Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Poblano Chicken with golden seared chicken breasts in a rich poblano cream sauce with fresh herbs in a skillet

Creamy Poblano Chicken


  • Author: Omar
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Creamy Poblano Chicken is a rich, comforting skillet dinner featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a smoky poblano cream sauce with fresh herbs and a hint of lime. Perfect for busy weeknights or an easy gourmet-style meal at home.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large poblano peppers
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or butter, divided
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 large onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock (plus more 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

For the Rice Pilaf:

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

Instructions

Prepare the Poblanos

  1. Slice one poblano pepper into thin strips.
  2. Roast the second poblano over a flame or under a broiler until charred on all sides.
  3. Transfer to a sealed bag or covered bowl and let steam for 10 minutes.
  4. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbsp oil or butter.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

Build the Sauce

  1. Add remaining oil or butter to the skillet.
  2. Sauté onions and sliced poblano peppers for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Blend the Sauce

  1. In a blender, combine roasted poblano, cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup chicken stock.
  2. Blend until smooth.

Finish the Dish

  1. Pour sauce into the skillet.
  2. Add remaining stock, cream, lime juice, honey, and salt.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Return chicken to skillet, cover, and cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  5. Adjust seasoning and thin sauce with stock if needed.

Make the Rice Pilaf

  1. Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add rice and orzo; toast for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Stir in chicken stock and salt; bring to a boil.
  5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Let steam off heat for 10–15 minutes.
  7. Fluff and stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Notes

  • Roasting the poblano adds deep, smoky flavor—don’t skip it!
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce + rice
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg