Chicken Poblano Soup Bowl

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This comforting dish combines shredded chicken with smoky poblano peppers, black beans, and sweet corn in a creamy broth. Aromatics and spices build deep flavor, while a splash of lime brightens the rich, cheesy base. Quick to prepare and perfect for easy weeknight dinners, it garnishes fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch. Variations include swapping dairy or adding heat with jalapeños and tortilla strips.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:08:00 GMT
Chicken Poblano Soup, a creamy, golden soup, garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to serve and enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Chicken Poblano Soup, a creamy, golden soup, garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to serve and enjoy. | messlitreats.com

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

I first made this soup for a family dinner and everyone loved the smoky flavor combined with the freshness of lime.

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 56 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 1015 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.
Save to Pinterest
| messlitreats.com

This soup became a staple in our home during colder months, bringing everyone together around the dinner table.

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&mdashalways 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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 360 per serving. Total Fat: 22 g. Carbohydrates: 18 g. Protein: 25 g.

This Chicken Poblano Soup showcases tender chicken, smoky peppers, and a rich, creamy broth, perfect for a cozy meal. Save to Pinterest
This Chicken Poblano Soup showcases tender chicken, smoky peppers, and a rich, creamy broth, perfect for a cozy meal. | messlitreats.com

This chicken poblano soup is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use different peppers instead of poblanos?

Yes, mild green chilies or Anaheim peppers make good substitutes to maintain a gentle smoky flavor, while jalapeños add more heat.

How do I thicken the broth for a creamier texture?

To thicken, mash some black beans or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during cooking for a richer consistency.

What are good dairy alternatives for the creamy finish?

Half & half, full-fat coconut milk, or plant-based creamers work well to keep it creamy without dairy.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

You can refrigerate leftovers up to four days, but omit cream and cheese if freezing; add them when reheating to maintain texture.

What toppings enhance the flavor and texture?

Try sliced jalapeños for heat, avocado for creaminess, or crunchy tortilla strips for texture contrast.

Can I adjust the seasoning to suit different tastes?

Definitely, adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning blend quantities to balance the smoky and spicy notes as preferred.

Chicken Poblano Soup Bowl

Savory blend of chicken, poblano peppers, black beans, and creamy cheese with a hint of lime.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cooking Duration
30 min
Overall Duration
40 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin Mexican-inspired

Portion Yield 4 People served

Diet Preferences Free from Gluten

List of Ingredients

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 cooked chicken (rotisserie or breast/thigh)
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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 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. Cook 5 to 6 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

Step 02

Combine main ingredients: Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, frozen corn, chicken broth, and remaining seasoning blend. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Simmer flavors: Allow soup to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 04

Incorporate creamy elements: Reduce heat, add heavy cream and shredded cheese, stirring until cheese fully melts. Return soup to a gentle simmer.

Step 05

Finish cooking: Simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until soup thickens slightly and becomes creamy.

Step 06

Add lime juice and season: Stir in fresh lime juice, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

Step 07

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

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, cheese)
  • Contains legumes (black beans)
  • Gluten-free as prepared; verify broth and cheese labels for gluten-free certification

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 360
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 25 g