Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Stuffed poblano peppers are a fantastic way to enjoy bold flavors with a perfect balance of smokiness and spice. Poblanos are milder than jalapeños, making them ideal for stuffing with a creamy, cheesy, and savory chicken filling.

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

• 4 large poblano peppers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works well!)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• ½ cup canned black beans or corn (optional)

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheese (for melting on top)
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
• Salsa or hot sauce (for serving)

• Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. Prepare the Poblanos

     • Cut a slit down the side of each poblano and remove the seeds.
     • Lightly brush with olive oil and place on the baking sheet.
     • Roast for about 10 minutes, turning halfway, until slightly softened.

  3. Make the Filling

     • In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
     • Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, or corn if using.

  4. Stuff the Peppers

     • Once the poblanos are cool enough to handle, carefully stuff each one with the chicken and cheese mixture.

  5. Bake

     • Top each stuffed pepper with extra shredded cheese.
     • Bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Serve & Enjoy

     • Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
     • Serve warm with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

     • Tips & Variations

       • Make It Spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
       • Make It Creamier: Stir in extra cream cheese or a little heavy cream.
       • Low-Carb Option: Skip the beans and serve with cauliflower rice.
       • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or extra beans.

       Enjoy this flavorful and cheesy take on stuffed poblano peppers! 🌶️🧀🍗