Description
Chile Rellano Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts layered with creamy cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and thinly sliced poblano peppers. Infused with garlic and cumin, this casserole offers a mild kick and a rich, cheesy texture, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Layer
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, divided
Vegetables
- 3/4 lb poblano peppers (about 2 peppers), thinly sliced
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat in a casserole dish. Season evenly with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Mix Cheese: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Add Peppers and Bake: Layer the thinly sliced poblano peppers on top of the cheese-covered chicken. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to start cooking.
- Top with Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish the casserole with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve the chile rellano casserole hot and enjoy a delicious, cheesy meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165˚F for food safety.
- Use fresh poblano peppers for the best flavor and mild heat.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with a similar melting cheese if unavailable.
- For added spice, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- This dish pairs well with rice or a simple green salad.
