Zesty Stuffed Poblano Peppers Recipe: A Flavorful Fiesta

Sizzling with vibrant flavors, these stuffed poblano peppers dance between spicy and savory.

The robust poblano peppers burst with a hearty filling that promises pure culinary delight.

Bold green peppers capture the essence of Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Tender meat and melted cheese nestle inside each charred pepper, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Layers of seasoned ingredients blend perfectly to deliver an unforgettable meal.

Fresh herbs and zesty spices elevate every single bite.

Dive into this delectable recipe that brings restaurant-quality Mexican cuisine straight to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 37-39 minutes

Total Time: 52-54 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Stuffed Poblano Peppers Ingredient Breakdown

• Poblano Peppers: Mild, slightly spicy peppers perfect for stuffing, choose vibrant green peppers with smooth, unblemished skin.
• Olive Oil Spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light, golden touch during roasting.

• Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic: Fresh produce that creates a robust flavor foundation, select ripe tomatoes and firm onions with no soft spots.
• Dried Oregano, Cumin: Authentic Mexican spices that bring warmth and depth, ensure spices are fresh and fragrant.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste, provides balanced seasoning.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance, choose freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Mozzarella, Sharp Cheddar: Creamy and tangy cheese combination that melts beautifully, select high-quality, freshly shredded varieties.
• Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds a zesty finish to the dish, pick vibrant green leaves with no wilting.

Tools for Stuffing and Baking Poblano Peppers

• Large Deep Skillet: Essential for cooking the flavorful filling with perfect heat control.
• Baking Sheet: Rimmed and oven-safe, perfect for roasting and catching any stray ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Knife: Sharp blade for slicing peppers, dicing tomatoes, and chopping ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing all ingredients safely.
• Olive Oil Spray: Helps coat peppers and prevent sticking during baking.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding mozzarella and cheddar cheese quickly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, oregano, and cumin.

Cooking Directions for Stuffed Poblano Peppers

• Pepper Selection

Choose vibrant poblano peppers with smooth, glossy skin and no blemishes. Look for peppers that feel firm and heavy for their size, indicating freshness and juiciness.

• Filling Preparation

Create a flavorful mixture by combining shredded chicken, melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Sauté the ingredients until they blend into a rich, fragrant combination that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Pepper Transformation

Carefully slice each poblano pepper lengthwise and gently remove seeds. Stuff the peppers generously with the prepared filling, ensuring every nook is packed with delicious ingredients.

• Oven Magic

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a lined baking sheet and slide them into a preheated oven. Bake until the peppers soften and develop a slight char, releasing their deep, smoky flavors.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle a layer of sharp cheddar cheese over the peppers and quickly broil until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crown. Allow the peppers to rest briefly before serving to let the flavors settle and intensify.

Flavor Options for Your Stuffed Poblano Peppers

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Pepper Prep Power: Choose firm, bright green poblano peppers without blemishes for the best texture and flavor. Use gloves when handling to prevent skin irritation from pepper oils.
• Protein Play: Swap chicken with ground beef, turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option. Shredded pork or carnitas work wonderfully for a different protein twist.
• Cheese Champion: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, queso fresco, or a blend of Mexican cheeses. Each variety adds a unique flavor profile to the stuffed peppers.
• Spice Strategy: Dial up the heat by adding diced jalapeños to the filling or drizzling hot sauce on top. For a milder version, remove all pepper seeds and membranes before stuffing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the filling and stuff peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for a stress-free meal preparation.

How to Serve Stuffed Poblano Peppers at the Table

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Serve these stuffed poblano peppers alongside Mexican-style rice or cilantro-lime quinoa for a complete and vibrant meal that bursts with flavor.
• Creamy Cool Complement: Top the peppers with a dollop of sour cream or fresh guacamole to balance the spicy pepper's warmth and add a creamy, refreshing texture.
• Fresh Garnish Boost: Sprinkle additional chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or crumbled queso fresco over the peppers right before serving to enhance the visual appeal and add extra layers of flavor.
• Zesty Side Kick: Pair with a quick homemade salsa or pico de gallo to provide a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheesy stuffed peppers.

Keep Stuffed Poblano Peppers Fresh After Cooking

• Smart Storage Strategies: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping the peppers whole to maintain moisture and flavor integrity.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual stuffed poblanos tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum taste retention when reheated.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated peppers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For frozen peppers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare filling and stuff peppers in advance, storing unbaked peppers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving to enjoy fresh, hot stuffed poblanos with minimal last-minute preparation.

Creamy Stuffed Poblano Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 52-54 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Poblano peppers become delicious vessels for a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Mexican-inspired comfort blends spicy and hearty flavors, inviting you to savor each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 poblano peppers (medium-sized, 1 lb / 454 g total weight, 12 oz / 340 g cleaned weight)
• 2 cups chicken breast, shredded (10 oz / 283 g)
• 1 cup mozzarella, part-skim, shredded (4 oz / 113 g)
• 0.5 cup cheddar, sharp, shredded (2 oz / 57 g)
• 2 tomatoes, diced (medium, 10 oz / 283 g)
• 0.5 onion, diced (medium, 4 oz / 113 g)
• 1 tbsp garlic, fresh, minced
• 0.5 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal, or 0.5 tsp of any other salt)
• 1 tsp oregano, dried
• 1 tsp cumin, ground
• olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Pepper Preparation: Thoroughly wash poblano peppers, pat dry, and delicately remove tops and inner seeds. Create a lengthwise slit, transforming peppers into pockets without complete separation.
2. Filling Development: In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, sauté diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic until caramelized. Introduce dried oregano and ground cumin, stirring to distribute spices intensely. Remove from heat and fold in shredded chicken, mozzarella, and fresh cilantro until harmoniously integrated.
3. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and apply cooking spray. Carefully stuff poblano peppers with prepared filling, ensuring compact and even distribution.
4. Roasting Process: Position stuffed peppers on baking sheet with sliced side upward, lightly misting with olive oil spray. Roast for 25-30 minutes until peppers soften and develop slight charred edges.
5. Cheese Finale: Remove sheet, sprinkle cheddar cheese over peppers. Activate broiler, positioning rack 6 inches from heating element. Broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
6. Serving Technique: Rest peppers for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to cool slightly before presenting.

Notes

• Pepper Prep Technique: Create a lengthwise slit carefully to form a pocket without separating sides, ensuring peppers remain intact for stuffing.
• Spice Activation Method: Sauté spices with vegetables to unlock deeper, richer flavor profiles and enhance overall taste complexity.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Position rack 6 inches from broiler to achieve perfectly golden, bubbling cheese without burning the peppers.
• Resting Period Importance: Let stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set properly, preventing filling from spilling out when serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 37-39 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg