Print

Quick Skillet Chicken and Poblano Peppers

quick skillet chicken and poblano peppers - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute skillet recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts and smoky poblano peppers, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
  • 2 medium fresh poblano peppers, roasted or charred and sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or queso fresco (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips about ½-inch thick.
  2. Roast or char the poblano peppers over a gas burner or under the broiler until blistered and blackened in spots (about 5-7 minutes). Let cool, peel off skin, remove seeds, and slice into thin strips.
  3. In a mixing bowl, toss chicken strips with minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 4 minutes.
  5. Push onions to the side, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and place chicken strips in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  6. Add sliced poblano peppers to the skillet with chicken and onions. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. If using cheese, add on top, cover briefly to melt for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately with warm tortillas or a side of rice.

Notes

Slice chicken thinly for even cooking and juiciness. Properly char poblano peppers for smoky flavor. Avoid overcrowding skillet to ensure good sear. Lime juice at the end balances smoky and spicy notes. Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick dinner, skillet chicken, poblano peppers, easy recipe, weeknight meal, smoky chicken, healthy dinner