Pollo con Rajas y Crema (Chicken with Poblano Strips in Cream)
Tender chicken thighs simmered with charred poblano strips, sweetcorn and onion in a tangy lime crema sauce.
Made with Lime crema (Mexican soured cream sauce) and Corn tortillas from masa harina. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.91 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Grill or char the peppers until blistered, then peel, deseed and cut into thin strips (rajas).
15 min - 2
Heat the oil in a large lidded pan. Season the chicken and brown it in batches for 5 minutes until golden. Remove.
10 min - 3
In the same pan, soften the onion for 5 minutes, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
6 min - 4
Return the chicken, add the stock, cover and simmer for 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
12 min - 5
Add the rajas and sweetcorn and cook for 3 minutes. Take off the heat and stir in your ready made lime crema (see the base recipe) so it does not split.
- 6
Warm the tortillas and serve the chicken spooned over or inside them.
Tips
- Stir the crema in off the heat so the sauce stays smooth.
- Thighs stay juicier than breast, which dries out in the simmer.
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes or sliced jalapeño if the peppers are mild.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 hour; keeps 2 days chilled and reheats gently until steaming hot. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce can split.
Questions
What are rajas?
Rajas are strips of roasted, peeled chilli, usually poblano, cooked with onion and cream. They are a classic filling and side in central Mexico.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, cut into large chunks and cook for 8 to 10 minutes only, or it turns dry.
What do I serve it with?
Warm corn tortillas, rice, or refried beans.
More made with lime crema (mexican soured cream sauce)
Corundas Michoacanas con Crema (Michoacan Triangle Tamales)
GFEFNFCaldo Tlalpeño (Smoky Chicken and Chickpea Soup)
GFEFNFCalabaza Asada con Mole y Crema de Lima (Roast Squash with Mole)
GFEFNFPapas con Birria (Birria Loaded Fries)
GFEFNFSee every dish made with lime crema (mexican soured cream sauce)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.