Name: Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 small/medium poblano peppers, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 3 tablespoons flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 cup heavy cream; squeeze of fresh lime juice; Kosher salt, to taste; fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; thinly sliced green onion; fresh chopped cilantro

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 5 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe is calling your name. Combining tender shredded chicken, smoky poblano peppers, black beans, and a splash of cream, it strikes the perfect balance between rich and fresh. With just the right hint of spice and a pop of brightness from lime juice, this soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this soup will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several bowls and small pitchers arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there is a white bowl filled with shredded cooked chicken. To its left is a small bowl with yellow corn, and next to it, a pitcher with a light creamy liquid. Below, in the center, is a white bowl filled with bright green chopped peppers. To the left of that is a white bowl with finely diced white onions, with a half lime placed next to it. At the top left corner, there is a white bowl packed with dark brown beans. Below the onions is a small plate holding two kinds of ground spices, red and brown, placed side by side. Finally, there are two small bowls, one filled with minced garlic and the other with white flour, and a large white pitcher filled with a golden broth on the lower right. The setup is clean and neat, showing a variety of colors and textures ready for cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the smoky depth of cumin and poblano peppers to the creamy richness of heavy cream, every component adds flavor, texture, or color that elevates this soup beyond the ordinary.

Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing your veggies and unlocking their flavors.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, softening nicely as it cooks.
Poblano peppers: Deliver a mild smoky heat that defines this soup’s character.
Garlic cloves: Bring aromatic warmth that rounds out the spices.
Cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly nutty undertone that spices things up beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness and gives a subtle sweetness.
Chili powder: Offers just a touch of heat without overpowering.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup to a luscious, satisfying consistency.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Black beans: Add heartiness and a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the peppers.
Corn: Sweet bursts of flavor and a pop of color.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: Saves time and delivers tender, juicy meat throughout the soup.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich, silky finish that balances the spices.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick right before serving.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the delicious flavors.
Green onion and fresh cilantro: Perfect fresh garnishes for a burst of color and herbaceous notes.

How to Make Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Poblanos

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced yellow onions and poblano peppers alongside generous pinches of kosher salt and black pepper. Cook these until the onion softens and the peppers start to release their smoky aroma, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is what builds that deep, savory flavor foundation you’ll taste throughout the soup.

Step 2: Build the Spice Base

Next, stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and flour. Let the mixture cook for 2 minutes while stirring frequently. This stage roasts the flour slightly and activates the spices, which brings a wonderful warmth and richness that makes this soup future crowd favorite-worthy.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add the Main Ingredients

Pour a splash of chicken broth into the pot to deglaze it—scraping off all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—then add the black beans, corn, shredded chicken, the rest of the chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper again. This is the point where all the textures and flavors start to come together beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Cover your pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Allow the soup to cook gently, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. This slow simmer lets the ingredients meld, the beans soften further, and the flavors marry in the most comforting way.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Lime

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The cream softens the spices while the lime juice adds a lively, fresh note at the very end, giving the soup its signature balanced flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe

A round white pot with two gray handles holds three main layers arranged side by side inside: bright yellow corn kernels on the top left, dark brown whole beans on the top right, and shredded light beige cooked chicken filling the bottom half. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. The inside of the pot shows a slight stain near the top edges where the food meets the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe deserves fresh, vibrant garnishes. Thinly sliced green onions bring a subtle sharpness and crunch, while freshly chopped cilantro adds herbaceous brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the smoky, creamy base. Don’t be shy—pile them on for extra color and flavor!

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with simple but tasty sides. Consider warm, crusty bread for dipping, or a light salad with lime vinaigrette to complement the rich soup. For a more indulgent meal, serve alongside a slice of cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for scooping up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe feel extra special? Serve it in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or bread bowls for a fun twist. You can also offer an array of toppings—like sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream—so guests can customize their bowls to their tastes. It’s a great way to bring some interactive fun to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or warming up on a chilly evening.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, which makes it a fantastic option for meal prep. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember that adding cream before freezing can sometimes affect texture, so you might prefer to stir in the cream after reheating.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the soup without cream, add the heavy cream and fresh lime juice after warming it through to keep that fresh, silky finish intact. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs, then add them to the soup during the simmering step. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient shortcut that adds great flavor with minimal effort.

How spicy is this Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe?

The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to the poblano peppers and chili powder. If you prefer it spicier, you can add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra kick.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe uses flour as a thickener, which typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Certainly! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra beans or roasted vegetables to keep the texture hearty and satisfying.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, or even plain Greek yogurt stirred in after cooking for added creaminess with a tangy note.

Final Thoughts

From the first spoonful, the Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe wraps you in cozy, smoky, creamy goodness that’s hard to resist. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for guests but is effortless enough for your busiest nights. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this soup again and again — trust me, it’s a true kitchen winner you absolutely need in your recipe box.