Chicken Poblano Soup

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish combines tender shredded chicken with smoky poblano peppers, black beans, and sweet corn for a hearty and creamy meal. Aromatics like onion and a balanced seasoning blend enhance the flavor, while a splash of heavy cream and shredded cheese create a smooth, rich finish. Lime juice brightens the taste, and fresh cilantro adds a touch of freshness. Simple preparation and quick simmering make this a perfect choice for cozy dinners.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:55:00 GMT
Chicken Poblano Soup, a creamy bowl with vibrant cilantro garnish, ready to warm you up. Pin
Chicken Poblano Soup, a creamy bowl with vibrant cilantro garnish, ready to warm you up. | grillandbites.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 soup quickly became a family favorite after we tried it on a chilly evening. The smoky poblanos add such a nice depth to the broth.

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.
A steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, featuring tender chicken and roasted peppers, looks delicious. Pin
A steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, featuring tender chicken and roasted peppers, looks delicious. | grillandbites.com

This soup always brings the family together especially on cool nights when everyone is craving something warm and hearty.

Notes

Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. For freezing omit cream and cheese add them when reheating. Top with sliced jalapeños avocado or tortilla strips for extra flavor and crunch.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter heavy cream cheese) Contains legumes (black beans) Gluten-free as written—always check broth and cheese labels to ensure gluten-free status For dairy-free use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives and coconut milk instead of cream.

Enjoy a rich spoonful of Chicken Poblano Soup, with bits of black beans and melted cheese in a cozy meal. Pin
Enjoy a rich spoonful of Chicken Poblano Soup, with bits of black beans and melted cheese in a cozy meal. | grillandbites.com

This delicious chicken poblano soup is sure to become a new staple in your recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of peppers are used?

Fresh poblano peppers provide a smoky, mild heat that complements the creamy base.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

How do I thicken the soup?

Mashing some black beans or adding a cornstarch slurry helps achieve a thicker consistency.

What garnishes work best?

Fresh chopped cilantro brightens flavors; jalapeños, avocado, or tortilla strips add texture and spice.

Is it suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as the broth and cheese are verified gluten-free.

Chicken Poblano Soup

Comforting blend of chicken, poblano peppers, black beans, and corn with creamy textures and fresh lime.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
30 min
Overall duration
40 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements No gluten

Components

Vegetables & 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 & Soup Base

01 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked breast/thighs)
02 1 can (15 oz) 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 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

Garnish

01 Fresh chopped cilantro

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, poblano pepper, and half the seasoning blend; sauté 5–6 minutes until vegetables soften and lightly brown.

Phase 02

Combine Main Ingredients: Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and remaining seasoning blend. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.

Phase 03

Simmer Flavor Development: Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Phase 04

Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until cheese melts completely; return to gentle simmer.

Phase 05

Thicken Soup: Cook an additional 10–15 minutes until soup develops creamy consistency and slightly thickens.

Phase 06

Finish with Lime and Seasoning: Stir in fresh lime juice, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Phase 07

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream, cheese)
  • Contains legumes (black beans)
  • Gluten-free as prepared; verify broth and cheese labels for gluten content

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 360
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 25 g