Chicken Poblano Soup

Featured in: Dinner Grin

This comforting dish combines tender shredded chicken with smoky poblano peppers and hearty black beans. Sweet corn adds subtle sweetness, while a creamy broth enriched with cheese and lime juice offers depth. Aromatics like onion and a blend of spices bring warmth and balance. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for easy weeknight meals, garnished with fresh cilantro to brighten each bowl. Adjust thickness by mashing beans or adding cornstarch, and explore dairy-free options with plant-based alternatives.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:40:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, garnished with vibrant cilantro and ready to eat. Save
A steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, garnished with vibrant cilantro and ready to eat. | grinnosh.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 hearty soup on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite thanks to its rich flavors and creamy texture.

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.
Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup, with melting cheese and visible pieces of chicken, corn, and peppers. Save
Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup, with melting cheese and visible pieces of chicken, corn, and peppers. | grinnosh.com

This soup always brings our family together, creating warm memories around the dinner table on cold nights.

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.

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of a flavorful Chicken Poblano Soup, perfect for a cozy, delicious gluten-free dinner. Save
Close-up of a flavorful Chicken Poblano Soup, perfect for a cozy, delicious gluten-free dinner. | grinnosh.com

This soup makes any meal special and is simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve guests.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or half & half dairy-free options for a creamy texture without dairy.

How can I thicken the soup?

To thicken, mash some black beans in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry made with cornstarch and water during cooking until desired consistency is reached.

What variations work well with this dish?

Try adding sliced jalapeños for heat, avocado for creaminess, or tortilla strips for crunch to enhance texture and flavor.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this dish is gluten-free if the broth and cheese used are confirmed gluten-free. Always check product labels to ensure safety.

Can leftovers be stored safely?

Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days. For freezing, omit cheese and cream, then add them fresh when reheating for best texture.

Chicken Poblano Soup

A comforting blend of shredded chicken, smoky poblano, black beans, corn, and lime in a creamy base.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines 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

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and remaining seasoning. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Stage 03

Simmer Soup: Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to develop flavors.

Stage 04

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

Stage 05

Thicken Soup: Cook an additional 10–15 minutes until the mixture is creamy and slightly thickened.

Stage 06

Finish with Lime Juice: Stir in fresh lime juice, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Stage 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, cheese)
  • Contains legumes (black beans)
  • Gluten-free as written, but verify broth and cheese labels

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 360
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 25 g