How spicy is this, and do I have to roast and peel the poblanos? Poblanos are mild (1,000-2,000 Scoville - milder than jalapenos), and removing the seeds tames them further. Roasting is worth it: char the skins under a broiler 5-10 minutes, steam them covered for 10, then peel. That smoky skin-removal step is what makes the sauce taste deep, not raw.
What makes this keto, and how do I serve it? It's keto because the creamy base leans on cream cheese, half-and-half, and sharp cheddar instead of flour or a tortilla, and we serve it over cauliflower rice rather than regular rice. The chipotle bouillon, cumin, and lime carry big flavor with almost no carbs.
Can I dial the heat up or down? Yes - the 2 jalapenos and 1/4 cup hot sauce are your levers. For mild, seed both jalapenos and halve the hot sauce; the dish still gets acidity from the lime. For more fire, leave the jalapeno ribs in or add extra chili powder. Taste after the cream cheese melts, since dairy softens the burn.
As my husband and I enjoy a healthier lifestyle, we've been incorporating more Keto dinners into our routine. Though we still have a soft spot for hearty, carb-laden dishes – some things never change! Yet, with Keto, we've been on the lookout for meals that not only fulfill our cravings but also align with our dietary goals. As the warmer months approach, we're eager to enjoy flavorful meals that support our healthier lifestyle choices. During this time, we found inspiration to create our Keto Poblano Chicken recipe, a dish that perfectly aligns with our commitment to nutritious eating while still satisfying our taste buds. Pairing tender chicken breasts with the lively essence of roasted poblano peppers, jalapenos, and corn, all embraced in a velvety chipotle-infused cream cheese sauce, this dish embodies both taste and nutrition.
Join us as we invite you on this culinary journey, offering a flavorful creation perfect for those seeking a satisfying, keto-friendly meal option. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have!
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to low broil.
- 2Cut Poblano and Jalapeno Peppers in half and remove the seeds
- 3Cut Onion, Roma Tomatoes, and Corn into quarters lengthwise.
- 4Place the Poblano peppers, jalapeños, ear of corn, onion, and Roma tomato on a baking sheet skin side up.
- 5Roast the veggies in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are charred and tender.
- 6Once roasted, remove the veggies from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- 7Peel the skin off the poblano and jalapeno peppers, and dice them. Then, cut the corn kernels off the cob.
- 8Dice the roasted onion and Roma tomato.
- 9Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices of your choice (ie chili and cumin powder).
- 10Drizzle olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the seasoned diced chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Add in the minced garlic the last 30 seconds of cooking the chicken.
- 11Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the chipotle bouillon over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer in the bouillon for a few minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavor.
- 12Add the chopped roasted veggies to the skillet with the chicken.
- 13In the same skillet, add the packet of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, half and half, cumin, chili powder, a little salt, and pepper to taste. Stir on medium-low heat until the sauce is smooth.
- 14Add up to ¼ of your favorite hot sauce to add additional acidity and heat.
- 15If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of half and half to reach your desired consistency.
- 16Once the cream cheese sauce is smooth and well combined with the chicken, mix in the fresh lime juice and cilantro to add a vibrant note to the dish.
- 17Serve your delicious Keto Poblano Chicken over cauliflower rice, and add cilantro and lime wedges for garnish.
Make it yours
- Tips for Success:
- Roast the Veggies Properly: Ensure that the poblano peppers, jalapenos, and other veggies are roasted until they are charred and tender. It's ok if they get a little black from the charring. This enhances their flavor and texture in the final dish.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning levels in the cream cheese sauce according to your preferences. Add more cumin, chili powder, salt, or pepper as needed to suit your palate. We like it spicy!, but this recipe is a good starting point.
- Simmer the Chicken in Bouillon: Simmering the cooked chicken in the chipotle bouillon not only infuses it with flavor but also helps keep it moist and tender.
- Variations:
- Spice it Up: Increase the heat by adding more jalapenos or incorporating diced green chilies or serrano peppers into the cream cheese sauce.
- Add Protein: Experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a flavorful twist.
- Cheese Lover's Variation: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dish before serving for an extra cheesy indulgence.