5 Step Pollo Con Rajas Y Crema Recipe Quick and Easy

Last Updated on February 7, 2022 by

This pollo con rajas y crema recipe is great for beginners that want to learn more about old and authentic foods since the ingredients use chicken and poblano peppers. For those who don’t know, ‘rajas’ is the Spanish word for sliced or shredded, while ‘crema’ refers to a cream.

There are five steps in total for this recipe and they are easy to follow! Listed below are also tips and tricks you can use to cook delicious raja dishes. It should only take a small portion of time and you can even use your crockpot!

What Are Rajas?

Rajas is what Mexicans and other Latin Americans refer to as strips of roasted poblano peppers. However, in Spanish the world also means shredded. Poblano peppers have a long history in Mexican culture and cuisine. Historians know the long connection between peppers and Aztecs living in what is now known as Mexico.

From what we know, Mexicans and indigenous Americans have been using Poblano peppers in their dishes for thousands of years. When the Spanish came, however, they brought chickens, cows, and other cattle animals. These domesticated animals made it into many popular dishes.

What are poblano peppers? Poblano peppers are mild and dark green peppers that grow up to four inches long. They are thick and great for stuffing. It is possible to grow your own poblano chili peppers at home. However, you can find these peppers in grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Roasting these peppers gives an extra pinch of heat.

How Do You Eat Rajas Mexican Food

There are many ways you can eat rajas in Mexican food. These peppers pack heat and yet are mild in flavor. The mild flavors of rajas allow you to use creamy and savory ingredients in this pollo con rajas y crema recipe. You can eat this dish alone as a meal or add side dishes to enhance the flavors.

Since this dish has proteins, fats, and greens it is as balanced as it is delicious. You are not limited to chicken as proteins though and can make any changes you would like. Personally, I like substituting chicken with pork and cow meat sometimes.

What You Will Need To Make This Pollo Con Rajas Y Crema Recipe

Ingredients

• 2lbs of shredded chicken
• 4 Roasted Poblano peppers sliced
• 8 oz of cream cheese
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 Cloves of Garlic finely minced
• 2 teaspoon chicken bullion powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tsp of black pepper
• 2 Cups of Sour Cream
• 2 Cups of Corn Kernels
• 3 Cups of Shredded Cheese (Oaxaca)
• 2 tbsp. of Olive Oil

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Large Bowl
• 2 Stirring Spoons
• Meat Safe Thermometer
• Saucepan with lid

Step By Step Instructions For This Pollo Con Rajas Y Crema Recipe

Step 1: Cut the Vegetables and Prepare the Ingredients

During the first step of this pollo con rajas y crema recipe, it is important to gather all the ingredients in one place. Wash the vegetables and cut them to the appropriate size. If the peppers are pre-roasted, leave them to the side.

Step 2: Cook the Shredded Chicken in Olive Oil

Pre-marinate the chicken with your desired seasonings. Personally, I like using Sazon and onion powder. Shred the chicken finely. During this step in this pollo con rajas y crema recipe, you need to add olive oil to your skillet. Make sure that the heat is set to medium-low.

Wait for the oil to start simmering and then add your chicken. Stir the shredded chicken in your skillet for a minimum of five minutes. Keep checking the color and temperature using a meat-safe thermometer.

Step 3: Add in the Vegetables to the Skillet

Add the cut vegetables, including the roasted poblano peppers to the skillet with your now cooked meat. In this pollo con rajas y crema recipe, it is important to add all the ingredients slowly and mix. The vegetables and peppers should brown and crisp in the skillet. Stir and move around the ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

After the vegetables are browned and crispy, you can add the wet ingredients to this pollo con rajas y crema recipe. The wet ingredients create a thick cream that brings flavor and texture to the dish. Do not add the shredded cheese. For this step, it is important to stir all the ingredients together.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Shredded Cheese

The fifth and final step for this pollo con rajas y crema recipe is to add shredded cheese on top. If you want to brown the cheese to add color and flavor, I suggest covering the raja y crema with a lid. Let the dish simmer for a minimum of five minutes. Turn the stovetop off and let it cool before serving.

Tips and Tricks for this Pollo con Rajas y Crema Recipe

Although this recipe is easy to follow, there are a few changes you can make to strengthen your cooking skills and the end results of this pollo con rajas y crema recipe. For example, if you want a savory flavor, you can use pressure or slow cooker. If you have this device, set the temperature and time on low and add all the ingredients.

Although I prefer using one type of shredded cheese, you are not limited! Cheese is what creates the creaminess of this dish. If you have another preference like mozzarella or goat cheese, you can sprinkle them on top.

The third tip and trick I have for you is to marinate the chicken and leave it in the fridge overnight. This speeds up the cooking and defrosting stage of this pollo con rajas y crema recipe.

Serving Size and Preparation Time

What do you think about this pollo con rajas y crema recipe? Did you learn anything new? Let us know in the comment section below! The five steps are simple and easy for beginners. Keep in mind that the poblano peppers should be roasted for flavor and authenticity.

If you know someone interested in a creamy dish perfect for the cold weather, share this article with them!

Casia Valdés

Casia is a passionate home cook who loves to share her love of Mexican food with the world. She has been cooking since she was a child, helping her grandmother in the kitchen and learning the traditional techniques used to create delicious Mexican dishes. Casia loves to experiment with new ingredients and flavors, always looking for ways to make her dishes even more flavorful. She is also passionate about teaching others about Mexican cuisine and its rich history. When she is not in the kitchen, Casia enjoys exploring new cultures, traveling, and spending time with her family.