Velvety Poblano Chicken Recipe: Zesty Farm-to-Table Magic

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy poblano chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Smoky poblano peppers mingle with tender chicken in a sauce that promises pure deliciousness.

Each bite balances richness with a gentle warmth that makes taste buds dance.

The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Mexican-inspired flavors shine through in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home.

This recipe turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration you won’t soon forget.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 5

Must-Have Ingredients for Creamy Poblano Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Select fresh, plump cuts with no discoloration for tender, juicy results that absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Poblano Peppers, Onions, Garlic: Choose firm, vibrant poblanos with shiny skin, crisp onions with no soft spots, and plump garlic cloves for maximum flavor intensity.
• Cilantro: Pick bright green leaves with no wilting for a fresh, zesty herb punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Lime: Select heavy, bright citrus fruits that yield slightly when squeezed for bright, tangy notes.

• Chicken Stock: Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels and enhance natural chicken flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Use full-fat cream for rich, luxurious sauce consistency.
• Honey: Choose raw, local honey for deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Select high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil or unsalted butter for smooth, rich base.
• Orzo, Rice: Pick high-quality, uniform grains for perfectly textured pilaf.
• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt for robust seasoning.

Tools to Cook Creamy Poblano Chicken the Easy Way

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Blender: Perfect for smoothly mixing roasted poblano, cilantro, and stock.
• Saucepan: Needed for preparing the pilaf with orzo and rice.
• Cutting board: Helps slice poblano peppers and chop ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing peppers and preparing ingredients.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken during searing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make Creamy Poblano Chicken Smooth & Savory

• Poblano Preparation

Carefully roast one poblano pepper over flame until skin turns dark and charred. Place in sealed container to steam, then gently remove skin and seeds.

• Chicken Searing

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in hot skillet until golden and crispy on each side. Remove and set aside.

• Vegetable Aromatics

In same skillet, sauté sliced poblano and onions until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Blend roasted poblano with fresh cilantro and chicken stock until silky smooth. Pour into skillet with cream, lime juice, and honey. Stir gently.

• Final Cooking

Return chicken to skillet, nestling pieces into sauce. Simmer covered until chicken is completely cooked through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

• Quick Pilaf Companion

Toast orzo and rice with butter and onions. Add stock and cook until grains are tender. Finish with bright lime and chopped cilantro.

Tips to Elevate Creamy Poblano Chicken

• Master the art of roasting poblano peppers by charring them directly over an open flame or under a broiler, creating a smoky depth that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Prevent sauce separation by adding cream gradually and maintaining a gentle simmer, which helps the sauce stay smooth and luxuriously creamy without breaking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing juicy meat without overcooking and maintaining perfect tenderness.
• Toast orzo and rice before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and create a more complex, restaurant-quality side dish that complements the creamy poblano chicken beautifully.
• Customize heat by removing poblano pepper seeds for a milder version or keeping some seeds to increase the dish's spiciness, allowing flexible flavor adjustment for different taste preferences.

Delicious Ways to Serve Creamy Poblano Chicken

• Plate with Colorful Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a few thin lime wedges over the creamy chicken to add vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve the poblano chicken alongside the prepared orzo-rice pilaf for a complete meal that balances the creamy sauce with the light, zesty grains.
• Create a Texture Contrast: Top the dish with toasted pepita seeds or sliced almonds to introduce a delightful crunch that complements the tender chicken and smooth sauce.
• Elevate with Fresh Salsa: Add a small side of quick pico de gallo or fresh salsa to provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich and creamy poblano chicken.

Storage Plan for Creamy Poblano Chicken

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare extra chicken and sauce to enjoy multiple meals throughout the week, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and sauce separate from the pilaf to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Pack cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Refresh the pilaf by steaming briefly or microwaving with a damp paper towel to maintain its fluffy texture.

Smoky Poblano Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired poblano chicken delivers rich, complex flavors from roasted peppers and tender meat. Home cooks can savor this comforting dish that brings authentic regional spices directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 large poblano peppers
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken stock, plus more if needed
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil or butter, divided
• ½ large onion, sliced
• ½ small onion, diced
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) packed cilantro leaves
• ¾ teaspoon (4 g) kosher salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter or olive oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) jasmine rice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orzo (regular or whole-wheat)
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lime juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Pepper Preparation: Slice one poblano into strips and char the other over an open flame until completely blackened, then steam in a sealed bag for 10-15 minutes to loosen skin.
2. Poblano Processing: Peel steamed poblano, remove seeds, and set aside for sauce creation while seasoning chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
3. Chicken Searing: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
4. Vegetable Sautéing: In the same skillet, sauté poblano strips and onions until translucent, add minced garlic, and cook briefly to release aromatic qualities.
5. Sauce Crafting: Blend roasted poblano, cilantro, salt, and chicken stock until smooth, then return to skillet with cream, lime juice, honey, and additional seasoning.
6. Sauce Simmering: Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and slightly thicken, then carefully return chicken to the skillet.
7. Chicken Finishing: Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring thorough cooking and flavor infusion.
8. Pilaf Preparation: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic, then add orzo and rice, toasting grains to enhance their nutty essence.
9. Pilaf Cooking: Pour in chicken stock, cover, and simmer until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed, finishing with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
10. Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasoning for both chicken and pilaf, ensuring a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish before serving.

Notes

• Char Peppers Perfectly: Roast poblanos directly over flame until completely blackened, creating deep smoky flavor and easy skin removal.
• Steam Technique: After roasting, seal poblano in bag for 10-15 minutes to help skin separate effortlessly, preventing tough peeling process.
• Sear for Golden Crust: Use high medium heat when browning chicken to develop crispy exterior while maintaining juicy interior, which locks in moisture and enhances overall taste.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Simmer sauce gently to allow flavors to meld and naturally thicken, preventing separation and ensuring smooth, rich texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg