Chicken Poblano Soup

Featured in: Warm Soups & Stews

This creamy version features tender shredded chicken combined with smoky poblano peppers, black beans, and sweet corn in a rich broth. Aromatic spices like oregano, cumin, and chili powder enhance the flavor, while a splash of lime adds brightness. The soup is finished with melted cheese and heavy cream for velvety texture. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, topped with fresh cilantro for a fresh touch.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:55:00 GMT
Chicken Poblano Soup, a creamy bowl of comfort, showcasing shredded chicken and smoky poblano peppers. Save to Pinterest
Chicken Poblano Soup, a creamy bowl of comfort, showcasing shredded chicken and smoky poblano peppers. | velvetthyme.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.

I first served this soup on a chilly evening and it instantly became a family favorite, perfect for both quick dinners and meal prep.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp
  • Yellow onion: ½ cup chopped
  • 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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| velvetthyme.com

This soup always brings my family together, especially on cold nights when we want something warm and satisfying.

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.

Notes

Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. For freezing, omit cream and cheese—add them when reheating. Top with sliced jalapenos, 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.

A steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, garnished with cilantro, ready for a comforting meal. Save to Pinterest
A steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, garnished with cilantro, ready for a comforting meal. | velvetthyme.com

This Chicken Poblano Soup is a fantastic way to warm up any night and enjoy a taste of Mexican-inspired comfort.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter, heavy cream, and cheese with plant-based alternatives or coconut milk to keep it creamy without dairy.

What can I add for extra spice?

Adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper will introduce more heat while complementing the smoky poblano flavor.

How can I thicken the broth?

For a thicker consistency, mash some black beans in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry made with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as the chicken broth and cheese used are labeled gluten-free, this dish fits gluten-free needs.

Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days. Freeze without cream and cheese, adding them fresh when reheating for best texture.

Chicken Poblano Soup

Comforting creamy chicken with smoky poblano, black beans, corn, and lime in a smooth, flavorful broth.

Prep time
10 min
Time for cooking
30 min
Total process time
40 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Warm Soups & Stews

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Mexican-inspired

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details 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 chicken (rotisserie or cooked 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 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

Garnish

01 Fresh chopped cilantro

How to make it

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Simmer Flavors: Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 04

Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely, then bring back to a gentle simmer.

Step 05

Cook Until Creamy: Continue cooking for 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 06

Finish with Lime and Seasoning: Add fresh lime juice, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 07

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

Essential tools

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

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains dairy from butter, cream, and cheese.
  • Contains legumes from black beans.
  • Gluten-free, but verify broth and cheese labels to ensure compliance.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 360
  • Fat content: 22 g
  • Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein amount: 25 g