Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these cheesy enchilada stuffed Poblano peppers! This representation of an enchilada is more of a Tex-Mex version, and is not truly authentic, but boy it’s delicious! It reminds me of the enchiladas I would get at my favorite Mexican restaurant we frequented when I was a child. This version forgoes the tortilla and replaces it with poblano pepper. This large, mild, green pepper is the perfect vessel to hold the juicy and tender slow-cooked shredded chicken, smothered in velvety smooth red chili sauce, topped with melted gooey cheese. If you enjoy a little more kick to your enchilada sauce, feel free to add more chili powder, another jalapeno, or both. Serve these enchilada peppers alongside my Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice for a complete meal. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Looking for more Cinco de Mayo inspiration? Check out these other recipes: Virgin Mango Margarita, Mango Guacamole, Virgin Kiwi Mint Mojito, and Blackened Salmon with Mango Salsa.
Enchilada Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Serves 4
Prep: 25 min
Cooking: 2 hours 56 min
Total: 3 hours 21 min
Beginner
Ingredients:
For the Sauce: *yields 2 cups*
3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. coconut flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 jalapeño, deseeded and pureed
2 Tbsp. water
For the Enchiladas:
4 chicken breasts
4 poblano peppers, halved and deseeded
1 cup mild cheddar, grated from a block
cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Method Of Prep:
- Gather and prep ingredients.
- We will start by making the sauce. In a large sauté pan add olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add in coconut flour and whisk until incorporated. Cook this roux mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Next, add garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add in your oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk together and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add in tomato paste and chicken broth. Allow this to simmer for 5-6 minutes or until beginning to reduce.
- While simmering deseed your jalapeño and add to your high-speed blender along with water. Blend until smooth, and set aside.
- After 5-6 minutes have elapsed and your sauce is starting to get thick, add in apple cider vinegar and pureed jalapeño. Whisk to incorporate.
- Allow this to reduce for 3-4 more minutes. Taste for seasoning, and adjust if needed.
- Traditionally enchilada sauce is smooth. If you want this version to be as well, blend the sauce here before adding it to the chicken. Careful, as it will be hot.
- Next, add your chicken breasts to a slow cooker.
- Pour half of the sauce (1 cup) on top of the chicken, and reserve the other half.
- Allow chicken to cook on low for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Remove from the slow cooker and allow to cool slightly.
- Shred chicken and place it back into the slow cooker to absorb all that good sauce and liquid.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a sheet tray with foil and lay each poblano half face up.
- Stuff with shredded chicken, and pour the remaining sauce on top of the shredded chicken.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the poblano begins to soften.
- Top with cheese and bake for another 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Nutrition Facts: (2 halves)
Calories- 435
Carbs- 10.8 g
Fat- 21.8 g
Protein- 43.6 g