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To make chicken stuffed poblano peppers, you will need these key ingredients: - 4 large poblano peppers - 1 pound ground chicken - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix of your choice) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling - Fresh cilantro for garnish You may change some ingredients to fit your taste. For example, swap ground chicken with turkey or beef. You can use brown rice instead of quinoa for a different texture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms. Adjust spices based on your heat preference. More cumin or paprika can add depth. If you want a creamier filling, add cream cheese or sour cream. For ground chicken, I recommend brands like Perdue or Bell & Evans for quality. When selecting quinoa, look for brands like Ancient Harvest, as they offer great flavor and texture. For canned goods, choose organic brands to avoid additives. The best cheese for melting is a good-quality cheddar, like Tillamook or Cabot. Always pick fresh cilantro that looks bright and fragrant for the best garnish. Using high-quality ingredients makes a difference in flavor. You can find the full recipe [here](insert-link). Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps your stuffed peppers cook evenly. Next, take the poblano peppers and cut off their tops. Be careful while doing this. You want to create a little bowl for the filling. Remove the seeds and membranes inside. This keeps the peppers from being too spicy. Once done, set them aside for later. In a large skillet, pour a drizzle of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken. Cook it for about 7-10 minutes. Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. When the chicken is browned and no longer pink, stir in the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well. Let it cook for an extra 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Now it’s time to stuff the peppers! Fill each poblano with the chicken mixture. Pack it down gently so it holds together. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper. This will melt into a tasty crust. Drizzle a little olive oil over them for extra flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the peppers moist while they bake. Bake the peppers in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, carefully take off the foil and let them bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. When they’re ready, let the peppers cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Check out the Full Recipe to ensure you don’t miss any steps. To cook the chicken perfectly, use a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground chicken for 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). This step ensures juicy, tender chicken in your stuffed peppers. To keep the peppers firm, do not overstuff them. Fill them just enough to hold the mixture. Also, don’t bake them for too long. Start with 25 minutes covered and then remove the foil. Baking them uncovered for another 10-15 minutes will crisp the outside. This gives you a nice texture while keeping the insides juicy. Choosing the right cheese can elevate your dish. I recommend using sharp cheddar for a rich flavor. Monterey Jack also melts well and adds creaminess. For a bit of tang, try queso fresco. You can mix cheeses for more depth. Just sprinkle it generously on top before baking. This will create a delicious, golden crust that everyone will love. For the complete cooking experience, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make chicken stuffed poblano peppers vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use lentils or chickpeas. Both are great sources of protein. Cooked quinoa works well as a base, adding texture. Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for added flavor. Season with the same spices for a tasty blend. You will enjoy a hearty, filling meal that is 100% plant-based. If you love spice, add jalapeños or serrano peppers to the mix. Chop them finely and stir them in with the chicken and quinoa. You can also use spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick. For a smoky flavor, add chipotle powder or smoked paprika. This variation will surely satisfy those who crave heat in their meals. Feel free to get creative with vegetables! Spinach or kale can add color and nutrients. Dice and sauté them with the chicken mixture for added depth. You can also incorporate corn, carrots, or even sweet potatoes. These veggies not only enhance flavor but also increase the fiber content. Mix and match according to your preferences to create a colorful, nutritious dish. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making these delightful stuffed peppers. To store your chicken stuffed poblano peppers, let them cool first. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, avoid adding the cheese until you reheat. To reheat the stuffed peppers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are hot throughout. You can also microwave them for quicker results. Heat on medium for 2 to 3 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze the peppers, do it before baking. Stuff the poblano peppers as normal. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Bake as directed in the Full Recipe. Chicken stuffed poblano peppers last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you notice any odd smells or changes in color, it's best to throw them away. Yes, you can make chicken stuffed poblano peppers ahead of time. Stuff the peppers and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just remember to cover them tightly. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, they heat through nicely. You can serve chicken stuffed poblano peppers with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with avocado - Cilantro lime rice for extra flavor - Refried beans for a hearty touch - A side of corn tortilla chips with salsa These options add color and nutrition to your meal. This post covered how to make chicken stuffed poblano peppers. We explored key ingredients and offered cooking steps. You learned tips to get the best texture and flavor. I shared variations to suit your taste and storage tips for leftovers. In closing, these stuffed peppers are simple and fun to make. They are a great dish for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing with friends!

Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Savor the flavor with these fiery chicken-stuffed poblano peppers! This tasty recipe combines ground chicken, quinoa, black beans, and spices, all nestled inside fresh poblano peppers and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these peppers are as delicious as they are colorful. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering meal and impress your friends and family!

Ingredients
  

4 large poblano peppers

1 pound ground chicken

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix of your choice)

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for drizzling

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the peppers.

    Prepare the poblano peppers by carefully cutting off their tops and removing the seeds and membranes. Set the prepared peppers aside for stuffing.

      In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until it is browned and fully cooked, using a spatula to break it into smaller pieces.

        After the chicken is thoroughly cooked, stir in cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients well and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat once done.

          Generously stuff each poblano pepper with the chicken and quinoa mixture, packing it down gently but firmly to ensure they hold together while baking.

            Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each pepper, allowing it to melt and form a delicious crust.

              Lightly drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers for added flavor and moisture, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep them moist during baking.

                Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

                  Once they are out of the oven, allow the peppers to sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed peppers on a vibrant platter and garnish liberally with fresh cilantro. To add a refreshing touch, consider including a side of avocado slices or a crisp, colorful salad. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to a nutrient-rich meal.