Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe (Creamy, Easy One-Pot Meal)

Craving a bowl of creamy chicken poblano soup that delivers smoky roasted peppers, tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, and a rich, comforting broth? This easy one-pot recipe comes together in just 45 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep, it serves 6-8 generously and freezes beautifully for busy weeks ahead.

Hearty yet light, with mild flavors that appeal to the whole family, this chicken poblano soup blends Mexican-inspired warmth without overwhelming spice. Use rotisserie chicken for speed, or roast poblanos ahead for extra smokiness. Let’s dive into the full recipe and tips for soup perfection.

What Makes Chicken Poblano Soup Special?

Chicken poblano soup features mild poblano peppers, which add gentle earthiness and a hint of smoke when roasted. Unlike spicier chiles, poblanos bring subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy broth, corn for sweetness, and cheese for indulgence. It’s a cozy twist on classic chicken soup, ideal for fall and winter dinners.​

This version skips fuss, focusing on big taste in minimal time. Customize with toppings like lime and avocado for freshness.

Ingredients

Gather these pantry staples for 6-8 servings. Measurements yield about 10 cups of soup.

• 3 large poblano peppers (about 1 lb)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup masa harina for thickening

Notes: Poblanos are mild; remove seeds for no heat. Sub coconut milk and dairy-free cheese for vegan. Fresh corn in summer amps up sweetness.​

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Cuisine: American
Course: Soup

Follow these numbered steps for foolproof results. Photos recommended between steps for visual guidance.

1. Roast the poblanos: Preheat broiler to high. Place whole poblanos on a baking sheet. Broil 4-5 minutes per side until charred. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic, and steam 10 minutes. Peel off skins, remove seeds/stems, and chop. (Blistering adds smoky depth.)​
2. Sauté the base: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in cumin and chili powder; cook 1 minute to bloom spices.​
3. Build the soup: Add chopped poblanos, chicken broth, shredded chicken, corn, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook 15 minutes to meld flavors.​
4. Finish creamy: Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes. If thicker texture desired, whisk masa harina with 1/4 cup water and stir in. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.​

Pro tip: Taste before adding salt, as broth and cheese vary.

Cooking Variations

Adapt for your schedule with these methods. All maintain creamy texture and flavor.

Method	Prep Time	Cook Time	Best For	Notes
Stovetop	15 min	30 min	Weeknights	One-pot classic​
Crockpot	10 min	6 hours low	Hands-off days	Add cream/cheese last 30 min
Instant Pot	10 min	8 min high pressure + 10 min natural release	Quick meals	Sauté first, then pressure
Oven-Roasted Poblanos	+10 min	Same	Extra smoky	Char under broiler ahead

Slow cooker: Dump everything except dairy; stir in at end to prevent curdling.​

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)

Approximate values based on 8 servings. Use a calculator for precision.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400
Fat	24g
Carbs	22g
Protein	28g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	5g

Low-carb friendly (net 17g), high-protein for satiety.

Serving Suggestions & Toppings

Elevate each bowl with these fresh toppers. Mix and match for personalization.

• Squeeze of fresh lime juice
• Chopped cilantro and green onions
• Crispy tortilla strips or crushed chips
• Diced avocado or sour cream dollop
• Extra shredded cheese

Pair with warm cornbread, a simple green salad, or quesadillas for a full meal. Great alongside other cozy soups in your rotation.

Storage & Freezing

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 5 days. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer bags (flat for space). Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge; gently reheat to avoid separation.​

Avoid boiling after freezing to keep cream smooth.

Common Questions

Is chicken poblano soup spicy?
No, poblanos are mild. Remove seeds and membranes for zero heat; add jalapeños if desired.​

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.​

Crockpot instructions?
Add all except cream/cheese to slow cooker. Cook low 6 hours. Stir in dairy last 30 minutes.​

Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, dice 1.5 lbs boneless thighs, sauté with veggies first (adds 10 minutes).​

How do I thicken it?
Stir in masa harina slurry or blend 2 cups soup and return to pot.

Kid-friendly?
Absolutely; mild flavors win over picky eaters. Hide extra veggies if needed.

Small batch version?
Halve everything for 3-4 servings; use 1-2 poblanos.​

Cost breakdown?
Under $12 total (~$1.50/serving) using rotisserie chicken and pantry staples.​

Tips for Perfect Chicken Poblano Soup

• Roast poblanos fresh for best smoke; char extra and freeze.
• Simmer covered to deepen flavors without evaporation.
• Use homemade broth for elevated taste.
• Blend partially for velvety texture without cream overload.
• Taste as you go; cumin/chili powder ratios customizable.

This creamy chicken poblano soup is pure comfort in every spoonful, blending smoky poblanos, tender chicken, and sweet corn in a luscious broth. Whether stovetop quick or crockpot easy, it’s your new family favorite. Pin for later, drop a 5-star rating if you love it, and share your tweaks in the comments!

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