Smoky Stuffed Poblano Peppers Recipe: Fiesta in Every Bite!

Stuffed poblano peppers bring a vibrant explosion of Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable intensity.

These bold green peppers serve as delectable vessels for an array of mouthwatering ingredients that promise culinary excitement.

Robust and slightly spicy, poblano peppers enhance ordinary meals into extraordinary dining experiences with their distinctive character.

Home cooks appreciate these peppers for their versatility and ability to elevate simple ingredients into something spectacular.

The recipe balances heat, texture, and richness in a harmonious blend that satisfies deep hunger and gourmet cravings.

Filled with carefully selected components, these peppers represent more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of creative cooking and cultural inspiration.

Each pepper becomes a canvas for culinary artistry, inviting you to experiment and savor complex flavor profiles.

How to Make Stuffed Poblano Peppers That Sizzle with Flavor

Step 1: Warm Up The Kitchen

Crank your oven to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and shield it with aluminum foil. Give it a light olive oil spritz to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pepper Prep

Wash poblano peppers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice off their tops. Carefully remove seeds and inner membranes. Create a delicate side slit on each pepper, opening them gently.

Step 3: Create Flavor Packed Filling

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Oregano
• Cumin

• Shredded chicken
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Step 4: Stuff With Goodness

Carefully distribute the filling into each pepper. Press mixture firmly to ensure complete coverage. Make certain filling reaches every corner.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Arrange peppers on prepared baking sheet, sliced side facing upward. Lightly coat with olive oil. Slide into preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until peppers soften and develop slight char marks.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Pull baking sheet from oven. Switch oven to broil. Sprinkle cheddar cheese across pepper openings.

Step 7: Final Broil

Position rack 6 inches from heating element. Broil peppers for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts beautifully. Allow peppers to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Roasting and Stuffing Poblano Peppers Just Right

• Select Perfect Peppers: Choose firm, glossy poblano peppers without soft spots or wrinkles for the best texture and flavor.
• Prevent Filling Leakage: Pack the filling tightly and avoid overstuffing to keep ingredients inside during baking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Roast peppers briefly before stuffing to intensify their natural smoky taste and improve overall dish complexity.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles.
• Maximize Freshness: Serve immediately after broiling to enjoy crisp pepper edges and melted, gooey cheese topping.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Poblano Peppers Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed poblano peppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated peppers in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts and the filling heats through evenly.

What to Serve with Stuffed Poblano Peppers

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Complement the rich, spicy flavors of stuffed poblano peppers with a tangy margarita. The citrusy lime and tequila will cut through the cheese and chicken, creating a refreshing balance that enhances every bite.
• Serve with Mexican Rice Blend: Create a perfect side dish by preparing a cilantro-lime rice with black beans. The light, fluffy texture and bright herb notes will perfectly match the robust stuffed peppers, adding depth to the overall meal experience.
• Refresh with Crisp Cabbage Slaw: Add a cool, crunchy cabbage slaw with lime and jalapeño dressing. This light side dish will provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy peppers, introducing a bright and zesty element to the plate.
• Cool Down with Creamy Avocado Salsa: Whip up a smooth avocado salsa with fresh cilantro, lime, and a touch of salt. This creamy condiment will balance the spicy poblano peppers and add a luxurious, cooling dimension to each delicious bite.

Flavorful Variations of Stuffed Poblano Peppers You’ll Love

• Vegetarian Verde: Replace chicken with black beans, quinoa, and roasted corn for a protein-packed meat-free version that's equally satisfying and bursting with flavor.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken for fresh shrimp or crab meat, adding a zesty lime marinade and incorporating diced bell peppers for extra texture and coastal flair.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate ground beef or chorizo, mix in diced jalapeños, and top with a smoky chipotle cheese to elevate the heat and create a bold southwestern profile.
• Mediterranean Magic: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and mix in za'atar spice for a Mediterranean-inspired stuffed pepper experience that transports your taste buds.

Why Stuffed Poblano Peppers Bring Bold Flavor in Every Bite

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: These stuffed poblano peppers burst with rich, zesty Mexican-inspired flavors that dance on your taste buds, combining tender chicken, melted cheese, and aromatic spices in every delightful bite.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, letting home cooks swap ingredients like chicken for beef, vegetarian protein, or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences without compromising the dish's delicious core.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple cooking steps, this meal transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that feels gourmet but requires minimal culinary expertise, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables from peppers and tomatoes, and calcium from cheese, these stuffed poblanos deliver a wholesome one-pan meal that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying, proving healthy eating can be totally delicious.

What You’ll Need for Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Main Ingredients:

Poblano Peppers:- Poblano Peppers: Mild, slightly spicy peppers that create the base for stuffing, with a robust flavor and thick walls perfect for holding fillings.

Protein:- Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the stuffed peppers, best when freshly cooked and shredded.

Cheese Blend:- Mozzarella Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheeses that provide melty texture and rich flavor to the dish, with mozzarella offering smoothness and cheddar adding sharp notes.

Aromatics and Seasonings:

Vegetables:- Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that build a flavor foundation, with tomatoes adding moisture, onions providing sweetness, and garlic contributing depth.

Herbs and Spices:- Dried Oregano, Ground Cumin, Kosher Salt: Classic Mexican-inspired seasonings that create a complex and authentic flavor profile, with each spice bringing unique characteristics to the dish.

Cooking Accessories:

Cooking Mediums:- Olive Oil, Olive Oil Spray: Essential for preventing sticking and adding a subtle richness to the cooking process, with spray helping to control fat content.

Garnish:- Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and traditional Mexican flavor, providing a final fresh touch to the stuffed peppers.

Stuffed Poblano Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed poblano peppers deliver a spicy symphony of flavors with hearty rice, black beans, and melted cheese. Roasted peppers cradle a zesty filling that promises a delicious journey through traditional southwestern cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized poblano peppers (1 pound / 454 grams total weight, 12 ounces / 340 grams cleaned weight)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (10 ounces / 283 grams)
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella, shredded (4 ounces / 113 grams)
• ½ cup sharp cheddar, shredded (2 ounces / 57 grams)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (10 ounces / 283 grams)
• ½ medium onion, diced (4 ounces / 113 grams)
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon of any other salt)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Wash poblano peppers thoroughly, pat dry with paper towels. Carefully slice off pepper tops, gently remove inner seeds and membranes using a small spoon.
2. Create a lengthwise slit along each pepper’s side, allowing them to open like a pocket without completely separating the sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté diced tomatoes, onions, and minced garlic until moisture evaporates and vegetables become slightly caramelized.
4. Incorporate dried oregano and ground cumin into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to distribute spices evenly and enhance their aromatic qualities.
5. Remove skillet from heat, fold in shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and freshly chopped cilantro. Mix ingredients until harmoniously combined and well-integrated.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Carefully stuff each poblano pepper with the prepared filling, pressing gently to ensure even distribution and compact placement.
8. Arrange stuffed peppers on prepared baking sheet, positioning them with their sliced side facing upward. Lightly mist peppers with olive oil spray.
9. Roast in preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for peppers to soften and develop slight charred edges.
10. Temporarily remove baking sheet, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over peppers’ exposed surfaces.
11. Activate broiler, position rack approximately 6 inches from heating element. Broil peppers for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.
12. Allow peppers to rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and cheese to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Customize this fiery dish by swapping chicken with ground beef, black beans, or pulled pork for endless flavor variations.
• Ensure peppers are fresh and firm, with smooth, glossy skin indicating peak ripeness and maximum stuffing potential.
• Freezer-friendly option: Prepare peppers completely, cool, and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 392 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg