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Cheesy Chicken Chile Rellenos


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  • Author: Merry
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Bring the flavors of Mexico to your kitchen with this Chile Rellenos recipe. Smoky roasted poblano peppers are stuffed with gooey cheese, coated in a fluffy batter, and fried to golden perfection. Served with a vibrant salsa roja, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike!


Ingredients

For the Salsa Roja:

  • 6 Roma tomatoes, quartered
  • ½ small yellow onion, quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed
  • 5 sprigs cilantro
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

For the Chile Rellenos:

  • 4 large poblano peppers
  • 6 ounces Oaxaca cheese, cut into strips (Monterey Jack can be substituted)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 3 large eggs

For Serving:

    • Fresh cilantro, chopped
    • Cotija cheese, crumbled
    • Lime wedges
    • Sour cream (optional)
    • Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Make the Salsa Roja:

    • Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro until smooth.
    • Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the puree and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, reduce the heat, and simmer while you prepare the chile rellenos.
  • Prepare the Poblanos:
    • Preheat your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with foil.
    • Place the poblanos on the sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the skin is blackened and blistered.
    • Transfer the peppers to a ziplock bag, seal, and let them steam for 5–7 minutes.
    • Peel off the charred skin, cut a small slit in each pepper, and remove the seeds.
  • Stuff the Peppers:
    • Carefully stuff each pepper with strips of Oaxaca cheese. Seal the opening with toothpicks.
  • Prepare the Batter:
    • Separate the egg whites and yolks into two bowls. Beat the whites with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
    • While beating on low, add the yolks one at a time until fully combined.
  • Coat the Peppers:
    • Place the flour on a plate and season with a pinch of salt.
    • Lightly dredge each stuffed pepper in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the floured peppers into the egg batter, ensuring they’re fully coated.
  • Fry the Chile Rellenos:
    • Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Test the oil with a small piece of batter—it should sizzle immediately.
    • Fry the peppers one at a time, cooking for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
    • Remove and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  • Serve:
    • Place each chile relleno on a plate and spoon warm salsa roja over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, crumbled Cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with sour cream and hot sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Roasting Tips: Rotate the peppers under the broiler to ensure even charring.
  • Cheese Options: If Oaxaca cheese isn’t available, use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for similar results.
  • Make Ahead: Roast and stuff the peppers ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican