These Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers are an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner that is sure to impress. The mild poblano peppers are stuffed with a savory mixture of shredded rotisserie chicken, rice, sour cream, corn, and spices, then topped with melted Monterey jack cheese. A simple and comforting Tex-Mex inspired dish that’s perfect for family dinners!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 large poblano peppers

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ onion, diced

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon dried cilantro

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)

• ½ lime, juice of (about 1 tablespoon)

• ½ cup sour cream (full fat recommended)

• 1 cup cooked rice (leftover rice works well)

• 1 cup frozen corn (drained if using canned)

• 2 cups shredded chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken)

• 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Peppers:
   Preheat your oven to broil. Arrange the poblano peppers on a baking sheet (without any oil or seasoning). Broil for about 3 minutes on each side until the peppers are lightly blistered. After broiling, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

2. Clean the Peppers:
   Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, make a shallow slit down the middle of each pepper and remove the seeds and pith, keeping the pepper intact for easy stuffing.

3. Prepare the Filling:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, cilantro, paprika, and salt, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), lime juice, sour cream, cooked rice, corn, and shredded chicken. Stir everything together and let it heat through for 2 minutes.

4. Stuff the Peppers:
   Carefully stuff the roasted poblano peppers with the chicken and rice mixture. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded Monterey jack cheese.

5. Bake the Stuffed Peppers:
   Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-17 minutes. For an extra bubbly finish, broil the stuffed peppers for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

6. Serve:
   Serve hot with a drizzle of sour cream, extra lime wedges, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrients (Per stuffed pepper, makes 6 servings)

• Calories: 390 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 24.2g

• Protein: 25.1g

• Fat: 22.8g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Fiber: 3.4g

Why Poblano Peppers?

Poblano peppers are the perfect choice for this dish. They have a mild heat compared to other chili peppers, making them ideal for those who enjoy a bit of spice without the burn. Roasting the poblanos enhances their natural smokiness, adding an extra layer of flavor that complements the filling perfectly.

Once roasted and cleaned, poblanos are tender but still hold their shape, making them easy to stuff. They’re large enough to fill with a generous amount of filling, and their slightly sweet and smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken, rice, and cheese filling.

Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or just looking for a way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, poblano peppers provide the ideal balance of flavor and texture.

The Filling: A Perfect Mix of Savory and Creamy

The filling for these Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers is where the magic happens. It’s a combination of simple, comforting ingredients, all of which come together to create a creamy, flavorful mixture that pairs beautifully with the roasted poblano peppers.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves you time while still providing a juicy, flavorful base for the filling. The chicken is already cooked, so all you need to do is shred it, and it’s ready to go. It adds both protein and richness to the dish.

• Rice: Rice helps to bulk up the filling and makes the dish more filling and satisfying. You can use leftover rice, making this an excellent way to repurpose ingredients from a previous meal.

• Corn: Adding corn brings a touch of sweetness and texture to the filling, and it works so well with the other ingredients. Frozen corn is a convenient option, but you can also use fresh or canned corn if preferred.

• Sour Cream: The addition of sour cream makes the filling creamy and rich. It’s a great way to add a bit of tang and balance the savory chicken and spices.

• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cilantro give the filling the warm, earthy flavors typical of Tex-Mex dishes. These spices infuse the chicken and rice mixture with depth and complexity. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness and freshness to round out the flavors.

This combination of ingredients makes for a filling that’s flavorful, creamy, and hearty, while still light enough to keep the dish from feeling heavy.

The Cheese: Monterey Jack for Melty Goodness

No Tex-Mex dish would be complete without cheese, and in this recipe, Monterey jack cheese is the perfect choice. Monterey jack melts beautifully, creating a smooth, gooey layer on top of the stuffed peppers. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine while still adding a touch of creaminess and richness.

As the peppers bake, the cheese melts and bubbles, forming a delicious, golden crust on top of the peppers. For an extra indulgent finish, you can broil the peppers for a minute or two at the end of baking, which will give the cheese an extra bubbly, golden finish.

A Quick and Easy Recipe

One of the best things about Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers is how simple and quick the recipe is. With just a few ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal in about 30 minutes. Here’s why this dish is so easy to make:

• Roasting the Peppers: Roasting the poblano peppers is simple and quick, and it’s an essential step to develop their smoky flavor. You can broil them in the oven for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re lightly blistered, and then clean and stuff them once they’re cool enough to handle.

• Making the Filling: While the peppers roast, the filling comes together in just a few minutes. Sautéing the onions and garlic, then adding the spices, tomatoes, sour cream, and chicken, creates a savory base that’s both creamy and flavorful. Stir in the rice and corn, and the filling is ready to go.

• Stuffing and Baking: Stuffing the peppers is straightforward—simply fill each roasted poblano with the chicken mixture, top with cheese, and bake. The dish cooks in just 15-17 minutes, giving you plenty of time to prepare a side or relax while the peppers bake.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• With a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs perfectly with these stuffed peppers. The acidity of the dressing balances the richness of the cheese and sour cream, providing a refreshing contrast.

• With Rice or Quinoa: If you want to make the dish even more filling, serve it with a side of rice or quinoa. The grains complement the flavors of the stuffed peppers and help round out the meal.

• With Salsa or Guacamole: For a true Tex-Mex experience, serve the peppers with your favorite salsa or guacamole. The freshness of the salsa or the creaminess of the guacamole adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

• With Cilantro Lime Rice: For an extra burst of flavor, serve the stuffed peppers with cilantro lime rice. The bright, zesty flavor of the rice pairs wonderfully with the smoky poblano peppers and cheesy filling.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Family Dinners

Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers is a fantastic dish for family dinners because it’s easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor. The combination of tender, roasted peppers with a savory, cheesy filling is sure to please even picky eaters. Plus, the dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a special dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for bringing everyone to the table.

Conclusion: A Tex-Mex Treat with Comfort and Flavor

Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers are the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors. The tender poblano peppers, stuffed with a flavorful mixture of chicken, rice, corn, and spices, create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Quick, flavorful, and easy to make, these stuffed peppers are a comforting, delicious meal that’s full of Tex-Mex flair. Try them today and enjoy the perfect combination of comfort and flavor!