Chile & Jack Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This chile pepper is often mislabeled ‘Pasilla’, which is a different pepper entirely.It is one of the most popular chiles in Mexico and has won the appreciation of many a chef worldwide because of the superior flavor it has over regular bell peppers. They have a tough outer skin that usually requires roasting and peeling before use. These very large chile peppers are most popular in chiles rellenos recipes, but cooking with these as a substitute for bell peppers in any recipe will enhance the flavor.

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Yields 4 Servings

Ingredients:

For the fillihg:

  • 2 Tbs. olive oil
  • 1-1/2 cups 1/4-inch diced fresh poblano chiles (about 2 large chiles)
  • 1 cup 1/4-inch diced red onion (half a medium onion)
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. chipotle Tabasco sauce; more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack (5-1/4 oz.)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the chicken:

  • 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (8 to 9 oz. each)
  • 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2/3 cup olive oil

Instructions:

Make the filling:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large (preferably 12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chiles and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are quite soft and somewhat browned, 7 to 9 minutes. Immediately stir in the garlic, chipotle Tabasco, cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Stir in the cheese and cilantro.

Stuff and cook the chicken:

  • If the chicken breasts have tenderloins, remove them. Trim, rinse, and pat the breasts dry.
  • Make a pocket on the thicker side of each breast. Using a sharp boning or utility knife, cut into the breast about 1/2 inch from one end. Create a pocket, slicing to within about 1/4 inch of the other side.
  • Stuff each breast with about one-quarter of the filling, distributing it evenly throughout the pocket and to the ends. Press on the top of each breast to close the pocket.
  • Line up three wide shallow dishes. Fill the first with the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, toss the breadcrumbs with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper.
  • Season the breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge one breast well in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the eggs, turning to coat evenly, and then dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing to make the crumbs adhere evenly. Gently shake off any excess. Set on a plate and repeat with the other breasts. Refrigerate for at least 5 minutes and up to 3 hours to let the breading set. Discard any leftover flour, egg, or crumbs.
  • Heat the oven to 350°F. Heat the oil in a heavy 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is very hot, carefully add two of the breasts to the pan and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. If the oil seems to get too hot, reduce the heat to medium. Transfer the breasts to a baking sheet. Repeat with the other two breasts.
  • Bake until the chicken and filling reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Recipe from Fine Cooking