Savory Chicken Chiles Rellenos: A Spicy Delight

Ingredients

  • 6 large poblano peppers
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps and instructions

  1. Roast the poblano peppers until their skin blisters and turns black. You can do this under a broiler or over a gas flame. Once blackened, place the peppers in a closed plastic bag and let them steam for about 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine shredded chicken, cheese, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. After the peppers have steamed, remove from the bag and peel off the blackened skin. Make a small slit in each pepper, just large enough to remove the seeds and stuff the pepper. Carefully stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture.
  4. Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks and gently fold them into the egg whites.
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, roll each stuffed pepper in flour, then dip into the egg mixture. Carefully place the peppers in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
  6. While the peppers are cooking, in a small saucepan combine tomato sauce, chopped green chilies, and dried oregano. Simmer over low heat until heated through. To serve, pour the sauce over the cooked peppers.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of pepper, such as Anaheim or jalapeno, instead of poblano peppers.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
  • Replace the shredded chicken with cooked ground beef or turkey for a meat variation.
  • Add diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to the chicken mixture for added texture and flavor.
  • Try coating the stuffed peppers in crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs instead of flour for a different crust.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with cooked quinoa or black beans.
  • Add spices or seasonings like paprika, chili powder, or oregano to the chicken mixture for additional flavor.
  • Serve the stuffed peppers with a different sauce, such as a creamy avocado sauce or a tangy salsa verde.

Recipe overview

This delicious Chicken Chiles Rellenos recipe brings the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. Poblano peppers are roasted, stuffed with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, cheese, and spices, then lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. The peppers are then smothered in a flavorful tomato and green chili sauce. This recipe is a bit involved, but each step is simple to follow and the end result is definitely worth the effort. Expect a dish full of contrasting flavors and textures that's sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether you're an experienced home cook or trying something new, this recipe will guide you in creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pepper? Yes, if you can't find poblano peppers, you can substitute them with Anaheim peppers or even bell peppers, although the flavor will be slightly different.
  2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the cooked chicken and proceed with the recipe as instructed.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference. Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese work well, but you can also try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Certainly! You can replace the chicken with cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, or even black beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
  5. Can I make the sauce spicier? Yes, if you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add some hot sauce or extra chopped green chilies to the tomato sauce mixture while simmering.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - Used for roasting the poblano peppers in the oven.
  • Plastic Bag - Used for steaming the roasted poblano peppers to easily remove the skin.
  • Large Bowl - Used for mixing the shredded chicken, cheese, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and salt.
  • Skillet - Used for frying the stuffed peppers.
  • Whisk - Used for beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form and for mixing the egg yolks.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping the stuffed peppers while frying.
  • Small Saucepan - Used for simmering the tomato sauce, chopped green chilies, and dried oregano.

Origin stories

Chiles Rellenos trace their origin back to the cuisine of Puebla, a region in Mexico known for its rich culinary history. The word "relleno" means "stuffed" in Spanish, aptly describing the peppers filled with cheese or meat. The dish became popular during the colonial period in Mexico, and over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, including versions with different stuffings like the chicken one in this recipe. Interestingly, the tradition of roasting and peeling the peppers before stuffing them was developed to remove the tough outer skin of the peppers, making them easier to eat and more enjoyable. It's a testament to the meticulous care and attention to detail that's characteristic of Mexican cuisine. The blending of the spicy peppers with the mild filling creates a balance that's key to the enduring appeal of this traditional dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.