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Creamy Poblano Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This Creamy Poblano Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety poblano pepper sauce infused with garlic, cilantro, and a touch of lime. Paired with a flavorful rice pilaf made from jasmine rice and orzo, this comforting dish balances smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 large poblano peppers
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or butter, divided
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 large onion, sliced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock, plus extra if needed
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1 cup packed cilantro leaves
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey

Rice Pilaf

  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup jasmine rice
  • 1/4 cup orzo (regular or whole-wheat)
  • 1 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Poblano Peppers: Slice one poblano pepper into thin strips for the sauce. Roast the other poblano pepper either directly over a gas stove burner, turning until all sides are blackened, or under the broiler on the top rack until charred. Transfer the roasted pepper to a sealed plastic bag or bowl covered with plastic wrap and let it steam for about 10 minutes. After steaming, peel off the skin, remove the membranes, and seeds.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear on each side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Make the Poblano Cream Sauce: Add the sliced raw poblano strips, chopped peeled roasted poblano, and chicken stock to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover and cook over low heat until chicken is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  5. Blend Sauce: Transfer the sauce ingredients (onion, garlic, poblanos, chicken stock) to a blender or use an immersion blender in the skillet. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return sauce to the skillet over low heat.
  6. Finish Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, lime juice, honey, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and cilantro leaves. Adjust thickness with extra chicken stock if needed. Warm through without boiling. Return chicken breasts to the skillet to coat with sauce before serving.
  7. Prepare Rice Pilaf: In a separate saucepan, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add jasmine rice and orzo; stir and toast lightly for 2 minutes.
  8. Cook Rice: Pour in chicken stock and sprinkle kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice and orzo are tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
  9. Finish Rice Pilaf: Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Fluff with a fork and keep warm until serving.
  10. Serve: Plate the creamy poblano chicken over or alongside the rice pilaf. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Roasting the poblano peppers adds a smoky depth to the sauce. Steaming makes peeling easier and removes bitterness.
  • Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels in the dish.
  • Adjust cream quantity for a thicker or lighter sauce depending on preference.
  • Orzo can be substituted with other small pasta, but cooking time may vary.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.

Keywords: Creamy Poblano Chicken, Poblano Pepper Chicken, Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Mexican Chicken Recipe, Chicken and Rice Pilaf

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/creamy-poblano-chicken-with-cilantro-lime-sauce-recipe/