Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Recipe You’ll Love

## Introduction

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Hatch chiles, known for their unique smoky and slightly spicy flavor, are the star of this recipe, adding depth and complexity to the creamy sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will surely impress your family and friends.

## What are Hatch Chiles?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about Hatch chiles. These chiles are grown exclusively in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, and their flavor is influenced by the unique terroir of the region. They have a distinct smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor that sets them apart from other chili peppers. Hatch chiles come in varying levels of heat, from mild to extra hot, so you can choose the variety that suits your taste.

They are typically harvested in late summer and early fall, and you can find them fresh, roasted, canned, or frozen. Roasted Hatch chiles are especially popular, as roasting enhances their smoky flavor. For this recipe, we’ll be using roasted Hatch chiles, which you can either roast yourself or buy pre-roasted.

## Why This Recipe Works

This Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken recipe works because it combines the smoky heat of Hatch chiles with the richness of cream and the tenderness of chicken. The sauce is simple to make but packed with flavor, and the chicken is cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.

The recipe also allows for customization. You can adjust the amount of Hatch chiles to control the level of spiciness, and you can add other ingredients like corn, black beans, or bell peppers to create your own unique variation.

## Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Hatch Chiles:** 1 cup roasted Hatch chiles, peeled, seeded, and chopped (adjust to taste)
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon
* **Chili Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese

## Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment:

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

1. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is not pink inside.
2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Make the Sauce**

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped roasted Hatch chiles. Cook for a minute to release their flavors.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
3. Add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce**

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

**Step 6: Serve**

1. Serve the Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken hot.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheese, if desired.
3. Serve with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side dish.

## Tips for Roasting Hatch Chiles

If you’re using fresh Hatch chiles, you’ll need to roast them before adding them to the recipe. Here’s how to roast Hatch chiles:

1. **Oven Roasting:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the Hatch chiles on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the skins are blistered and blackened.
2. **Broiling:** Place the Hatch chiles on a baking sheet under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the skins are blistered and blackened.
3. **Gas Stovetop:** Place the Hatch chiles directly on the flame of a gas stovetop, turning them frequently, until the skins are blistered and blackened.

Once the skins are blackened, place the chiles in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes to loosen the skins.

After steaming, peel off the blackened skins, remove the seeds and stems, and chop the chiles.

## Variations and Substitutions

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try with this recipe:

* **Spicier:** Add more Hatch chiles or use a hotter variety for a spicier dish.
* **Milder:** Use a milder variety of Hatch chiles or reduce the amount of chiles for a milder dish.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with black beans, chickpeas, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add corn, black beans, bell peppers, or other vegetables to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
* **Different Protein:** Use shredded pork, shrimp, or beef instead of chicken.

## Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions for Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken:

* **Rice:** Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
* **Tortillas:** Serve with warm tortillas for making tacos or burritos.
* **Nachos:** Spoon over tortilla chips and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for nachos.
* **Salad:** Serve over a bed of lettuce with your favorite salad toppings.
* **Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with the Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Pasta:** Toss with cooked pasta for a creamy and flavorful pasta dish.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make the Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken ahead of time. Simply prepare the recipe as instructed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before serving.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

## Nutritional Information

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 10-20 grams per serving

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

## Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken Recipe

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 cup roasted Hatch chiles, peeled, seeded, and chopped (adjust to taste)
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese

### Equipment:

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl

### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. **Make the Sauce:** Add chopped roasted Hatch chiles to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. **Combine Chicken and Sauce:** Return chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Simmer for a few minutes.
6. **Serve:** Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side.

## Conclusion

This Creamy Hatch Chile Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smoky Hatch chiles, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of New Mexico in your own kitchen!

## Enjoy!