Creamy Chicken Poblano is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner! It’s a dish that’s easy to customize too.
There are tons of ways to prepare this dish, and it can be served in various ways, from tacos to stuffed peppers or even over rice.
Here, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to making delicious creamy chicken and poblano peppers that you and your family will love.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Poblano
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need these ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with, but chicken thighs or even pre-cooked chicken will work, too.
- Poblano peppers: Fresh poblanos give the dish its signature flavor, but roasting them first will add a smoky depth.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic form the base of the flavor profile.
For the creamy sauce:
- Liquids: Chicken broth adds flavor, while heavy cream or sour cream creates a rich, creamy texture.
- Seasoning: Lime juice brightens the sauce, while salt, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper provide warmth and spice.
Roasting the Poblano Peppers
Roasting the poblano peppers is essential. It brings out their flavor and gives them a subtle kick.
To roast them, simply put them in a 400°F oven for 30-40 minutes. I often roast them ahead of time so they’re ready to go when I am.
If you don’t want to roast them, you can sauté them in a pan for a quicker method.
How to make chicken poblano
Here’s a look at how to put together this dish:
Prep the chicken and veggies
- Brown the chicken: Sauté the chicken for 5 to 8 minutes total. To get a nice color, brown the chicken in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- Sauté the aromatics: Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more.
- Add the poblano peppers: Incorporate the roasted or sautéed poblano peppers into the mix.
Make the creamy sauce
- Combine the ingredients: Add chicken broth, heavy cream (or sour cream), and lime juice to the pan.
- Simmer: Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Adjust the consistency: If you want a super-smooth sauce, blend the sauce in a food processor.
Recipe variations and customization
One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own. Here are some ideas for changing up this recipe.
Spice it up (or down)
If you like more heat, you can add minced jalapeños or green chiles. You can also add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper.
If you like less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the poblano peppers and reduce the amount of chili powder.
Ingredient swaps
This recipe is fantastic if you have leftover cooked chicken or grilled veggies you want to use up. You can also sub the rice with cauliflower rice if you’re watching your carbs.
Serving suggestions
Serve this chicken and poblano mixture over rice, cauliflower rice, or with tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex vibe. You can also use the leftovers to make a chicken poblano soup or green chicken enchiladas.
How to serve chicken and poblano peppers
You can serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or portion it out into individual bowls.
It goes well with:
- Rice
- Quinoa
- A simple side salad
Consider offering toppings like:
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar are great)
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Putting It All Together
This Creamy Chicken Poblano recipe is so easy and delicious, you’ll want to make it on busy weeknights! Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients and make it your own. It’s very adaptable to your individual tastes.
We hope you’ll give this recipe a try! The combination of tender chicken, flavorful poblano peppers, and creamy sauce is sure to become a new favorite at your table.