Chicken Poblano Soup

Featured in: Supper Club Comforts

This creamy chicken and poblano dish combines shredded chicken, smoky poblano peppers, black beans, and sweet corn in a rich broth enhanced with cheese and lime juice. Sautéed aromatics and a blend of spices build deep flavors, while the addition of heavy cream adds a velvety finish. Fresh cilantro garnishes tie the elements together, offering a warm and flavorful meal ideal for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 09:35:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, rich with creamy broth, shredded chicken, and vibrant cilantro garnish. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, rich with creamy broth, shredded chicken, and vibrant cilantro garnish. | buddybiteskitchen.com

A creamy and comforting soup featuring shredded chicken, smoky poblano peppers, black beans, sweet corn, and a touch of lime—perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

This is a staple in my house especially during colder months, always pleasing the family with its rich flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp
  • Chopped yellow onion: ½ cup
  • Poblano pepper: 1, seeded and chopped
  • Garlic powder: ½ tsp
  • Onion powder: ½ tsp
  • Chili powder: ½ tsp
  • Dried oregano: ½ tsp
  • Kosher salt: ½ tsp
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Ground cumin: ¼ tsp
  • Shredded chicken: 2 cups (rotisserie or cooked breast/thighs)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained
  • Frozen corn: ½ cup
  • Chicken broth: 3 cups
  • Heavy cream: ½ cup
  • Shredded cheese: ½ cup (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack)
  • Fresh lime juice: 1–2 tsp (from 1 lime)
  • Fresh chopped cilantro: for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, poblano pepper, and half of the seasoning blend. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until vegetables are soft and lightly browned.
Step 2:
Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and the remaining seasoning blend. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted, then return to a gentle simmer.
Step 5:
Cook for another 10–15 minutes until the soup is creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 6:
Stir in lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
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My family loves gathering around the table for this soup, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying this hearty meal.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, cheese) and legumes (black beans). Gluten-free as written—always check broth and cheese labels to ensure gluten-free status.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 360, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 25 g

A close-up shot of a hearty Chicken Poblano Soup, showcasing the tender chicken and colorful vegetables. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shot of a hearty Chicken Poblano Soup, showcasing the tender chicken and colorful vegetables. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This soup balances smoky and creamy flavors perfectly, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious and filling meal any night of the week.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut milk or other non-dairy creamers instead of heavy cream and cheese to keep it creamy.

How can I thicken the soup?

Mashing some black beans or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) during cooking will thicken the soup nicely.

What can I use instead of shredded chicken?

Cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded manually or using leftover rotisserie chicken, both work well for this dish.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you verify that the chicken broth and cheese labels confirm gluten-free status.

Can I add extra toppings for more flavor?

Absolutely! Consider sliced jalapeños, avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips to enhance texture and flavor.

Chicken Poblano Soup

Comforting blend of shredded chicken, poblano peppers, black beans, corn, and lime in a creamy soup base.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Supper Club Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican-inspired

Recipe Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables and Aromatics

01 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
02 ½ cup chopped yellow onion
03 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped

Seasoning Blend

01 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
02 ½ teaspoon onion powder
03 ½ teaspoon chili powder
04 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
05 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
06 ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
07 ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Proteins and Soup Base

01 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked breast/thighs)
02 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
03 ½ cup frozen corn
04 3 cups chicken broth

Creamy Finish

01 ½ cup heavy cream
02 ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack)
03 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

Garnish

01 Fresh chopped cilantro

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, poblano pepper, and half of the seasoning blend. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables soften and lightly brown.

Step 02

Combine Main Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and remaining seasoning blend. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Simmer Soup: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 04

Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely, then maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 05

Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until soup thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 06

Adjust Flavor and Serve: Stir in lime juice; taste and modify seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, cheese)
  • Contains legumes (black beans)
  • Gluten-free as written, but verify broth and cheese labels for gluten content

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 360
  • Fat Content: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams