly during busy weeknights. Ingredients can be prepped up to 2 days before final cooking, saving time and reducing evening stress.

Zesty Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican cuisine shines through this hearty chicken stuffed poblano peppers recipe, blending robust spices with tender meat and roasted peppers. Cheese melts perfectly inside, creating a delicious meal that invites you to savor authentic flavors with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 large poblano peppers
• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 2 cups (226 g) monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (236 ml) cooked rice
• 1 cup (128 g) frozen corn
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (full fat recommended)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• ½ lime, juice (about 1 tbsp)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp dried cilantro
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Pepper Preparation: Char poblano peppers under broiler, rotating until surfaces blister lightly. Cool completely, then slice lengthwise, removing seeds while maintaining structural integrity.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, developing golden softness. Integrate chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and paprika, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
3. Sauce Development: Add diced tomatoes, allowing them to simmer and release natural juices. Reduce heat, fold in lime juice and sour cream, creating a creamy, tangy coating.
4. Filling Composition: Incorporate cooked rice, frozen corn, and shredded chicken into the skillet, ensuring even distribution and thorough warming. Fold in shredded cheese, adjusting seasonings to taste.
5. Final Assembly: Stuff prepared poblano peppers with the rich mixture, distributing filling evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, creating an appetizing surface.
6. Baking Technique: Preheat oven and bake stuffed peppers until thoroughly heated. Finish with a brief broil to achieve a perfectly bronzed, bubbling cheese topping.

Notes

• Char Peppers Precisely: Broil poblano peppers carefully, rotating to ensure even blistering without burning, which develops rich smoky flavor.
• Handle Peppers Gently: Remove seeds carefully to maintain pepper’s structure, preventing tearing and keeping whole for stuffing.
• Build Flavor Layers: Sauté onions until translucent, then bloom spices to enhance depth and complexity of the dish’s overall taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese off heat to prevent separation, creating smooth, creamy texture that coats ingredients perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 436
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg