Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata is a comforting and flavor-packed dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the ease of a baked casserole. This dinner recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Layers of cooked chicken, roasted poblanos, creamy cheese, and a perfectly seasoned egg mixture come together to create a rich, savory meal that satisfies every craving. Whether served as a main dish or the centerpiece of a hearty dinner spread, this strata delivers a warm and cheesy bite every time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Strata:

2 tablespoons butter
2 poblano peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

For the Sauce (Optional):

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 serrano pepper, seeded and diced
1½ teaspoons dried oregano
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped poblano peppers and onions. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed peppers and onions, cooked chicken, diced green chilies, Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese.
Whisk the custard: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the strata: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add the chicken mixture evenly, then pour the egg mixture on top.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15–20 more minutes, until golden brown and set.
Make the sauce (optional): While baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and serrano pepper. Sauté until soft. Add oregano, cumin, and tomatoes (crushed by hand). Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Let the strata rest before slicing. Top with the tomato sauce, if using.

Nutrients

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Nutritional values are estimates per serving:

Calories: 467 kcal
Total Fat: 26.7g
Saturated Fat: 8.3g
Cholesterol: 93mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2.5g
Protein: 30g

A Delicious Twist on a Classic Mexican Dish

The original chiles rellenos dish is a popular Mexican comfort food, typically made with large, mild poblano peppers that are roasted, peeled, and stuffed with cheese or meat, then battered and fried. While the traditional version of chiles rellenos is delicious, it requires a bit more time and effort, especially when it comes to frying. By turning the dish into a strata, we simplify the process while still retaining all the flavors that make chiles rellenos so loved.

In this baked strata version, the peppers are roasted and diced, then layered with shredded chicken, cheese, and a savory custard made from eggs and milk. The strata is then baked in the oven, creating a casserole that is both crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. It’s the perfect balance of textures, and the use of chicken in the recipe adds a protein boost, making this dish hearty and filling.

This version of Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata is also a great choice for those who want to enjoy the flavors of chiles rellenos without the mess or the need to deep-fry. It’s an easy way to enjoy a healthier take on this Mexican classic while still keeping it delicious and satisfying.

The Ingredients and Their Role in Flavor

One of the reasons Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata is so tasty is the combination of ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor. Let’s take a closer look at the key components and what they bring to the dish:

Poblano Peppers: These mild, dark green peppers are roasted to enhance their natural sweetness and smokiness. The roasting process brings out a deeper flavor, adding a subtle heat to the dish without overwhelming the palate. Poblano peppers are also rich in vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken provides a great source of lean protein, making this dish more filling and satisfying. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, adding richness and substance to the strata. It’s a perfect way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making this a convenient meal.
Cheese: Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese are used in this recipe to give the strata a creamy, melty texture. These cheeses have a mild flavor that complements the peppers and chicken without overpowering them. Cheese is also a key element in creating the creamy custard that binds the strata together.
Eggs and Milk: These ingredients form the base of the custard that binds the strata together. The eggs provide richness, while the milk adds creaminess. The combination of eggs and milk creates a soft, custard-like texture that is the hallmark of a good strata. It helps to hold all the layers together while still allowing the dish to remain tender and moist.
Spices: Ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder add depth and warmth to the flavor profile. These spices give the strata a distinct Mexican flavor, with the cumin adding an earthy undertone, the chili powder providing mild heat, and the garlic powder adding savory richness. These spices work in harmony with the other ingredients to create a well-seasoned dish.
Tomato Sauce: Though optional, the tomato sauce served with the strata provides a tangy contrast to the rich and creamy strata. The sauce is typically made from sautéed onions, garlic, and serrano pepper, with a touch of oregano and cumin. It adds a fresh, acidic element that brightens the overall flavor and complements the savory layers of the strata.

The Benefits of a Strata

Strata is a great dish because of its flexibility and ease of preparation. Unlike other casseroles, strata uses bread or another starchy component as the base. In this version, the bread acts as a sponge that soaks up the savory egg mixture, creating layers of flavor. What makes strata especially convenient is that it can be prepared in advance. Once assembled, the strata can be refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together before it’s baked the next day.

Another advantage of strata is that it can be made in a large baking dish, making it ideal for serving a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a brunch gathering, or a casual get-together, this dish can be easily scaled to feed a group. It’s also a great make-ahead meal, as it stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for leftovers. The convenience of being able to prep the dish the night before or even freeze it for later is a major plus.

The versatility of strata also allows for customization. While this recipe calls for chicken and poblanos, you can easily swap these ingredients for other meats, vegetables, or even beans to suit your dietary preferences. You could use ground beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The recipe also lends itself well to adding extra ingredients such as mushrooms, spinach, or corn, which would only enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.

A Hearty and Nutritious Meal

Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata is not only flavorful but also nutritious. The combination of protein-rich chicken, vitamins and antioxidants from the poblano peppers, and the creamy texture from the cheese and eggs makes this a balanced meal. It’s a great source of protein, which helps in muscle repair and growth, and the peppers add a dose of vitamins A and C, which are important for immune health.

The use of eggs and milk also provides a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. The dish can be made even healthier by using low-fat cheese or opting for plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option. For those looking to reduce their calorie intake, this recipe can easily be adapted by using less cheese or swapping out some of the ingredients for lighter alternatives.

While Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata is hearty and filling, it’s also a dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It’s a great option for a satisfying dinner that won’t leave you feeling weighed down, especially if paired with a light side salad or some sautéed vegetables.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the best things about Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata is how well it keeps. If you have a busy schedule or want to make a large batch for the week, this dish is ideal for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, and the flavors only get better with time as the ingredients meld together.

For longer storage, you can freeze the strata before baking. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just bake it directly from the freezer, adding a little extra time to the cooking process. The result is just as delicious as when it was freshly made, making it a perfect option for preparing meals in advance.

Serving Suggestions

While Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata is delicious on its own, it can be served with a variety of sides and toppings to enhance the meal. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad to add freshness and crunch to the dish. You can also serve it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for added flavor. For a heartier meal, serve the strata with a side of rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.

Another great accompaniment to the strata is a refreshing margarita or a cold beer. The creamy richness of the strata pairs beautifully with the tangy and citrusy flavors of a margarita, while the refreshing, crisp taste of beer complements the savory and spicy notes of the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata is a perfect fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and comforting casserole appeal. It takes the beloved chiles rellenos and transforms them into an easy-to-make, bake-ahead strata that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. With its layers of roasted poblanos, tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory spices, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

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