If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with smoky flavor, silky creaminess, and tender chicken, then Creamy Roasted Poblano Chicken is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. This recipe combines the rich, roasted notes of poblano peppers with the lusciousness of heavy cream and melted Monterey Jack cheese, creating a comfort-food masterpiece that’s both satisfying and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Top Reasons to Make Creamy Roasted Poblano Chicken

Bold, smoky flavor: Roasting poblano peppers brings out their natural sweetness and smokiness, which infuses the dish with a unique depth.
Rich and creamy texture: The combination of heavy cream and Monterey Jack cheese creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable even for beginner cooks.
Versatile serving options: Pair it with rice, pasta, or your favorite roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Impressive yet wholesome: It looks and tastes gourmet but uses simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredient Notes

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide lean protein and cook quickly, making them ideal for this recipe.
Poblano peppers: Mildly spicy and smoky, roasting these peppers unlocks their fullest flavor. If you want a little extra heat, you can leave some seeds in, but traditionally they’re deseeded.
Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute with evaporated milk for a lighter option, but the texture won’t be as rich.
Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, buttery flavor. You can use mozzarella as a substitute if needed.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the poblanos and searing the chicken, it adds a subtle fruity note.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry staples boost the savory depth of the dish without overpowering the main flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the creamy sauce.

Recommended Tools

Baking sheet: For roasting the poblano peppers evenly under high heat.
Large skillet or sauté pan: To sear the chicken breasts and cook the creamy sauce.
Blender or food processor: To puree the roasted poblanos into a smooth sauce base.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken without piercing it, keeping it juicy.
Meat thermometer: Optional but helpful to ensure the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Make Creamy Roasted Poblano Chicken: A Simple Method

Step 1: Roast the Poblano Peppers

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast them for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the skins are blistered and charred. Remove them from the oven, place them in a bowl, and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel to steam for 10 minutes. This step loosens the skin, making it easier to peel off.

Step 2: Prepare the Roasted Poblano Sauce

Once the poblanos are cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skins, remove the stems and seeds, and place the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Breasts

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the poblano cream sauce into the same skillet. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and well combined. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken stays juicy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the chicken just before serving for a fresh finish. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a pasta twist, try it alongside Creamy Chipotle Chicken Penne or the comforting Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo to keep the creamy chicken theme going strong.

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free keto option.
Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles to keep carbs low.
Use extra cheese or add avocado slices for healthy fats and creaminess.
Incorporate more roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts as a side.

Problems & Prevention

Chicken drying out: Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and removing chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Peppers not peeling easily: Don’t skip the steaming step after roasting; it loosens the skin for easier removal.
Sauce too thick or thin: Adjust consistency by adding more cream if it’s too thick or simmer longer if too thin.
Overpowering spice: Remove all seeds from poblanos if sensitive to heat, as seeds carry most of the pepper’s spiciness.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Store any leftover Creamy Roasted Poblano Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To keep the chicken moist, add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

Ask the Chef

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?

Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor, but mozzarella or mild white cheddar can be great alternatives. For a sharper taste, try pepper jack cheese.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative, and swap the cheese for a dairy-free meltable cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

Roasted poblanos are generally mild peppers with a smoky flavor rather than intense heat. Removing the seeds ensures the dish is very mild, but keeping some seeds will add a gentle kick.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Penne – A smoky, spicy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo – A comforting one-pan meal loaded with vibrant roasted red peppers.
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Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs – Tangy and buttery thighs perfect for a quick dinner.

Wrap-Up

Creamy Roasted Poblano Chicken is a fabulous way to elevate your chicken dinners with smoky, creamy, and cheesy goodness. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. The technique of roasting the poblanos to bring out their flavor, blending them into a luscious sauce, and pairing with perfectly seared chicken makes this recipe a winner every time. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro to brighten up the plate. Whether you’re serving it with rice, pasta, or veggies, this dish will become a new favorite to add to your weekly rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that only Creamy Roasted Poblano Chicken can deliver.

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