Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Stuffed Poblano Peppers: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor, these Stuffed Poblano Peppers are just what you need. Filled with a savory mix of shredded chicken, tomatoes, onions, and melted cheese, these peppers are a delightful combination of spicy, smoky, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• Olive oil spray
• 4 medium-sized poblano peppers (1 pound total weight, 12 ounces cleaned weight)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (10 ounces)
• ½ medium onion, diced (4 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon of any other salt)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (10 ounces)
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella, shredded (4 ounces)
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup sharp cheddar, shredded (2 ounces)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed, oven- and broiler-safe baking sheet with foil and spray it with olive oil to prevent the peppers from sticking.

2. Prepare the Peppers:
Rinse and dry the poblano peppers. Cut a thin slice off the tops and remove the core and seeds. Then, cut a slit down the side of each pepper to open them up. This will make it easier to stuff them later. Set the prepared peppers aside.

3. Make the Filling:
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, oregano, and cumin. Cook, stirring frequently, until the liquids have evaporated and the mixture is fragrant and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything well to ensure the filling is evenly combined and full of flavor.

4. Stuff the Peppers:
Divide the filling evenly among the peppers, carefully adding it from the top and pressing it down to fill the entire pepper. Make sure the filling is packed tightly into each pepper to prevent it from spilling out during baking.

5. Bake the Peppers:
Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet, slit side up. Lightly spray them with olive oil to help them roast evenly. Bake in the preheated oven until the poblanos are soft and slightly charred in places, about 30 minutes. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

6. Add the Cheese:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and switch the oven to broil. Top each pepper with the shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkling it over the open slit. This will add a deliciously cheesy topping to your stuffed peppers.

7. Broil and Serve:
Broil the peppers about 6 inches below the heating element (not directly underneath) just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Recipe Notes

These Stuffed Poblano Peppers are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or even a spicy sausage for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder pepper, you can substitute bell peppers for the poblanos, though they won’t have the same smoky flavor.

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with a combination of black beans and quinoa or rice, mixed with the same seasonings and vegetables. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe adaptable to various dietary preferences and tastes.

Nutrition

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

These Stuffed Poblano Peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With their rich, smoky flavor and cheesy filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or some warm tortillas for a complete meal. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish!

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