Crispy Chicken With Jalapeno Beurre Blanc And Spicy Poblano Pepper Puree Food

CHICKEN JALAPENO POPPER CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place the chicken breasts on one half of a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with the chili powder, cumin and some salt and pepper. Place the jalapeno peppers on the other half of the same baking sheet. Drizzle them with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• On a second baking sheet, lay the bacon slices out in a single layer. Put both baking sheets into the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese, Cheddar, sour cream, chicken stock and paprika together in a mixing bowl.
• Transfer the bacon and chicken to a cutting board. Dice the chicken and chop the bacon. Add all of the diced chicken to the cream cheese mixture along with half of the chopped bacon. Stir together until well mixed.
• Transfer half of the chicken mixture to an 8-inch square casserole dish. Arrange half of the roasted jalapenos on top of the chicken mixture. Top with the remaining chicken mixture followed by the rest of the roasted jalapenos.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the fried jalapenos, breadcrumbs and the remaining bacon. Toss with the melted butter until evenly mixed. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until bubbly and golden, 25 to 27 minutes.

CREAMY POBLANO CHICKEN

Steps:

• Slice one poblano pepper into thin strips.
• Roast the other pepper: If you have a gas stove, turn the burner on and keep the pepper over the flame until it chars - you want it black on all sides. If you don't have a gas stove, turn your broiler on and roast the pepper on the top rack until it is blackened on all sides. Once the pepper is roasted, transfer to a large plastic baggie or a bowl covered with plastic wrap and let steam while you sear the chicken. Once they've sat for about 10 minutes, pull them out and peel the skin off. Take out the membranes and seeds as well.
• While the peppers steam: Heat a large skillet over a medium heat. Add two tablespoons butter or olive oil. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepepr. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken. Sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and do the same on the other side. Sear until cooked through, another 3-4 minutes. Take the chicken out and set aside. Don't worry if the chicken is not cooked through, it will simmer in the sauce later to finish cooking.
• Once the chicken is seared, remove from the pan, and add remaining tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pan. Add the onions and sliced peppers (the sliced peppers you did not roast and steam). Saute for about 5 minutes until softened. Season with a little salt . Add the garlic and cook another minute.
• While the veggies cook, transfer the ROASTED poblano pepper to a blender along with cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup chicken stock. Blend until smooth. Pour the pureed pepper mixture back into the skillet with the sliced peppers, onions, and garlic. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock, cream, lime juice, honey, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add the chcken breasts back to the skillet with the sauce, cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. It should read 165 degrees on an instant read thermomter. If needed, add a little bit more chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over rice pilaf, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

CHICKEN WITH POBLANO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Roast chile over a gas burner or under the broiler, until charred all over. Wrap in paper towel; steam 5 minutes. Rub off skin; remove seeds and ribs. Chop coarsely.
• Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a small saucepan over medium heat; add onion and garlic; cook until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Add chile and cream.
• Puree in blender; add water if too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat remaining tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and juices run clear, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Serve with sauce.