Poblanos stuffed with Cheddar Cheese and Chicken

  I decided to make this because I had about a cup of left over rotisserie chicken and the recipe looked like a good base for some changes.  The original recipe called for 2 cups of chicken and no black beans.  I decided to add the beans as a substitute for my lack of chicken, I think it was a good choice!  Next time I might try pepper jack  cheese in place of the cheddar.  No need to change anything, they were yummy as printed!  I always put my chilies in a paper bag for about 15 minutes to steam before I attempt to peel them.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 large poblano chiles

I can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled
1 tsp. ground cumin
Generous pinch ground cinnamon
Kosher salt
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 cup shredded cooked chicken, preferably dark meat

1 can drained black beans
1-1/2 cups cooked brown or white rice
2 cups grated sharp or extra-sharp white Cheddar (about 7 oz.)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (including some tender stems)
1 Tbs. lime juice

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Directions:

Position an oven rack about 4 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.

Slit the chiles from stem to tip and set on the baking sheet. Broil, turning every few minutes, until blackened all over, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool slightly, peel off the skins, and cut out the seed cores, leaving the stems on. Turn the chiles inside out, flick out any remaining seeds, and turn right side out. Return the poblanos to the baking sheet.

Purée the tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. salt in a food processor. Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the purée and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture looks thick and pulpy, 8 to 11 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the chicken and rice, and then 1 cup of the cheese, the cilantro, and the lime juice. Season to taste with salt. Divide the filling among the peppers, wrapping the sides of the peppers up and around the filling, some of which will still be exposed.

Broil the peppers until the cheese is melting and the top is beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheese and broil until the cheese is completely melted, about 2 minutes.

Click here for printable recipe

Adapted from Fine Cooking